Bedside Cosleeper
A bedside cosleeper attaches to your adult bed. If you stick to the CSPC guidelines for sleeping areas for infants, it's safe.
These guidelines are similar to crib bedding standards. You can learn more about these guidelines here. When choosing a bedside sleeping device security, comfort and convenience are the main aspects to take into consideration.
Safety
In line with the American Academy of Pediatrics' recommendation that infants sleep in the same bed as their parents cosleeping (a practice that is also known as bed-sharing) has gained popularity with many new and expecting parents. The Academy states that room-sharing is more secure than sleeping with a baby in the same bed as it lowers the chance of Sudden Unexpected Death in Infancy, or SIDS. The AAP does not advocate bed-sharing however it does suggest that co-sleeping on an individual sleeping surface is a good way to decrease the risk of SIDS. This is why the development of the bedside cosleeper was important to many families.
A bedside cosleeper is attached to a bed frame designed for adults. It is a crib like sleeper. The bedside cosleeper helps parents monitor the baby, and also gives the baby the ability to sleep in their own bed. The most reliable cosleepers meet strict safety standards and are made using durable, high-quality materials. Be sure to look for the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) stamp of approval, which demonstrates rigorous testing of the product and quality control, to ensure your child's safe cosleeping experience.
The safety of a bedside cosleeper depends on several factors, including how it is installed and secured to the parent's bed. If the bedside cosleeper is not connected to the bed of the parent in a way that blocks the gaps and spaces where an infant can become trapped, it could be the risk of suffocation. It is crucial that the attachment system used for the bedside sleeper is tested to ensure that it can withstand any forces that are applied during use, such as the parent rolling on and off the sleeper. horizontal force applied to the attachment system or to the corners of the bedside cosleeper.
The standard for bedside sleeping cribs is based on, the federal consumer product safety standards for bassinets (16 CFR part 1218) and the requirements for performance for closed fabric openings. bedside crib and cot deal with the risk of head and neck traps by requiring after the application and release 50 lbs. horizontal force in the vicinity of the attachment systems and corners of the bedside sleeping device, gaps larger than 1.0 in. cannot be created. Read-only copies of the standard can be obtained from ASTM's online Reading Room.
Convenience
While many parents have avoided cosleeping for fear of suffocation, SIDS or the "Ferberization" process that requires children to sleep on their own, anthropologists have long noted that the majority of mammals and primates and people who live in non-Western societies, have regularly co-slept. This is because babies are soothed when they hear their mother's voice. They can also learn to self-soothe.
The best bedside sleepers come with a smart design that attaches to the side of any bed and pivots to allow easy access for feedings during the night or diaper changes. Choose one with feet that are adjustable and retract to accommodate different mattress sizes and a huge storage space for all of your baby's necessities.
Select a bedside sleeper that can fit in with standard crib bedding to be used safely as your child grows. Think about a model that's convertible and can be used as a play area or a more substantial bassinet. It will last for many years.
Portability
A bedside sleeper with wheels or a base that is lightweight is much easier to move than one that has a heavy wooden frame or a substantial base. The babybay Bedside Sleeper, HALO BassiNest Essentia and Snoo Smart Sleeper all have great portability features: adjustable feet that retract to fit platforms; legs fold inward to ensure maximum proximity to the mattress and a 100% mesh sidewalls that allow for air circulation without fabric covering baby's nose or mouth.
The Arm's Reach ClearVue is an excellent option. It adjusts in 1" increments and can be used as a bassinet or a portable bed. It also swivels to allow for quick access to baby to comfort and nurse her or check on her during the night.