Bedside Cosleeper
A bedside cosleeper is attached to your adult bed. It's safe, so long as you follow the CSPC safety guidelines for infant sleep spaces.
These guidelines are similar to the crib bedding standards. You can learn more about these guidelines here. When selecting a bedside sleeping device security, comfort and convenience are the most important factors to consider.
Safety
Many new parents and pregnant mothers have embraced cosleeping which is also known as bed-sharing, in accordance with the American Academy of Pediatrics recommendation that infants should sleep in the same room as their parents. The Academy states that room-sharing with a baby is less risky than sleeping in the same bed as parents because it lowers the chance of Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SIDS). The AAP does not advocate bed-sharing however, it does suggest that sleeping on separate sleeping surfaces is a good way to decrease the risk of SIDS. This is why the development of the bedside cosleeper became so important for many families.
A bedside cosleeper can be described as a crib-like sleeper that attaches to an adult bed frame. The bedside cosleeper lets parents keep an eye on the baby and gives them the freedom to sleep in their own bed. The most reliable cosleepers meet strict safety standards and are constructed using durable, high-quality materials. Check for the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) stamp of approval, which confirms strict product testing and quality control, to ensure your child's safe cosleeping experience.
The safety of a crib is dependent on several factors. This includes how it's set up and secured to the mattress of the parent. If the bedside cosleeper isn't connected to the parent's bed in a way that prevents the gaps and spaces in which the infant can get trapped, it could create a suffocation hazard. It is essential that the attachment system of a bedside sleeper be tested to verify it can withstand the forces that may be applied in use, such as a parent rolling onto and off of the sleeper or 25-pound. The attachment system or the corners on the bedside cosleeper must be exposed to a horizontal force.
The standard for bedside beds incorporates by reference the federal consumer safety standard for bassinets and cradles (16 CFR part 1218) that includes requirements for performance for enclosed openings made of fabric. The mandatory requirements in the standard also address head and neck dangers of entrapment by requiring that, following the application and release of a 50-lb. bedside crib vs cot stipulates that following the application and release of 50 pounds. must not be created. ASTM's electronic Reading Room offers read-only versions of the standard.
Convenience
While many parents have avoided cosleeping due to fear of suffocation SIDS or the "Ferberization" process that requires children to be in a room by themselves, anthropologists have long noted that the majority of mammals and primates, as well as people living in non-Western societies, frequently co-slept. This could be due to the fact that infants are calmed by the familiar voice of their mother and it may also help them practice self-soothing.
The top bedside sleepers have a smart design that attaches to the side of a bed and pivots to allow ease of access to feedings in the middle of the night or diaper changes. Find one with adjustable feet that retract to accommodate different mattress sizes, and a big storage space for all of your baby's needs.
Choose a bedside sleeper which is compatible with the standard crib bedding to be used safely as your child grows. You might also look into an adjustable model that can transform into a play area or deeper bassinet for years of use, and folds easily for travel.
Portability
A bedside sleeper with wheels or a base that is lightweight is more portable than one with a heavy wooden frame or base. The babybay bedside sleeper HALO bassiNest essencetia, and Snoo Smart Sleeper are all movable. They have adjustable feet that retract to accommodate platform mattresses; legs that fold up to provide maximum access to the mattress; 100 mesh sidewalls for airflow without covering baby's nose or mouth.
The Arm's Reach ClearVue is another top choice that adjusts in 1" increments to fit most adult beds. It can also function as an portable bassinet. It also swivels, allowing the baby to be easily accessible to comfort, nurse or check on her during the night.