Bedside Cosleeper
A bedside cosleeper can be described as a bassinet that is attached 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 read more about these guidelines here. When selecting a bedside sleep device safety, comfort, and convenience are the main factors to consider.
Safety
Many new parents and pregnant mothers have chosen to cosleep or bed-sharing, in line with the American Academy of Pediatrics recommendation that infants be in the same room as their parents. The Academy says that sharing a room with a baby is safer than sleeping in the same bed with parents because it lowers the risk of Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SIDS). The AAP doesn't recommend bed sharing but it does suggest that co-sleeping on a separate sleeping surface is a great way to reduce the risk of SIDS. The creation of the bedside crib was important for many families.
A bedside sleeper is attached to a bed frame that is suitable for adults. It is a crib like sleeper. The bedside cosleeper allows parents to easily monitor their child, and it gives them the ability to move around in an adult bed while keeping their baby close by. The most reliable cosleepers meet strict safety standards and are built using durable, high-quality materials. To ensure the safety of your child, look for the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association stamp of approval. This confirms rigorous testing and quality control.
recommended site of a cosleeper is dependent on several factors. It is dependent on the way it's put in place and secured to the parent's mattress. If the bedside sleeper is not connected to the parent's bed in a way that prevents the gaps and openings where an infant can become trapped, it could create an hazard of suffocation. It is essential that the attachment system used for the bedside sleeper is tested in order to ensure that it is able to withstand any forces that are imposed during use, for example the parent bouncing on and off the sleeper. The attachment system or the corners of the bedside sleeper should be exposed to the horizontal force.
The standard for bedside sleeping cribs is based on to the federal consumer safety standards for bassinets (16 CFR part 1218), including the requirements for performance for closed fabric openings. The standard's mandatory requirements also address the danger of neck and head entrapment by requiring that, after the application, release the 50-lb. horizontal force near the attachment system and the corners of the bedside sleeper, an opening greater than 1.0 in. is not allowed to be created. ASTM's electronic Reading Room offers read-only versions of the standard.
Convenience
Many parents avoid cosleeping because they fear suffocation or SIDS or because it's an act of "Ferberization" which requires children to sleep alone. However, anthropologists have noticed for a long time that a lot of mammals, primates, and people from non-Western cultures sleep frequently. It could be because infants are soothed by the familiar voice of their mother, and it may also help them learn to self-soothe.
The best bedside sleepers have an innovative design that is attached to the sides of any mattress and pivots so that you can easily reach it for feedings or diaper changes in the middle of the night. Look for one with feet that are adjustable and retract to accommodate various mattress heights and a large storage compartment for all your baby's necessities.
Choose a bedside sleeper which fits the standard crib bedding so that it can be used safely as your child grows. You may also want to look into a convertible model that can transform into a play area or a more deep bassinet for a long time of use. It folds easily for transport.
Portability
A bedside cosleeper that has wheels or a lightweight base is more portable 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 amazing portability features. The adjustable feet retract to accommodate platforms; legs fold inward to ensure maximum proximity to the mattress and 100% mesh sidewalls that allow for air circulation without fabric covering the baby's nose or mouth.
The Arm's Reach ClearVue is an excellent choice. It adjusts in 1" increments and can be used as a bassinet or a portable bed. It also pivots to give you quick access to the baby to soothe her, feed her or check on them during the night.