Bedside Cosleeper
A bedside cosleeper is a bassinet that connects to the side of your adult bed. It's safe as long as you comply with the CSPC safety guidelines for infant sleep spaces.
These guidelines are similar to the crib bedding standards. Read more about the guidelines here. When selecting a bedside sleep device security, comfort and convenience are the main aspects to take into consideration.
Safety
Many new parents and pregnant mothers have adopted cosleeping which is also known as bed-sharing, in accordance with the American Academy of Pediatrics recommendation that infants be in the same room as their parents. The Academy states that room-sharing with a baby is less risky than sleeping in the same bed as parents because it lowers the chance of Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SIDS). While the AAP does not recommend bed sharing, it does recommend that cosleeping be done on a separate sleeping surface to minimize the risk of SIDS. This is why the introduction of the bedside cosleeper was important for many families.
A bedside cosleeper is attached to a bed frame for adults. It is a crib like sleeper. The bedside cosleeper enables parents to easily keep an eye on their baby and allows them the freedom of a bed while keeping their child close to them. The best cosleepers are built with top-quality materials and adhere to strict safety standards. To ensure the safety of your child ensure that you look for the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association stamp of approval. This confirms rigorous testing and quality control.
The safety of a bedside sleeper is contingent on a variety of factors, including how it is installed and secured to the parent's bed. If the bedside cosleeper is not attached to the parent's bed in a way that blocks the gaps and spaces where an infant could be trapped, it could create an hazard of suffocation. It is crucial that the attachment system for the bedside sleeper be examined to make sure that it can withstand forces that are imposed during use, such as the parent rolling on and off the sleeper. The attachment system, or the corners on the bedside cosleeper should be exposed to an upward force.
The standard that is voluntary for bedside beds incorporates by reference to the federal consumer safety standard for bassinets and cradles (16 CFR part 1218) that includes requirements for performance for enclosed openings made of fabric. The requirements that are mandatory in the standard also address head and neck dangers of entrapment by requiring that after the application and release of a 50-lb. The standard also states that after the release and application of 50 pounds. It is not permitted to create a gap larger than 1.0 in. ASTM's electronic Reading Room offers read-only versions of the standard.
Convenience
Many parents are reluctant to cosleep because they are afraid of suffocation or SIDS, or because it's an act of "Ferberization" which requires children to sleep alone. Anthropologists have noted for years that many mammals, primates, and people from non-Western cultures cosleep regularly. 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 clever design that can be attached to the sides of any bed and swivels for easy access for feedings during the night or diaper changes. Choose one with adjustable feet that retract to accommodate different mattress sizes, and a big storage compartment to store all of your baby's needs.
Choose a bedside sleeper that will fit the standard crib bedding, so that it's safe to use as your child grows. You may also want to consider a convertible model that can transform into a play yard or a deeper bassinet to last for years of use, and folds easily to travel.
Portability
A bedside cosleeper with wheels or a lightweight base is much easier to move than one that has a heavy wooden frame or a substantial base. bedside co sleeper and Snoo Smart Sleeper are all movable. They have adjustable feet that retract to fit platforms and legs that fold inward to allow maximum proximity to the mattress; and 100 mesh sidewalls that allow ventilation without covering the baby's mouth or nose.
The Arm's Reach Clear-Vue is another popular option that adjusts in 1" increments to fit in most adult beds and can also be used as an portable bassinet. It also rotates, allowing the baby to be easily accessible to comfort, nurse or check on her at night.