Choosing Between a Baby Bedside Co Sleeper and a Bassinet
When it comes down to newborn sleeping, parents of newborns have a variety of choices. Some are contemplating co-sleeping (which the AAP advises against due to the risk of suffocation), while others want the convenience of having their infant within reach for diaper changes and feedings.
A crib for a baby bedside is a great alternative to a crib or a bassinet that attaches to the side of the parent's bed to provide safe, convenient access. The MFM home testers loved the fashionable and functional design of this alternative.
Safety
A bedside sleeper, also known as a sidecar bassinet, can be a safe option for sleep for babies that allows babies to sleep next to their parents without putting them at risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. It's a component of rooming-in, a method employed in hospitals to help newborns bond with their mom or dad as they learn to self-sooth themselves to sleep. Parents must take into consideration the pros and cons of bedside co-sleepers and regular bassinets before deciding on a sleep solution.
The most important thing to consider when choosing a baby bedside co sleeper is safety. Models with rigid frames and breathable materials are the best. They should also have no loose parts or loose parts that can pose a choking risk. A mattress that is breathable is crucial, and consider models that can be machine-washed for simple cleaning. Also, ensure that the mattress is flat and firm with no extra blankets or pillows, as this reduces the likelihood of a suffocation accident that could happen accidentally.
Another important safety factor is whether the unit is easily accessible from the bed of the parent. This allows for easier feeding at night, and better monitoring of the baby while they sleep. Some bassinets are so far away from the bed of the parents that they require a step to reach the sleeping area.
The proximity to parents is another factor that many take into consideration when choosing co-sleeping at the bedside vs. bassinet. Some parents prefer a co-sleeper due to the close physical connection it creates however, others are concerned about the dangers of suffocation and rolling off that comes with bed sharing. Some of the highest-rated bedside sleepers, such as the babybay bedside co-sleeper and the Snoo smart sleeper are designed to alleviate these worries with an slat-like design that resembles the cribs in which infants were born, as well as an swaddle bag that stops the infants from moving around during their sleep.
Think about the Arm's reach Clear-Vue Co-Sleeper if unsure about the risks of co-sleeping. This bassinet-style co sleeper creates a safer co-sleeping environment by connecting directly to the side of your bed with a narrow barrier that lets you see and reach your baby.
Comfort
It is essential that your baby sleeps comfortably, regardless of the type of sleeper you select. It's essential to make sure that the crib is flat and solid, with no gaps between the mattress of your baby and the sleep surface. Some bedside co sleepers use soft surfaces or fluffy padding which could put your baby at risk of SIDS. This is why we recommend using a mattress cover to stop any gaps or sagging.
Breathability is another important feature to think about. Some of the models we tested for this review have mesh sides with air-tight mesh, which lets your baby breathe while remaining secure. Other models, such as the Baby Delight and HALO BassiNest Essentia, offer great airflow.
If your bedside sleeper offers a tilt feature it could be beneficial to babies with digestive issues or reflux. The best choices we could find include the HALO BassiNest Swivel Sleeper 3.0 offers an incline that is slight, which can be beneficial to your baby while reducing the chance of suffocation or falling.
While some parents may opt for a regular bassinet, many parents prefer an infant bed. co sleeper bedside cot attach directly to the parent's mattress and make it easy for parents to reach their baby for feedings or to snuggle in the middle of the night. Bedside sleepers can also be used as the method of rooming-in, also known as co-sleeping. This decreases the chance of sudden infant death syndrome, and also encourages parents and infants to connect.
In the end, it's up to each family to decide what is right for them. We hope that this guide has been useful when you are searching for the perfect baby bedside sleeper for your infant. No matter if you opt for a bedside co-sleeper or a regular bassinet, be sure to adhere to the recommended safe sleep guidelines, as recommended by the AAP to avoid possible dangers. Good luck!
Design
A baby bedside co sleeper--also known as a sidecar co-sleeper or bassinet for bedside--is a safer alternative to traditional cribs and allows parents to co-sleep with their baby. 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 or resting at night. This type of room sharing reduces the chance of SIDS and other infant hazards, but also makes it easier to monitor baby.
There are a variety of co-sleepers on the market. It is important to choose one that meets your family's needs. Some have more features than others and some are more affordable. But safety is the top priority regardless of what you decide to purchase. Check out certifications and reviews, and also safety concerns for the model you're thinking of buying.
The best co-sleepers for babies are the Snoo Smart sleeper, Baby Delight's Beside Me Dreamer, and the HALO BassiNest Essentia. These models feature the breathable mesh and a minimal stretch of solid fabric to ensure that the baby's bed is comfortable. There aren't any gaps or compressions that could impede airflow. The babybay bedside option is another great choice. It is designed that resembles a crib and it can be adjusted in height to make sure it is the ideal size.
A bassinet or co-sleeper, can provide a secure space for infants. The womb-like feel of the bassinet will allow them sleep better and form an even stronger bond with their parents. A bedside sleeper can also allow parents to easily feed their infants or bottle-feed them at night without having to get out of their bed. The aforementioned models all have a sleek, stylish design that is compatible with any decor in the bedroom. They're also simple to set up and clean and make them a good choice for parents who require a simple method of sleeping with their baby.
Value
A bedside sleeper can be a wonderful way to keep your child close throughout the night. It can help you build bonds that are stronger and improve your child's overall development. It can also make it easier to wake up for diaper changes and feedings, helping you sleep more as well.
Choose a sleeper that folds easily and serves a variety of purposes. Certain models can be transformed into a play area or a deeper bassinet. You should also take into consideration the quality of the mattress since many models make use of polyurethane foam. You should look for claims that promote eco-health such as low VOC and hypoallergenic. GreenGuard or Oeko-Tex certified.

Take into consideration your long-term plans as well, as you might have to move your baby to a crib within the next few months. If this is the case, a co-sleeper bassinet may be the most suitable option, as it lets you stay close to your baby and makes it easier to transition from sleeping in your bed to the nursery. This type of arrangement is also known as rooming in and is believed to improve baby's sleep habits and sensory acuity.