Bedside Cosleeper A bedside cosleeper is a bassinet which connects to the side of your adult bed. It's safe, so long as you adhere to the CSPC safety guidelines for infant sleep spaces. These guidelines are similar in many ways to crib bedding standards. You can learn more about these guidelines here. When selecting a bedside sleeping device safety, comfort, and convenience are the main aspects to take into consideration. Safety Many new parents and expecting mothers have adopted cosleeping, also known as bed-sharing, in accordance with the American Academy of Pediatrics recommendation that infants should sleep in the same room as their parents. The Academy states that room-sharing with a baby is less risky than sleeping in the same bed as parents because it lowers the risk of Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SIDS). While the AAP does not recommend bed sharing but does recommend that co-sleeping be done on a separate sleep surface to minimize the risk of SIDS. This is the reason why the creation of the bedside cosleeper was so important to many families. A bedside cosleeper is attached to a bed frame that is suitable for adults. It is an equivalent of a crib-style sleeper. 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 best cosleepers have strict safety standards and are made with sturdy, high-quality materials. To ensure your child's safety, look for the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association stamp of approval. This is a sign of rigorous testing and quality control. The safety of a bedside sleeper depends on several factors, including the manner in which it is put up and secured to the parent's bed. It is important that the bedside cosleeper is connected to the mattress of the parent in a way that eliminates gaps and spaces where the infant may be trapped. This could pose the risk of suffocation. It is crucial that the attachment system of a bedside cosleeper be tested to verify it can withstand the forces that may be applied in use, such as the parent rolling on and off of the sleeper or a 25-lb. horizontal force applied to the attachment system or corners of the bedside cosleeper. The standard for bedside sleepers includes by reference to the federal consumer safety standard for bassinets and cradles (16 CFR part 1218) that includes performance requirements for enclosed openings with a fabric-side. The requirements that are mandatory in the standard also address neck and head dangers through insisting that following the application and release of a 50-lb. horizontal force at the attachment systems and corners of the bedside sleeping device, gaps larger than 1.0 in. It is not allowed to create a gap larger than 1.0 in. The standard is not available for reading. can be accessed at ASTM's electronic Reading Room. Convenience Many parents avoid cosleeping because they fear the risk of suffocation, or SIDS or because it's an Ferberization that forces children to sleep on their own. Anthropologists have noted for years that many primates, mammals, and people from non-Western cultures cosleep often. It could be because infants are soothed by the familiar voice of their mother, and it also helps them learn to self-soothe. The top bedside sleepers have 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 during the middle of the night. Choose a model that has adjustable feet that retract to accommodate different mattress sizes. It should also have a large storage area for all the baby's necessities. Choose a bedside sleeper which can fit in with the standard crib bedding to be used in a safe manner as your child grows. You might also look into a convertible model that can transform into a play yard or a more deep bassinet for a long time of use, and folds easily for transport. Portability A bedside cosleeper with wheels or a lightweight base is more portable than one that has 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 retract to accommodate platforms; legs that fold up so that they are in close proximity to the mattress; 100% mesh sidewalls to allow ventilation without fabric covering baby's mouth or nose. baby bedside crib -Vue is another top choice that adjusts in 1 increments to fit in most adult beds and can also be used as an portable bassinet. It also pivots to allow for quick access to the baby to help her relax, nurse her, or check on the baby during the night.
