Choosing Between a Baby Bedside Co Sleeper and a Bassinet

When it comes to newborn sleeping, new parents have many options. Some parents consider co-sleeping, which the AAP cautions against due to suffocation risk. 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 an alternative to a bassinet or crib that can be attached to the side of the parent's bed for safe, convenient access. MFM home testers have praised the functional, stylish look of this alternative.

Safety

The bedside crib with wheels co-sleeper, also known as a sidecar, is a secure option for baby sleep that allows newborns to rest with their parents without the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. It's an element of rooming-in, the practice used in hospitals that helps newborns establish a bond with their dad or mom as they learn to self-sooth to sleep. When choosing a solution for sleep parents must weigh the pros and cons of both bedside co sleepers and regular bassinets.

The most important feature of a baby bedside co sleeper is safety. Find models with strong frames that are breathable, with no loose parts that could pose a choking hazard. Consider models that can be washed to ensure easy cleaning. Make sure that the mattress is flat and firm without pillows or blankets. This will reduce the risk of suffocation.

The unit's proximity to the bed of the parents is another security factor. This will allow for feedings at night and better monitoring of the baby's status as they sleep. In contrast, some regular bassinets are situated far enough away from the parent's bed that they might require a step to reach the sleeping area.

The proximity to parents is a different factor to consider when deciding on a bedside co sleeper vs bassinet. Some parents prefer a co-sleeper due to the close physical connection it offers, while other parents are concerned about the risk of suffocation and roll-off associated with bed sharing. Some of the top-rated bedside sleepers, such as the babybay bedside co sleeper and the Snoo smart sleeper, are designed to eliminate these concerns with a wood-slat design that mimics the cribs in which babies were born as well as an swaddle bag that stops them from moving about in their sleep.

If you're looking to co-sleep but aren't sure about the risks, you might want to consider an option like the Arm's Reach Clear-Vue Co-Sleeper. This bassinet-style co sleeper creates a safe and secure environment for sleeping by connecting directly to the bed's side with a narrow barrier that allows you to view and reach your baby.

Comfort

Whatever sleeper you select it's crucial to ensure that your baby can sleep comfortably. It's essential to ensure that the crib is level and sturdy with no gaps between your baby's mattress and the sleeping surface. Some bedside co sleepers use soft or fluffy padding that could put your infant at risk of SIDS. We suggest using a mattress protector to avoid any sagging.

Another important feature to consider is the breathability. The models we have tested for this review include mesh sides that are air-tight mesh that allows your baby to breathe while remaining secure. Several other models such as the Baby Delight or HALO BassiNest essencetia also have great ventilation.

The final thing to consider is whether or not your bedside sleeper includes a tilt feature that can be beneficial for babies who have reflux or bedside co sleeper digestive issues. Some of the best sleepers we found, like the HALO Swivel BassiNest Sleeper 3.0 have a slight tilt that can be beneficial to your baby while minimizing the risk of suffocation or falling.

Some parents prefer a bassinet attached to the bed while others prefer a sleeper connected to the bed. These models attach to the bed of the parent which allows them to easily reach their newborn for middle-of-the-night feedings and for comforting. Bedside sleepers can also be utilized as part of a safe co-sleeping practice called rooming-in, which reduces the risk of sudden infant deaths and promotes bonding between parents and infants.

In the end, it's up to each family to decide which is best for them. We hope that this guide will help in your search for the perfect baby bedside co-sleeper for your infant. To avoid any potential dangers, whether you choose an infant bassinet or a bedside co-sleeper, be sure you follow the AAP's safe sleeping guidelines. Good luck!

Design

A baby bedside co sleeper--also called a sidecar co-sleeper, bassinet or bedside cot bed bassinet--is an alternative that is safe to cribs that are traditional and allows parents to co-sleep with their baby. It is affixed to the side of the parent's bed and creates an extension of the mattress where babies can be reached easily for feeding and comfort during the night. This type of room sharing reduces the risk of SIDS and other risks for infants but can also make it easier to keep the baby within reach.

There are a number of different co sleepers on the market, and it is important to select one that best suits the needs of your family. Some have more features than others and others are more affordable. Safety is the main priority, regardless of the product you decide to purchase. Research certifications, reviews and safety concerns for every model you are thinking about.

The top choices for baby bedside co sleepers include the Snoo Smart Sleeper, Baby Delight Beside Me Dreamer, and HALO BassiNest Essentia. The mesh is breathable and has minimal expanses of solid fabric on these models make sure that the mattress is comfortable for babies and does not have any compression or gaps which could block airflow. The babybay bedside crib is another great alternative, with an appearance similar to a crib that is traditional and a height adjustability to ensure the "just right" fitting.

Newborns are most comfortable in small spaces, and the baby's womb-like appearance of a bassinet or co-sleeper can help them sleep better and build a strong bond with their parents. In addition, a bedside sleeper provides the convenience that parents often require to breastfeed or bottle feed their babies at night without getting out of bed. All of the models mentioned above have a sleek and stylish design that will go with any bedroom decor. They're also easy to arrange and clean, making them an ideal choice for any parents looking for a convenient way to sleep with their baby.

Value

A bedside cot co sleeper sleeper is a great way to keep your child close throughout the night. It can help you build a stronger relationship with your child and increase their overall development. It helps you to get up and feed your child, and change diapers.

Look for a co-sleeper that folds easily and can serve multiple purposes. A few options can be transformed into an outdoor play area or a more substantial bassinet, bedside co sleeper for example. You should also take into consideration the quality of the sleep surface, as many models use polyurethane foam. You should look for claims that promote eco-health like low VOC, hypoallergenic and GreenGuard or Oeko-Tex certified.

You might also want to think about your long-term goals since your baby is likely to be moved to crib within a few months. If so, a co-sleeper or bassinet could be the best bedside cots option, as it allows you to stay close to your infant and helps ease the transition from sleep in your bed to the nursery. This type of sleeping arrangement is also called rooming-in and is believed to improve the baby's sleep habits as well as sensory distinctions.