Bedside Cosleeper
A bedside cosleeper is a bassinet that attaches to the side of your adult bed. It's safe as long as you adhere to the CSPC safety guidelines for infant sleep spaces.
These guidelines are similar to crib bedding standards. You can learn more about these guidelines here. The most important aspects to consider when choosing the right bedside sleeper are Safety Comfort, Convenience, and Safety.
Safety
In keeping with the American Academy of Pediatrics' recommendation that infants sleep in the same room as their parents cosleeping (a method that is sometimes referred to as bed-sharing) has become popular with many new and expecting parents. The Academy recommends that room-sharing with a baby is less risky than sleeping in the same bed as a parent because it reduces the chance of Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SIDS). While the AAP does not recommend bed sharing, it does recommend that co-sleeping be done on a separate sleeping surface to limit the risk of SIDS. This is why the development of the bedside cosleeper was so crucial for many families.
A bedside cosleeper is attached to a bed frame that is suitable for adults. It is an equivalent of a crib-style sleeper. The bedside cosleeper enables parents to keep an eye on their little one, and it gives them the freedom of an adult bed while keeping their child close to them. The top cosleepers adhere to strict safety standards and are made with durable, high-quality components. To ensure your child's safety ensure that you look for the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association stamp of approval. This is a sign of rigorous testing and quality control.
co sleeper bedside cot of a bedside sleeper is contingent on a variety of factors that include the manner in which it is put up and attached to the parent's bed. If the bedside sleeper is not attached to the parent's bed in a manner that eliminates the gaps and openings where the infant can get trapped, it could be an hazard of suffocation. It is crucial that the attachment system for the bedside sleeper be tested to ensure that it can withstand any forces that are imposed during use, such as the parent rolling on and off the sleeper. The attachment system or corners of the bedside sleeper should be tested against a horizontal force.
The standard that is voluntary for bedside sleepers includes by reference the federal consumer safety standard for bassinets and cradles (16 CFR part 1218) that includes requirements for the performance of fabric-sided enclosed openings. The mandatory requirements of the standard also address neck and head entrapment hazards by requiring that after the application and release of a 50-lb. The standard also stipulates that after the release and application of a 50-lb. cannot be created. The standard is not available for reading. can be found at ASTM's online Reading Room.
Convenience
Many parents avoid cosleeping because they are afraid of the risk of suffocation, or SIDS, or because it's an "Ferberization" which requires children to sleep on their own. Anthropologists have observed for a long time that many mammals, primates and people from other cultures sleep often. This may be because infants are calmed by the familiar voice of their mother and it may also help to practice self-soothing.
The top bedside sleepers have clever design that can be attached to the side of any bed and pivots to allow easy access for middle-of-the-night feedings or diaper changes. Choose one with feet that can be adjusted to retract to accommodate various mattress heights and a large storage compartment to store all of your baby's necessities.
Choose a bedside crib that will fit standard crib bedding, so it is safe to use as your child grows. You might also think about a convertible model that can transform into a play yard or deeper bassinet for years of use. It folds easily for transport.
Portability
Based on the size of your bedroom a bedside cosleeper with wheels and/or a light base may be easier to move around the house than one that has a heavy wood frame or substantial base. The babybay bedside sleeper HALO bassiNest essencetia, and Snoo Smart Sleeper are all portable. They come with adjustable feet that retract to accommodate platforms and legs that fold inwards to provide maximum access to the mattress; 100 mesh sidewalls for ventilation without covering the baby's mouth or nose.
The Arm's Reach ClearVue is a top choice. It adjusts in 1" increments and can be used as a bassinet or a portable bed. It also swivels, allowing for quick access to baby to comfort, nurse or check on her during the night.