Bedside Cosleeper
A bedside cosleeper attaches to your adult bed. It's safe as long as you adhere to the CSPC safety guidelines for infant sleep spaces.
cots4tots are similar to crib bedding standards. Learn more about the guidelines here. When selecting a bedside sleeping device security, comfort and ease of use are the primary aspects to take into consideration.
Safety
In keeping with the American Academy of Pediatrics' recommendation that infants sleep in the same bed with their parents cosleeping (a practice also referred to as bed-sharing) has gained popularity among many expecting and new parents. The Academy says that sharing a room with a baby is safer than sleeping in the same bed with parents because it lowers the chance of Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SIDS). The AAP does not advocate bed-sharing however it does recommend that co-sleeping on an individual sleeping surface is a good way to lower the risk of SIDS. The development of the bedside crib was essential for many families.
A bedside cosleeper attaches to a bed frame that is suitable for adults. It's an equivalent of a crib-style sleeper. The bedside cosleeper helps parents monitor the baby and allows them the freedom to sleep in their own bed. The best cosleepers are built with high-quality materials and adhere to strict safety standards. To ensure your child's safety 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. This includes how it's set up and secured onto the mattress of the parent. It is crucial that the bedside cosleeper be secured to the mattress of the parent in a manner that prevents gaps and spaces, in which an infant could become trapped. This could pose an entrapment risk. It is crucial that the attachment system of a bedside sleeper be examined to determine if it can withstand the force that might be imposed in the course of use, for example, parents rolling onto and off 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 cribs incorporates, by reference to the federal consumer product safety standards for bassinets (16 CFR part 1218) and specifications for the performance of closed openings. The standard's mandatory requirements also deal with the risk of head and neck entrapment by requiring that, after the application and release a 50-lb. horizontal force near the attachment system and the corners of the bedside sleeping device, an opening larger than 1.0 in. cannot be created. Read-only copies of the standard can be found at ASTM's online Reading Room.
Convenience
Many parents are reluctant to cosleep because they fear the risk of suffocation, or SIDS or because it's a "Ferberization", which forces children to be in a room by themselves. However, anthropologists have noticed for a long time that a lot of mammals, primates and people from other cultures sleep frequently. This may be because infants are soothed by the familiar voice of their mother, and it can also help them practice self-soothing.
The best bedside sleepers have an innovative design that is attached to the sides of any mattress and pivots so that you can easily access it for diaper changes or feedings in the middle of the night. Choose one with adjustable feet that retract to accommodate various mattress sizes, and a big storage space for all of the necessities for your baby.
Select a bedside sleeper that is compatible with the standard crib bedding to be used in a safe manner as your child grows. Consider a model that is convertible and can be used as a play yard, or a deeper bassinet. It can last for many years.
Portability
Based on the size of your bedroom a bedside sleeping system with wheels and/or a lightweight base could be more convenient to move around the house than one that has frames made of wood or a substantial base. The babybay Bedside Sleeper, HALO BassiNest Essentia and Snoo Smart Sleeper all have excellent portability features. Adjustable feet that retract to fit platforms and the legs fold inward to ensure maximum proximity to the mattress and a sides made of 100% mesh to allow for air circulation without material covering baby's nose or mouth.
The Arm's Reach ClearVue is an excellent option. It adjusts in 1" increments and can be used as a bassinet, or a portable bed. It also swivels to give you easy access to your baby so that you can help her relax, nurse her, or monitor the baby during the night.