Bedside Cosleeper
A bedside cosleeper is attached to your adult bed. As long as you adhere to the CSPC guidelines for sleeping spaces for infants, it's safe.
These guidelines are similar in many ways to crib bedding standards. You can learn more about these guidelines here. bedside cot for twins to consider when selecting a bedside sleeper are: Safety, Comfort, and Convenience.
Safety
In line 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 says that sharing rooms is more secure than sleeping with babies in the same bed as it decreases the risk of Sudden Unexpected Death in Infancy or SIDS. While the AAP does not recommend bed sharing however, it does recommend that co-sleeping be done on a separate sleeping surface to limit the risk of SIDS. This is why the introduction of the bedside cosleeper became so crucial for many families.
A bedside cosleeper can be described as a crib-like sleeper that can be attached to an adult bed frame. The bedside cosleeper lets parents monitor the baby and gives them the freedom to sleep in their own bed. The most reliable cosleepers meet strict safety standards and are made using durable, high-quality materials. To ensure your child's safety, look for the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association stamp of approval. This confirms rigorous testing and quality control.
The safety of a bedside cosleeper depends on several aspects, including the manner in which it is put up and attached to the parent's bed. It is crucial that the bedside cosleeper be secured to the mattress of the parent in a way that does not create gaps and spaces where an infant could become trapped. This could pose a suffocation risk. It is essential that the attachment system of a bedside cosleeper be examined to determine if it can withstand the forces that could be imposed during use, such as the parent rolling on and off of the sleeper or a 25-lb. horizontal force applied to the attachment system or the corners of the bedside cosleeper.
The standard for bedside sleepers incorporates by reference to the federal consumer safety standard for bassinets and cradles (16 CFR part 1218), which includes performance requirements for enclosed openings made of fabric. The requirements that are mandatory in the standard also address neck and head dangers through requiring that after the application and release of 50 lbs. The standard also states that after the release and application of 50-lb. It is not permitted to create a gap larger than 1.0 in. Only read-only copies of the standard can be found at ASTM's electronic Reading Room.
Convenience
Many parents are reluctant to cosleep because they fear being suffocated or SIDS, or because it's an "Ferberization" which requires children to sleep alone. However, anthropologists have noticed for a long time that many mammals, primates, and people from non-Western cultures cosleep often. This is because babies are soothed by hearing the voice of their mother, and can also learn to self-soothe.
The top bedside sleepers have a clever design that attaches to the sides of any mattress and swivels so you can access it easily for diaper changes or feedings during the middle of the night. Look for one with feet that are adjustable and retract to accommodate various mattress sizes and a huge storage compartment for all your baby's needs.
Choose a bedside sleeper which fits the standard crib bedding so that it can be used in a safe manner as your child grows. You might also look into an adjustable model that can transform into a play yard or a deeper bassinet to last for years of use. It folds easily to travel.
Portability
Based on the size of your bedroom a bedside sleeper with wheels and/or a light base may be more convenient to move around your home than one that has an imposing wood frame or substantial base. The babybay bedside sleeper, HALO bassiNest essencetia and Snoo Smart Sleeper are all movable. They have adjustable feet that can be retracted to accommodate platform mattresses; legs that fold inwards to allow maximum proximity to the mattress; 100% mesh sidewalls to allow ventilation without covering the baby's nose or mouth.
The Arm's Reach ClearVue is a great option. It adjusts in 1" increments and can be used as a bassinet or portable bed. It also swivels, allowing easy access to your baby so that you can soothe and nurse her or check on her at night.