Choosing Between a Baby Bedside Co Sleeper and a Bassinet
When it comes down to newborn sleeping, new parents have a wide range of options. Some parents may consider co-sleeping which the AAP warns against due to the risk of suffocation. Others want to be in a position to reach their child for diaper changes or feedings during the night.
A baby bedside co-sleeper is a great alternative to a bassinet or crib that attaches to the side of the parent's bed to provide secure, easy access. The MFM home testers loved the sleek and practical design of this alternative.
Safety
A bedside co-sleeper, also known as a sidecar bassinet, can be an ideal baby sleep solution that lets newborns sleep right next to their parents without putting them at risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. It's a part and parcel of the rooming-in procedure that is utilized in hospitals to help babies develop a bond with their parents, even as they are still learning to soothe themselves. When choosing a solution for sleep parents should consider the pros and cons of bedside co-sleepers and regular bassinets.
Safety is the most crucial element in a co-sleeper the baby. Look for bedside cot 6 months plus with rigid frames with breathable materials, and no loose parts that could create an choking risk. A breathable mattress is essential and it is recommended to look for mattresses that can be machine-washed for easy cleaning. Also, ensure that the mattress is flat and firm with no extra pillows or blankets, since this will reduce the risk of an accidental suffocation hazard.
Another safety consideration is whether the unit can be easily accessible from the bed of the parent. This allows for nighttime feedings and easier monitoring of the baby's status while they sleep. In contrast, some regular bassinets are located far enough away from the bed of the parent that they may require a step-up to get into the sleeping space.
The proximity of parents to their children is another aspect that parents are considering when deciding between co-sleeping at the bedside vs. bassinet. Some parents choose to sleep with a co-sleeper due to the close physical connection it offers and other parents are concerned about the dangers of suffocation and rolling off that comes with bed sharing. Some of the highest-rated bedside sleepers like the babybay bedside co sleeper and the Snoo smart sleeper are designed to alleviate these concerns with the wood-slat design, which resembles the cribs where infants were born, as well as the swaddle sack, which prevents the infants from moving around during their sleep.
If you're considering co-sleeping but are hesitant about the risk, think about an option such as the Arm's Reach Clear-Vue Cosleeper. This bassinet-based co-sleeper provides an environment that is safer for co-sleeping by affixing directly to your bed. It also has an elongated barrier so that you can see your baby and reach him.
Comfort
It's important that your baby rests comfortably, no matter what type of sleeper you select. It is essential to ensure that the crib is level and sturdy and that there are no gaps between the mattress of your baby and the sleep surface. Some co-sleepers in bed use soft padding or soft surfaces that could put your infant at risk of SIDS. We recommend using a mattress protector to prevent any tension.
Breathability is another important feature to think about. The top models we reviewed for this review, like the Babybay Bedside Sleeper and Snoo Smart Sleeper, have ventilated mesh sides that provide excellent ventilation while protecting your baby's safety. Other models like the Baby Delight or HALO BassiNest essencetia also provide excellent ventilation.
If your bedside mattress has tilting features, this can be beneficial to babies with digestive issues or reflux. The best choices we could find like the HALO BassiNest Swivel Sleeper 3.0 have an incline that is slight, which can be beneficial to your baby while reducing the risk of suffocation and falling.
While some parents might prefer a traditional bassinet, a lot of parents prefer an infant bed. These models can be attached to the parents' bed and allow them to reach their newborn for middle-of-the-night feedings and for comforting. Bedside sleepers can also be employed as a part of a safe sleep-sharing practice called rooming-in, which reduces the risk of sudden infant deaths and promotes bonding between parents and their babies.
It's ultimately up to the individual family to determine what is best for their family. We hope that this guide was helpful when you are searching for the perfect bedside sleeper for your infant. If you decide to go with a bedside co sleeper or a standard bassinet, be sure to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines, as recommended by the AAP to avoid any dangers. Good luck!
Design
The baby's bedside co-sleeper (also known as a sidecar-co-sleeper or bassinet) is a secure alternative for traditional cribs that allows parents to co-sleep safely with their infant. It attaches to the sides of a bed for parents and creates an extension of their mattress, where babies can be easily reached for feeding and comforting at night. This type of room sharing reduces the risk of SIDS and other dangers for infants but can also make it easier to keep the baby within reach.
There are many different co sleepers on the market, so it's crucial to pick one that meets your family's needs. Some co-sleepers are more expensive and have more features. Others are more budget friendly. Safety is the main priority, regardless of the product you select to purchase. Make sure to research reviews and certifications and also safety concerns for the particular model you're thinking of buying.
The top picks for infant bedside co sleepers include the Snoo Smart Sleeper, Baby Delight Beside Me Dreamer and HALO BassiNest Essentia. The mesh is breathable and has minimal stretch of solid fabric in these models ensure that the bed is comfortable for babies without compression or gaps that might block airflow. The babybay bedside crib is another excellent alternative, featuring a design that looks similar to a crib that is traditional and a height adjustability to ensure the "just right" fitting.
Newborns feel more secure in small spaces. The likeness of a womb in co-sleepers and bassinets can help them sleep better and form a strong bond with their parents. Additionally, having a bedside sleeper provides the ease of access that many parents require to breast feed or bottle feed their babies at night without getting out of the bed. The aforementioned models all have a sleek and stylish design that is compatible with any decor in the bedroom. They're also simple to install and tidy and make them a good choice for any parents looking for a convenient method of sleeping with their baby.
Value
A bedside sleeper is a great way to keep your child close throughout the night. It can help you develop an even closer relationship with your child and enhance their overall development. It also makes it easier to get up for diaper changes and feedings and can help you get more sleep as well.
When choosing a bedside sleeper, look for one that folds effortlessly and can be used for multiple purposes. Some options can be transformed into play yard or a deeper bassinets, for instance. Be sure to consider the quality of the mattress since a lot of models are constructed using polyurethane. You should look for claims that promote eco-health like low VOC and hypoallergenic. GreenGuard or Oeko-Tex certified.
You might also want to consider your long-term plans because your baby is likely to be moved to an infant crib within the next few months. A co-sleeper, or bassinet is a good option as it allows you to remain close to your baby and it can ease the transition from your bed to your nursery. This type of arrangement is also called rooming-in and is believed to improve baby's sleep habits as well as sensory distinctions.