Bedside Cosleeper
A bedside sleeper is attached to your adult bed. It's safe, so long as you comply with the CSPC safety guidelines for infant sleep spaces.
These guidelines are similar to crib bedding standards. Read more about the guidelines here. When selecting a bedside sleeping device safety, comfort, and convenience are the most important aspects to take into consideration.
Safety
In keeping with the American Academy of Pediatrics' recommendation that infants sleep in the same bed as their parents, cosleeping (a practice also referred to as bed-sharing) has become popular with many new and expecting parents. The Academy says that sharing rooms is more secure than sleeping with a baby in the same bed because it decreases the risk of Sudden Unexpected Death in Infants or SIDS. The AAP doesn't recommend bed sharing however, it does recommend that co-sleeping on an individual sleeping surface is a good way to reduce the risk of SIDS. The development of the bedside crib was crucial for a number of families.
A bedside cosleeper is a similar to a crib sleeper that is attached to an adult bed frame. The bedside cosleeper lets parents to easily monitor their little one and gives them the freedom of sleeping in a bed while keeping their baby close by. The most reliable cosleepers are made with top-quality materials and adhere to stringent safety standards. Be sure to look for the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) stamp of approval, which indicates rigorous product testing and quality control, to ensure your child's secure cosleeping experience.
The security of a cosleeper for the bed depends on several factors such as how it is installed and secured to the parent's bed. If the bedside sleeper is not connected to the parent's bed in a way that blocks the gaps and openings where an infant could be trapped, it could create a suffocation hazard. It is vital that the attachment system for the bedside sleeper is examined to make sure that it can withstand forces that may be applied during use, for example the parent moving on and off the sleeper. The attachment system or corners on the bedside cosleeper must be exposed to a horizontal force.
The standard for bedside beds incorporates by reference the federal consumer product safety standard for bassinets and cradles (16 CFR part 1218), which includes requirements for performance for fabric-sided enclosed openings. The standard's mandatory requirements tackle the issue of neck and head imprisonment by requiring that after the application, release 50 lbs. horizontal force near the attachment systems and corners of the bedside sleeper, gaps larger than 1.0 in. cannot be created. Only read-only copies of the standard can be found at ASTM's online Reading Room.
Convenience
Many parents are reluctant to cosleep because they are afraid of the risk of suffocation, or SIDS, or because it is a "Ferberization" which requires children to sleep alone. Anthropologists have noticed for a long time that many mammals, primates and people from non-Western cultures sleep often. This is due to the fact that babies are soothed when they hear their mother's voice. They may also learn to soothe themselves.
The top bedside sleepers have a smart design that attaches to the sides of any bed and swivels for easy access for feedings during the night or diaper changes. Find a model with adjustable feet that retract to accommodate different mattress sizes. It should also come with a large storage area for all the baby's necessities.
Choose a bedside crib that fits the standard crib bedding, so that it is safe to use as your child grows. Think about bedside crib or cot that's convertible and can be used as a play area or a more substantial bassinet. 4-in-1 bedside crib will last for many years.
Portability
A bedside sleeper with wheels or a light base is much easier to move than one with a heavy wooden frame or a substantial base. The babybay Bedside Sleeper, HALO BassiNest Essentia and Snoo Smart Sleeper are all equipped with amazing portability features. The adjustable feet that retract to fit platform beds; legs fold inward for maximum closeness to the mattress; and sides made of 100% mesh to allow for ventilation without any fabric covering baby's nose or mouth.
The Arm's Reach Clear-Vue is another excellent option that can be adjusted in 1" increments to fit in most adult beds. It can also serve as an portable bassinet. It also swivels to allow quick access to the baby to comfort her, nurse her, or check on them during the night.