Choosing Between a Baby Bedside Co Sleeper and a Bassinet

New parents face many options when it comes down to baby sleep. Some parents consider co-sleeping, which the AAP cautions against due to the risk of suffocation. Others would like to be capable of reaching their baby to change diapers or feeds during the night.

A baby bedside co sleeper is a great alternative to a crib or bassinet that attaches to the side of the parent's bed for safe and convenient access. MFM home testers have praised the practical, stylish design of this choice.

Safety

The bedside co-sleeper is also called a sidecar, is a secure option for sleep-deprived babies that allows newborns to sleep with their parents without the 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 parents or mom while they're still learning how to self-soothe to sleep. When choosing a sleeping solution, parents need to weigh the pros and cons of both bedside co sleepers and regular bassinets.

The most important aspect of a baby bedside co sleeper is safety. Models that have rigid frames and breathable materials are the best. They must also be free of loose parts or parts that could create the risk of choking. A breathable mattress is essential and it is recommended to look for mattresses that can be machine washed for effortless cleaning. Make sure that the sleeping surface is flat and firm, with no pillows or blankets. This will lower the risk of suffocation.

Another important safety factor is whether the unit is easily reached from the bed of the parent. This allows for nighttime feedings and better monitoring of the baby's health during their sleep. Some bassinets can be located far enough away from the bed of the parents that they require a step in order to get to the area where they sleep.

The proximity of parents to their children is a different factor to consider when deciding on a bedside co sleeper vs bassinet. Some parents choose to sleep with a co-sleeper due to the close physical connection it offers, while others are concerned about the risk of suffocation or roll-off that comes with bed sharing. Some of the most highly-rated bedside rocking crib sleepers, such as the babybay bedside co sleeper and the Snoo smart sleeper, are designed to eliminate these worries with an slat-like design that resembles the cribs in which infants were born and the swaddle sack, which prevents them from moving around in their sleep.

If you want to co-sleep but are unsure about the risk, think about an option like the Arm's Reach Clear-Vue Cosleeper. This bassinet-style co sleeper creates a safer co-sleeping environment by attaching directly to the bed's side and a barrier that lets you view and reach your baby.

Comfort

It's crucial that your baby rests comfortably, regardless of the kind of sleeper you pick. That means ensuring that the crib is sturdy and flat, with no gaps between the mattress and your baby's sleeping surface. Some bedside co sleepers use soft padding or soft surfaces that could put your infant at risk of SIDS. For this reason, we suggest using a mattress cover to help prevent any gaps or sagging.

Another important feature to consider is the breathability. The top models we've reviewed for this review, including the babybay bedside rocking crib Sleeper and Snoo Smart Sleeper, have mesh sides that breathe and provide excellent ventilation, while keeping your newborn secure. Other models like the Baby Delight or HALO BassiNest essencetia also provide great ventilation.

A final consideration is whether or not your sleeper offers a tilt option which is beneficial for babies with reflux or digestive issues. Some of the top options we've found like the HALO BassiNest Swivel Sleeper 3.0 have a slight tilt, which can be beneficial to your little one while minimizing the risk of suffocation and falling.

While some parents might opt for a regular bassinet, many parents prefer the bedside sleeper. These models attach to the parent's bed, allowing them to easily reach their infant for mid-night feedings and for comforting. Bedside sleepers are also a possibility to use in the method of rooming-in, also known as co-sleeping. This decreases the chance of sudden infant death syndrome, and encourages parents and babies to connect.

In the end, it's down to each family to decide what's best for them. We hope this guide will be helpful in your search for the perfect baby bedside co-sleeper to sleep your infant. No matter if you opt for a bedside co sleeper or a regular bassinet, ensure you adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines that are recommended by the AAP to avoid potential hazards. Good luck!

Design

The baby's bedside co-sleeper (also known as sidecar co-sleeper or bassinet) is a secure alternative for traditional cribs that allows parents to sleep in a safe environment with their infant. It attaches on the sides of the parent's bed and creates a mattress extension where babies can be easily reached for comforting and feeding during the night. This type of room-sharing reduces the chance of SIDS and other infant hazards and makes it much easier to keep an eye on the baby.

There are a variety of different co sleepers available on the market, therefore it's crucial to pick one that meets the needs of your family. Some offer more features than others, and others are more affordable. Safety is always the top priority, regardless of the product you decide to purchase. Check out certifications and reviews, and also safety concerns for the particular model you're looking at.

The top choices for baby bedside co sleepers include the Snoo Smart Sleeper, Baby Delight Beside Me Dreamer, and HALO BassiNest Essentia. The breathable mesh and minimal stretches of solid fabric in these models ensure that the sleeping surface is comfortable for the baby without compression or gaps that could prevent airflow. The babybay foldable bedside crib sleeper is another fantastic alternative, with a design that looks similar to a crib of the past and has a height adjustment for a "just right" fit.

Newborns feel most secure in smaller spaces, and the womb-like nature of co-sleepers or bassinets can aid them in sleeping better and create a stronger bond with their parents. Additionally, having a bedside sleeper gives the ease of access that parents often require to breast feed or bottle feed their babies at night without leaving their the bed. The models listed above all have a sleek, stylish appearance that blends well with any bedroom decor. These models are also easy to clean and set up, making them the ideal choice for parents who want to snuggle with their infant.

Value

A bedside sleeper can be a wonderful way to keep your child close throughout the night. It can help you build a stronger relationship with your child and enhance their overall development. It makes it easier to get up and feed your child and also change diapers.

Find a co-sleeper that folds easily and has many functions. There are a few options that can be converted into a play yard or deeper bassinets, for instance. Take into consideration the quality of the sleeping surface as a lot of models are made with polyurethane. Look for eco-health claims such as low VOC and hypoallergenic. GreenGuard or Oeko-Tex certified.

Make sure to think about your long-term plans well, as you may have to move your baby to a crib in the next few months. A bassinet or co-sleeper is a good option, since you will be able to remain close to your baby, and it will ease the transition from your bed to your nursery. This type of arrangement is also called rooming-in and is believed to improve the baby's sleep habits and sensory acuity.