How to Buy a Bedside Sleeper

A bedside sleeper is a parenting tool that can be used if you plan to have your baby sleep in the same room as you. Bedside sleepers are a safer option than having the infant share the bed with you. The way that it works is that the infant bed rolls up to your bed and attaches to the mattress to keep the child secure and close by.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Search around for different prices on bedside sleepers. Check out baby gear retailers, such as Babies "R" Us and Target, as well as the online stores Babystyle and Baby Direct.

2. Consider a used bedside sleeper. Manufacturers recommend that once the child can roll over, the bedside sleeper should not be used anymore. Therefore, many bedside sleepers are gently used. Find a used version at a yard sale or on eBay.

3. Get a bedside sleeper that can double as a bassinet. Arm's Reach has a bedside sleeper that can be converted to a bassinet. One side is detachable and can be secured in place when away from the parent's bed.

4. Read the measurements of the bedside sleeper. The bedside sleeper needs to accommodate the height of your bed. Measure your bed's height and compare it to the bedside sleeper that you have in mind.

5. Check the weight and height restrictions. Bigger babies are usually not able to use a bedside sleeper. Babies over 25 pounds should not sleep in a bedside sleeper.

Tips & Warnings

• Most of the bedside sleepers are adjustable and can accommodate different sized mattresses and beds.
• If the bedside sleeper does not work with your bed, contact the manufacturer to see if they have an extension kit available.

Resources

• Arm's Reach website