What to Look for in a Bedside Sleeper

When it comes to newborn and infant sleep, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that babies snooze in their parents' rooms for the first six months of their life—preferably the first year. This recommendation is designed to reduce the likelihood of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome), which claims more than 1,300 babies' lives each year.

But how should parents accomplish this room-sharing scenario? Depending on the size of their room and their preferences, some parents opt to bring in the crib, while others use a bassinet. Still others choose a bedside sleeper, which is designed to allow the baby to sleep beside their parent's bed while still maintaining a separate sleep space.

Here's what you need to know about bedside sleepers so you can determine if it's right for you.

What Is a Bedside Sleeper?

A bedside sleeper is a bassinet that's made to be attached to the side of an adult bed. Usually, one side is lower than the others to allow parents easy access to their baby at night. The lower side may form a short barrier between the two sleep spaces, or it may be adjustable so that the two sleep spaces meet at the same level.

The AAP asserts that the safest place for a baby to sleep is in a crib, bassinet, or play yard. And though they do not specifically recommend bedside sleepers—primarily because there's little research to support their use and safety—they do mention them as an option. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) also has published safety standards for manufacturers to ensure an infant's safety.

How to Choose a Bedside Sleeper

If you're considering a bedside sleeper for your baby, weigh the pros and cons of using one. Here are some key points to consider before purchasing a bedside sleeper.

Evaluate the locking mechanism

If you choose a bedside sleeper, you should carefully check the mechanism that holds the sleeper next to the adult bed. Will it slide away and allow a gap to form? Also, check the supports that hold the mattress to be sure they're sturdy. The mattress should not dip or sag in the bedside sleeper. Familiarize yourself with the weight limits and look at any age recommendations given by the manufacturer.

Gauge the mattress quality

The mattress for your bedside sleeper should be firm and fit in the sleeper without any gaps at the edges. The height should be adjustable so that the surface is level with your bed. The mattress must also have a waterproof cover, or be able to be cleaned in another way.

Consider new over used

If you're considering buying a used bedside sleeper, keep in mind that older models may not be safe. Some bedside sleepers have been recalled because they allowed a baby to fall in a gap between the two mattresses, or otherwise allowed entrapment or a risk of strangulation. Any bedside sleeper sold in the U.S. must now meet the appropriate safety standards established by CPSC.

Think about your bedding needs

There are no size standards for bedside sleepers as you will find for full-size cribs. That means you can't just buy a sheet and expect it to fit the way crib bedding does. Still, any bedding you use in the beside sleeper must fit properly so it doesn't form pockets or bulges that could obstruct your baby's breathing. This means you may have to buy the sheets for your bedside sleeper from the same manufacturer. It's also a good idea to have an extra sheet on hand in case your baby spits up or has a diaper accident at night.

Consider the longevity of the sleeper

Once your baby can roll over, sit up, or crawl, most bedside sleepers will no longer be safe to use. This means your child might outgrow the bedside sleeper around 3 or 4 months old. Take this into account when deciding how much to spend and whether you even need one.

Prioritize additional features

Because your bedside sleeper might only be useful for three or four months, look for sleepers that have other functions as well. Some bedside sleepers can become a play yard or a deeper bassinet, for example. You also may want to select a bedside sleeper that folds easily and can be used for travel, especially if you'll be taking your baby on the road quite a bit.

Should You Create Your Own Bedside Sleeper?

There are lots of instructions available online for making a bedside sleeper or sidecar sleeper out of a crib or another piece of furniture. That said, it's not a good idea to take chances with your baby's sleep space. An improperly anchored crib next to your bed could slip and form a gap where your baby could become entrapped.