Bedside Cosleeper

A bedside cosleeper is a bassinet which connects to the side of your adult bed. If you stick to the CSPC guidelines for infant sleeping spaces it's secure.

These guidelines are similar to crib bedding standards. You can learn more about these guidelines here. When selecting a bedside crib or cot sleeping device security, comfort and ease of use are the primary aspects to take into consideration.

Safety

Many new parents and expectant mothers have embraced cosleeping which is also known as bed-sharing, as per the American Academy of Pediatrics recommendation that infants sleep in the same bedroom as their parents. The Academy states that room-sharing with a baby is more secure than sleeping in the same bed with parents, as it reduces the chance of Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SIDS). While the AAP disapproves of bed sharing however, it does recommend that sleeping with a partner be done on a separate sleeping surface to minimize the risk of SIDS. This is the reason why the creation of the bedside cosleeper was so important for many families.

A bedside cosleeper is a similar to a crib sleeper that attaches to an adult bed frame. The bedside cosleeper enables parents to monitor their baby, and it gives parents the freedom of sleeping in a bed while keeping their baby close by. The most reliable cosleepers meet strict safety standards and are made with sturdy, high-quality materials. Be sure to look for the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) stamp of approval, which indicates rigorous testing of the product and quality controls, to ensure your child's safe cosleeping experience.

The safety of a bedside cosleeper is contingent on a variety of factors that include the way it is set up and attached to the parent's bed. If the bedside cosleeper is not attached to the parent's bed in a way that prevents the gaps and spaces in which the infant can get trapped, it could pose the risk of suffocation. It is essential that the attachment system of a bedside cosleeper be tested to ensure that it can withstand the forces that could be imposed during the use of it, like parents rolling onto and off of the sleeper or a 25-lb. horizontal force applied to the attachment system or the corners of the bedside cosleeper.

The voluntary standard for bedside sleepers 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 with a fabric-side. The standard's mandatory requirements also deal with the risk of neck and head imprisonment by requiring that after application, and release the 50-lb. horizontal force near the attachment systems and at the corners of the bedside sleeper, an opening that is greater than 1.0 in. is not allowed to be created. The standard is not available for reading. can be found at ASTM's electronic Reading Room.

Convenience

Many parents do not allow cosleeping because they fear the risk of suffocation, or SIDS or because it's an "Ferberization" which requires children to sleep on their own. However, anthropologists have noticed for a long time that a lot of mammals, primates and people from non-Western cultures cosleep frequently. This is due to the fact that babies are soothed by hearing their mother's voice. They may also learn to soothe themselves.

The best bedside sleepers feature clever designs that are attached to the sides of any mattress and pivots so that 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 space for all of your baby's necessities.

Choose a bedside crib that fits standard crib bedding, so it is safe to use as your child grows. Look for a model that is convertible and can be used as a play yard or a bassinet that is deeper. It can last for many years.

Portability

A bedside cosleeper that has wheels or a lightweight base is much easier to move than one that has a heavy wooden bedside cot frame or base. The babybay bedside crib to cot sleeper HALO bassiNest essencetia, and Snoo Smart Sleeper are all movable. They come with feet that can be adjusted that retract to accommodate platforms and legs that fold up to provide maximum access to the mattress; 100 mesh sidewalls that allow ventilation without fabric covering baby's nose or mouth.

The Arm's Reach ClearVue is a top option. It adjusts in 1" increments and can be used as a bassinet or a portable bed. It also pivots to give you easy access to your baby to comfort her, nurse her, or check on them at night.