Bedside Cosleeper
A bedside sleeper is attached to your adult bed. It's safe, so 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 factors to take into consideration when selecting a bedside sleeper are: Safety, Comfort, and Convenience.
Safety
In accordance 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 gained popularity with many new and expecting parents. The Academy recommends that room-sharing with a baby is safer than sleeping in the same bed as parents, as it reduces the chance of Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SIDS). The AAP does not advocate bed-sharing however it does recommend that co-sleeping on separate sleeping surfaces is a great way to lower the risk of SIDS. The development of the bedside crib was crucial for a lot of families.
A bedside cosleeper attaches to a bed frame for adults. It's a crib like sleeper. The bedside cosleeper allows parents to keep an eye on the baby and allows them the freedom to sleep in their own bed. The most reliable cosleepers are made 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 proves that the product has been tested thoroughly and quality control.
The safety of a crib is dependent on several factors. It is dependent on how it's installed and secured to the mattress of the parent. It is crucial that the bedside cosleeper be connected to the mattress of the parent in a way that eliminates gaps and spaces, in which an infant could be trapped. This could result in an entrapment risk. It is crucial that the attachment system used for the bedside sleeper is tested to ensure that it is able to withstand any forces that are applied to it during use, like the parent moving on and off the sleeper. The attachment system or corners on the bedside cosleeper should be exposed to the horizontal force.
The voluntary standard for bedside beds incorporates by reference the federal consumer safety standard for products such as bassinets and cradles (16 CFR part 1218) that includes requirements for the performance of enclosed openings with a fabric-side. The mandatory requirements in the standard also address neck and head dangers of entrapment by requiring that, following the application and release of a 50-lb. horizontal force near the attachment systems and at the corners of the bedside sleeping device, gaps larger than 1.0 in. is not allowed to be created. Only read-only copies of the standard can be obtained from ASTM's online Reading Room.
Convenience
Many parents do not allow cosleeping because they fear suffocation or SIDS, or because it's a "Ferberization" that forces children to sleep alone. However, anthropologists have noted for years that a lot of mammals, primates and people from non-Western cultures sleep regularly. This could be due to the fact that infants are calmed by the familiar voice of their mother and it also helps them learn to self-soothe.
The top bedside sleepers have a clever design that attaches on the side of any mattress and can swivel so that you can easily reach it to change diapers or feeds during the middle of the night. Look for one with feet that are adjustable and retract to accommodate different mattress sizes, and a big storage compartment for all your baby's necessities.
Select a bedside sleeper that fits the standard crib bedding so that it can be used safely as your child grows. Think about large bedside crib that's 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 more portable than one with a heavy wooden frame or base. The babybay bedside sleeper HALO bassiNest essencetia, and Snoo Smart Sleeper are all portable. They come with adjustable feet that can be retracted to accommodate platform mattresses; legs that fold up to provide maximum access to the mattress; and 100% mesh sidewalls to allow ventilation without covering the 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 and can also function as a portable bassinet. It also swivels, allowing for quick access to baby so that you can soothe, nurse or check on her throughout the night.