Choosing Between a Baby Bedside Co Sleeper and a Bassinet
New parents face many choices when it comes to sleeping arrangements for their newborn. Some parents are considering co-sleeping (which the AAP recommends against due to suffocation risks), while others want the convenience of having their baby at arm's reach for middle-of-the-night diaper changes and feedings.
A crib for the baby can be attached to the side of a parent's bed to provide secure and easy access. The MFM home testers were impressed by the sleek and practical design of this product.
Safety
A bedside co-sleeper, also known as a sidecar bassinet is a safe baby sleep option that allows newborns to sleep next to their parents without being at risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. It's an element of rooming-in, a method employed in hospitals to help newborns establish a bond with their dad or mom while they're still learning how to self-sooth themselves to sleep. Parents must consider the pros and cons of co-sleepers in bed and regular bassinets when choosing a sleep solution.
The most important feature of a co-sleeper for a baby is safety. Models with rigid frames and breathable materials are best. They must also be free of loose parts or loose parts that could pose the risk of choking. A breathable mattress is essential, and consider models that can be machine-washed for simple cleaning. Also, make sure the mattress is level and firm, without any blankets or pillows, as this can reduce the chance of a suffocation accident that could happen accidentally.
Another factor to consider is whether the unit is easily reached from the parent's bed. This will allow for more convenient feeding at night, and better supervision of the baby while they sleep. Contrary to that, many regular bassinets are placed far enough away from the parent's bed that they might require a step to access the sleeping area.
Proximity to the parents is another factor that many are considering when deciding between a bedside co sleeper vs bassinet. Some parents prefer co-sleeping due to the close physical connection it provides, while others are concerned about the possibility of suffocation and rolling off that comes with bed sharing. Some of the top-rated bedside sleepers, like the babybay co sleeper and the Snoo smart sleeper, are designed to eliminate these concerns with the wood-slat design, which resembles the cribs where babies were born as well as a swaddle sack that prevents them from moving around in their sleep.
If you're considering co-sleeping but are hesitant about the risks, consider an option such as the Arm's Reach Clear-Vue Co-Sleeper. This bassinet-based co-sleeper provides a more secure environment for co-sleeping by attaching directly to your bed. It also has a small barrier that allows you can see your baby and reach him.
Comfort
It is essential that your baby sleeps comfortably, no matter what type of sleeper you select. This means making sure that the crib is firm and level, with no gaps between the mattress and the baby's sleeping surface. Some co-sleepers are using soft surfaces and fluffy padding, which could put your baby at risk of SIDS. To prevent this, we recommend using a mattress protector to prevent any sagging or gaps.
Breathability is another important feature to think about. Certain models we have tested for this review come with mesh sides that have air-tight mesh that lets your baby breathe while remaining secure. Other models like the Baby Delight or HALO BassiNest essencetia also provide great ventilation.
If your bedside sleeper offers tilting features it could be beneficial to babies with digestive issues or reflux. Some of the top sleepers we've found, such as the HALO Swivel BassiNest Sleeper 3.0 have a slight tilt that can help your baby, while reducing the chance of suffocation as well as falling.
While some parents may choose to use a standard bassinet, many parents prefer an infant bed. These models are attached directly to the parent's mattress and make it easy for parents to reach their baby for feedings or comforting in the middle of night. Bedside sleepers are also a possibility to use in the method of rooming-in, also known as co-sleeping. This helps reduce the chance of sudden infant death syndrome, and helps parents and their babies to be close.
Ultimately, it's up to the family to decide what's best for them. We hope that this guide will assist you in your search for the perfect baby bedside sleeper for your infant. No matter if you opt for a bedside co-sleeper or a standard bassinet, ensure that you follow the recommended safe sleeping guidelines as suggested by the AAP to avoid potential hazards. Good luck!
Design
The cribside baby co-sleeper (also known as a sidecar-co-sleeper or bassinet) is a safe alternative to traditional cribs that allow parents to sleep in a safe environment with their newborn. It is attached to the side of the bed that parents sleep in and creates a mattress extension where babies can be easily reached for feeding and comfort at night. This kind of room sharing decreases the risk of SIDS and other dangers for infants but is also a great way to keep baby in sight.
There are many different co-sleepers available on the market, so it's crucial to pick one that best suits your family's needs. Some are more expensive and have more features. Others are more budget friendly. Safety is always the top priority, no matter which product you select to purchase. Find reviews, certifications and safety concerns for every model you're considering.
The top options for co-sleepers that babies can sleep in are the Snoo Smart sleeper, Baby Delight's Beside me Dreamer and the BassiNest from HALO Essentia. These models have air-tight mesh and minimal stretching of solid fabric to ensure that the baby's sleep surface is comfortable. There are no gaps or compressions that could impede airflow. The babybay bedside sleeper is another excellent option, with a design that looks similar to a crib that is traditional and some height adjustability for a "just right" size.
wooden bedside cot feel more secure in smaller spaces, and the likeness of a womb in co-sleepers or bassinets can aid them in sleeping better and form a strong bond with their parents. Additionally, having a bedside sleeper gives the convenience that parents often require to breastfeed or bottle feed their babies at night without leaving their bed. The aforementioned models all have a sleek, stylish look that works well with any bedroom decor. These models are also simple to clean and set up which makes them the ideal option for parents who want to sleep with their baby.
Value
A bedside sleeper can allow you to keep your baby close during the night. It will help you form bonds that are stronger and improve the overall development of your child. It also makes it easier to get up for diaper changes and feedings, helping you get more sleep as well.
Find a co-sleeper that folds easily and serves a variety of purposes. Some options can be converted into a play area or a larger bassinet. Take into consideration the quality of the sleeping surface since a lot of models are constructed using polyurethane. Be sure to look for claims about eco-friendly such as low VOC, hypoallergenic and GreenGuard or Oeko-Tex certified.
Make sure to think about your long-term plans well, as you may need to transition your baby to a crib in the next few months. A bassinet or co-sleeper is a good option as it allows you to remain close to your baby and it will make it easier to transition from your bed to your nursery. This kind of arrangement is also known as rooming in and is believed to improve baby's sleep habits and sensory acuity.