Choosing Between a Baby Bedside Co Sleeper and a Bassinet
When it comes to newborn sleeping, parents have a variety of choices. Some parents may consider co-sleeping which the AAP cautions against due to suffocation risk. Others would like to be able to reach their baby for diaper changes or feedings in the middle of the night.
A baby bedside co sleeper is an alternative to a crib or a bassinet that attaches to the side of the parent's bed to provide safe, convenient access. MFM home testers were awed by the practical, stylish design of this alternative.
Safety
A bedside co sleeper or a sidecar bassinet, is a safe baby sleep option that allows babies to sleep right next to their parents without putting them at risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. It's part of the rooming-in procedure, which is used in hospitals to aid newborns establish a connection with their parents, even as they are still learning how to soothe themselves. Parents should weigh the pros and con of bedside co-sleepers as well as regular bassinets when choosing the best sleep solution.
Safety is the most important element in a co-sleeper a baby. Models that have rigid frames and materials that breathe are ideal. They must also be free of loose or loose parts that could pose the risk of choking. Think about models that are machine washable to make cleaning easy. Also, make sure the mattress is flat and firm, without any blankets or pillows, since this will reduce the risk of an accidental suffocation hazard.
Another safety consideration is whether the unit can be easily reached from the parent's bed. This allows for easier nighttime feedings, and a better supervision of the baby as they sleep. Some bassinets are so far away from the bed of the parents that they require a step in order to get to the area where they sleep.
Many parents also consider the proximity of the bassinet to their bed when deciding between a co-sleeper and bassinet. Some parents like the close physical bond co-sleeping provides however, others are concerned about the potential for death or roll-off risk that can be associated with sharing a bed. Some of the top-rated bedside sleepers, like the babybay co sleeper and the Snoo smart sleeper are designed to remove these concerns with a wood-slat design that mimics the cribs in which infants were born, as well as a swaddle sack that prevents the infants from moving around during their sleep.
If you want to co-sleep but are unsure about the risks, consider an option like the Arm's reach Clear-Vue Co-Sleeper. This bassinet-style sleeper provides an environment that is safer for co-sleeping by attaching directly to the side of your bed and a barrier that allows you to be able to see and reach your baby.
Comfort
Whatever sleeper you choose it's crucial to ensure that your baby is able to sleep comfortably. This means making sure that the crib is firm and flat, with no gaps between the mattress and your baby's bed. Some co-sleepers in bed use soft surfaces or fluffy padding that can put your baby at risk of SIDS. We recommend using mattress protectors to prevent any tension.
The ability to breathe is a further factor to think about. Certain models we have tested for this review include mesh sides that are air-tight mesh that allows your baby to breathe while remaining safe. Several other models, such as the Baby Delight and HALO BassiNest Essentia, also offer excellent breathability.
If your bedside sleeper has tilt options, this can be beneficial for babies suffering from digestive issues or reflux. Some of the top sleepers we've seen, like the HALO Swivel BassiNest Sleeper 3.0 has a slight tilt that could be beneficial to your baby while minimizing the chance of suffocation and falling.
While bedside cot bed may opt for a regular bassinet, many prefer an infant bed. These models are attached to the parent's bed, allowing them to easily reach their infant for mid-night feedings and for comforting. Bedside sleepers can also be utilized as part of a safe sleep-sharing practice known as rooming-in. It reduces the risk of sudden infant death syndrome and encourages bonding between parents and infants.
In the end, it's down to each family to determine what's best for them. However, we hope this guide was helpful in your search for the ideal baby bedside co-sleeper for your baby. To avoid any possible risks, whether you opt for a bassinet or a bedside co-sleeper make sure to follow AAP's recommended safe sleeping guidelines. Good luck!
Design
The baby's bedside co-sleeper (also known as sidecar co-sleeper or bassinet) is a safe alternative for traditional cribs that allow parents to sleep in a safe environment with their newborn. It attaches to the side of a bed for parents and is basically an extension of their mattress so that babies can be easily reached for feeding and comforting at night. This type of room-sharing reduces the risk for SIDS and other dangers for infants and makes it easier to keep an eye on baby.
There are many different co sleepers available on the market, therefore it's important to choose one that meets your family's requirements. Some co-sleepers are more expensive and come with more features. Others are more budget-friendly. However, safety should be the top priority regardless of what you decide to purchase. Check out bedside crib , certifications, and safety concerns for each model you are thinking about.
The top picks for infant co-sleepers at bedtime include the Snoo Smart Sleeper, Baby Delight Beside Me Dreamer, and HALO BassiNest Essentia. The breathable mesh and the small stretch of solid fabric in these models ensure that the bed is comfortable for the baby, with no gaps or compression that might block airflow. The babybay bedside option is another great choice. It is designed similar to a crib, and it is adjustable in height to ensure the ideal size.
Newborns are most comfortable in smaller spaces, and the womb-like nature of co-sleepers or bassinets can help them sleep better and build a strong bond with their parents. In addition, a bedside sleeper gives the ease of access that many parents require to breastfeed or bottle feed their babies at night without getting out of bed. All of the models mentioned above come with a sleek and elegant design that can be incorporated into any style of bedroom. These models are also simple to clean and set up, making them a great option for parents who want to sleep with their baby.
Value
A bedside sleeper is a great way to keep your child close throughout the night. It can help you build an even closer connection with your child and improve their overall development. It makes it easier to get up and feed your child, and also change diapers.
Look for a co-sleeper that folds easily and has many functions. Some options can be converted into a play area or a deeper bassinet. Be sure to consider the quality of the sleeping surface since a lot of models are constructed with polyurethane. You should look for claims that promote eco-health, such as low VOC and hypoallergenic, or GreenGuard or Oeko-Tex certification.
You may also need to think about your long-term goals since your baby will likely need to move to an infant crib within the next few months. If this is the case, a co-sleeper bassinet could be the best choice, since it allows you to remain near your infant and eases the transition from sleep in your bed to the nursery. This type of arrangement is also called rooming-in and is believed to improve the baby's sleep habits and sensory distinctions.