Bedside Cosleeper
A bedside cosleeper is a bassinet which connects to the side of your adult bed. It's safe, as long as you adhere to the CSPC safety guidelines for sleeping spaces for infants.
These guidelines are very similar to crib bedding standards. You can learn more about these guidelines here. When selecting a bedside sleep device safety, comfort, and convenience are the most important factors to consider.
Safety
In keeping with the American Academy of Pediatrics' recommendation that infants are in the same room with their parents, cosleeping (a practice also referred to as bed-sharing) is becoming popular among many expecting and new parents. The Academy says that sharing rooms is more secure than sleeping with babies in the same bed as it decreases the risk of Sudden Unexpected Death in Infants, or SIDS. The AAP does not recommend bed-sharing however, it does recommend that co-sleeping on separate sleeping surfaces is a great way to reduce the risk of SIDS. This is the reason why the creation of the bedside cosleeper became so important to many families.
A bedside cosleeper is a crib-like sleeper that attaches to an adult bed frame. The bedside cosleeper lets parents keep an eye on their baby and allows them the option of sleeping in their own bed. The best cosleepers have strict safety standards and are constructed with durable, high-quality components. To ensure your child's safety be sure to look for the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association stamp of approval. This is a sign of rigorous testing and quality control.
The safety of a cosleeper is dependent on several factors. It is dependent on how it's set up and secured onto the mattress of the parent. If the bedside cosleeper isn't connected to the bed of the parent in a way that blocks the gaps and spaces in which an infant can become trapped, it could pose the risk of suffocation. It is important that the attachment system of a bedside cosleeper be examined to determine if it can withstand the force that may be applied in use, such as a parent rolling onto and off the sleeper, or a 25-lb. The attachment system or corners on the bedside cosleeper must be subjected 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 the performance of enclosed openings made of fabric. The mandatory requirements of the standard also address neck and head entrapment hazards by requiring that after the application and release of 50 lbs. The standard also requires that after the release and application of 50 pounds. must not be created. funny post offers read-only versions of the standard.
Convenience
Many parents do not allow cosleeping because they are afraid of the risk of suffocation, or SIDS or because it's an act of "Ferberization", which forces children to be in a room by themselves. However, anthropologists have noted for years that a lot of mammals, primates and people from other cultures sleep often. This is because babies are soothed when they hear their mother's voice, and they also learn to self-soothe.
The top bedside sleepers have an innovative design that is attached on the side of any mattress and swivels so you can easily access it for feedings or diaper changes in the middle of the night. Look for one with feet that are adjustable and retract to accommodate different mattress sizes, and a big storage compartment for all the necessities for your baby.
Choose a bedside sleeper that is compatible with the standard crib bedding, so that it will be safe to use as your child grows. Consider a model that is convertible and can be used as a play yard or a more substantial bassinet. It can last for many years.
Portability
Based on the dimensions of your bedroom, a bedside sleeping system with wheels and/or a lightweight base could be more convenient to move around your home than one that has a heavy wood frame or massive base. The babybay Bedside sleeper, HALO BassiNest Essentia and Snoo Smart Sleeper all have great portability features: adjustable feet retract to accommodate platform beds and the legs fold inward for maximum closeness to the mattress and a sides made of 100% mesh to let airflow without fabric covering the baby's nose or mouth.
The Arm's Reach ClearVue is a great option. It adjusts in 1" increments and can be used as a bassinet, or a portable bed. It also swivels, allowing the baby to be easily accessible so you can comfort and nurse her or check on her at night.