Cara Cespedes

Choosing Between a Baby Bedside Co Sleeper and a Bassinet

New parents face many choices when it comes to baby sleep. Some consider co-sleeping (which the AAP advises against due to the risk of suffocation) and others prefer the convenience of having their baby at arm's reach for middle-of-the-night diaper changes and feedings.

A baby bedside co sleeper is an alternative to a crib or bassinet that is attached to the side of the parent's bed to provide safe and convenient access. MFM home testers have praised the stylish, functional design of this alternative.

Safety

The bedside co-sleeper, sometimes known as a sidecar, is a secure option for infant sleep that allows newborns to rest close to their parents without putting them at risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. It's an element of rooming-in which is a practice employed in hospitals to help newborns bond with their parents or mom while they're still learning to self-soothe to sleep. When choosing a sleep solution parents must consider the pros and cons of both bedside crib to cot co sleepers and standard bassinets.

The most important thing to consider when choosing a baby bedside co sleeper is safety. Choose models with sturdy frames with breathable materials, and no loose parts that could pose an choking risk. A breathable mattress is essential, and consider models that can be machine washed for effortless cleaning. Also, make sure the mattress is flat and firm without blankets or pillows, since 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 bed of the parent. This makes it easier to take advantage of feeding at night, and better surveillance of the baby as they sleep. Contrary to that, many regular bassinets are situated far enough away from the bed of the parent that they might require a step to reach the sleeping area.

The proximity to parents is another aspect that parents take into consideration when choosing a bedside co sleeper vs bassinet. Some parents prefer the close physical bond co sleepers provide and others are worried about the potential for suffocation or roll-off risks associated with bed-sharing. Some of the highest-rated bedside sleepers like the babybay bedside co sleeper and the Snoo smart sleeper are designed to remove these worries with a wood-slat design that mimics the cribs in which infants were born and the swaddle sack, which prevents them from moving about in their sleep.

If you're considering co-sleeping but aren't sure about the risks, you might want to consider an option like the Arm's Reach Clear-Vue Cosleeper. This bassinet-based co-sleeper provides a safer environment for co-sleeping by affixing directly to your bed. It also has a small barrier that allows you can see your baby and reach him.

Comfort

It's crucial that your baby sleeps comfortably, regardless of the type of sleeper you select. This means making sure that the crib is firm and flat with no gaps between the mattress and your baby's mattress. Some bedside crib vs cot co sleepers use soft surfaces or fluffy padding that can put your baby at risk of SIDS. We suggest using mattress protectors to prevent any tension.

Another aspect to consider is the breathability. Some of the models we tested for this review come with mesh sides that have air-tight mesh that allows your baby to breathe while remaining safe. A number of other models, such as the Baby Delight and HALO BassiNest Essentia, also offer excellent ventilation.

Another consideration is whether or not your bedside sleeper has a tilt option, which can be helpful for infants with reflux or digestive issues. Some of the best sleepers we've found, such as the HALO Swivel BassiNest Sleeper 3.0 have a slight tilt that could help your baby, while reducing the chance of suffocation as well as falling.

Some parents prefer a bassinet attached to the bed while others prefer a sleeper connected to the bed. These models are attached directly to the mattress of the parent and make it easy for parents to reach their baby for feedings or to snuggle during the night. Bedside sleepers can also be used as a co-sleeping technique called rooming-in. This reduces the risk of sudden infant death syndrome and also encourages parents and infants to bond.

In the end, it's up to the family to decide what's right for them. However, we hope this guide has been helpful when you are searching for the perfect baby bedside co sleeper for your infant. To avoid any possible risks, whether you opt for a bassinet or a bedside co-sleeper make sure to adhere to the AAP's safe sleeping guidelines. Good luck!

Design

The baby bedside co-sleeper (also known as a sidecar-co-sleeper or bassinet) is a safe alternative for traditional cribs that allows parents to sleep together with their infant. It attaches to the side of the bed a parent sleeps in, and essentially creates an extension of their mattress so that babies can easily be reached cot for bedside feeding and comforting 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 the baby within reach.

There are a variety of co-sleepers to choose from. It is crucial to select one that meets your family's requirements. Some offer more features than others, and others are more affordable. But safety is the top priority regardless of the model you choose to purchase. Find reviews, certifications and safety concerns for each model you're considering.

The top picks for infant bedside co sleepers include the Snoo Smart Sleeper, Baby Delight Beside Me Dreamer, and HALO BassiNest Essentia. The breathable mesh and the small stretches of solid fabric in these models make sure that the mattress is comfortable for baby and does not have any compression or gaps that might block airflow. The babybay bedside sleep option is another excellent option. It has a design like a crib and can be adjusted in height to make sure it is the ideal fitting.

A bassinet, also known as a co-sleeper, can be a safe space for newborns. The womb-like feel of the bassinet will help them sleep better and form bonds with their parents. In addition, having a bedside sleeper provides the convenience that many parents need to breastfeed or bottle feed at the end of the night without having to get out of the bed. The models listed above are sleek and stylish design that will go with any style of bedroom. They are also easy to clean and set up and are the ideal choice for parents who want to sleep with their child.

Value

A bedside sleeper allows you to keep your baby close at night. It can help you build bonds that are stronger and improve the overall development of your child. It helps you wake up for diaper changes and feedings which can help you get more sleep as well.

When choosing a bedside sleeper, make sure you choose one that folds easily and has multiple functions. A few options can be transformed into play yard or a deeper bassinet, for example. It is also important to consider the quality of the sleep surface, as many models use polyurethane foam. You should look for claims that promote eco-health like low VOC and hypoallergenic, as well as GreenGuard or Oeko-Tex certified.

Consider your long-term plans as well, as you may need to transition your baby to a crib in the next few months. A co-sleeper, or bassinet, may be the best choice, as you can stay close to your baby, and it can ease the transition from your bed to your nursery. This kind of arrangement is also known as rooming-in and is believed to improve the baby's sleeping habits and sensory acuity.