Bedside Cosleeper
A bedside cosleeper is attached to your adult bed. As long as you adhere to the CSPC guidelines for infant sleeping spaces, it's safe.
These guidelines are very similar to crib bedding standards. You can learn more about these guidelines here. The most important features to take into consideration when selecting the right bedside sleeper are Safety as well as comfort and convenience.
Safety
In accordance with the American Academy of Pediatrics' recommendation that infants sleep in the same room as their parents cosleeping (a practice also referred to as bed-sharing) has become popular with many new and expecting parents. The Academy recommends that room-sharing with a baby is safer 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 cosleeping be done on a separate sleep surface to minimize the risk of SIDS. The creation of the bedside crib was crucial for a lot of families.
A bedside cosleeper is a similar to a crib sleeper that can be attached to an adult bed frame. The bedside cosleeper allows parents to keep an eye on the baby and allows the baby the ability to sleep in their own bed. The most reliable cosleepers meet strict safety standards and are made with durable, high-quality components. To ensure the safety of your child, look for the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association stamp of approval. This proves that the product has been tested thoroughly and quality control.
The security of a cosleeper for the bed is contingent on a variety of factors such as the way it is set up and connected to the parent's bed. It is essential that the bedside cosleeper be connected to the mattress of the parent in a way that eliminates gaps and spaces where an infant could become trapped. This could result in an entrapment risk. It is essential that the attachment system of a bedside crib be tested to ensure that it is able to withstand the forces that might be imposed in the course of use, for example, the parent rolling on and off the sleeper, or 25-pound. horizontal force applied to the attachment system or to the corners of the bedside cosleeper.
The standard for bedside beds incorporates by reference to the federal consumer safety standard for products such as bassinets and cradles (16 CFR part 1218), which includes performance requirements for enclosed openings with a fabric-side. The mandatory requirements in the standard also address neck and head dangers through requiring that, following the application and release of 50 lbs. horizontal force at the attachment systems and at the corners of the bedside sleeping device, gaps larger than 1.0 in. It is not allowed to create a gap that is greater than 1.0 in. Read-only copies of the standard can be found at ASTM's electronic Reading Room.
Convenience
Many parents avoid cosleeping because they fear suffocation or SIDS, or because it's an act of "Ferberization", which forces children to sleep alone. However, anthropologists have noted for years that a lot of mammals, primates and people from other cultures sleep often. This is due to the fact that babies are soothed by hearing their mother's voice, and may also learn to soothe themselves.
The top bedside sleepers have clever designs that are attached on the side of any mattress and swivels so you can easily access it for diaper changes or feedings in the middle of the night. Find one with feet that are adjustable and retract to accommodate various mattress heights and a large storage compartment to store all of the necessities for your baby.
Select a bedside sleeper that fits standard crib bedding, so it is safe to use as your child grows. Consider 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
Depending on the dimensions of your bedroom, a bedside cosleeper with wheels and/or a lightweight base may be more convenient to move around your home than one with an imposing wood frame or substantial base. The babybay bedside sleeping system, HALO bassiNest essencetia, and Snoo Smart Sleeper are all movable. They come with feet that can be adjusted that can be retracted to accommodate platforms; legs that fold inward to provide maximum access to the mattress; 100% mesh sidewalls to allow ventilation without fabric covering baby's nose or mouth.
The Arm's Reach Clear-Vue is a top choice that adjusts in 1" increments to fit in most adult beds. It can also function as an portable bassinet. her response swivels to give you easy access to your baby so that you can comfort her, nurse her or check on the baby during the night.