Bedside Co-Sleeper - What is a Bedside Co-Sleeper?
A bedside co-sleeper is a bassinet which attaches to the bed's side which allows you to reach out for your baby in the middle of the night. This type of co-sleeping is recommended by The Lullaby Trust and NHS as it allows you to keep your baby close by without risking SIDS.
Peace of Mind
Co-sleeping can be a good parenting choice. Although some parents are concerned that sleeping close to their baby increases the risk of SIDS, studies like those published by NHS suggest contrary. Co-sleeping refers to sharing the same sleeping surface that can increase the risk for SIDS. Co-sleepers for bedside cots are designed to be a safe, middle space between beds that share and separate sleeping surfaces. They permit parents to reach out and soothe their child without having to leave their bed.
It is important to feed and comfort your baby regularly. However, parents who are exhausted may find it difficult to get up from their bed to feed their child. The bedside sleeper gives parents the option to keep their baby close and not need to leave their comfy bed. Some co sleepers have an innovative design, like the SnuzPod. bedside baby sleeper can be zipped down to convert the cot into a cradle, providing an extra layer of safety. This allows exhausted parents to keep an eye on their infants while still lying in bed.
baby bedside cot is worth bearing in mind that the risk of SIDS is increased when a parent smokes (even with a co-sleeper) and if any drinks or substances are consumed, even in small quantities. Co-sleeping with children is not recommended in the event of a parent with a history of sleeping through the night. The NHS suggests that babies sleep on their backs in order to minimize the chance of suffocation or accidental rolling. The safest choice is to use a bedside cot or bassinet.
Safety
The NHS recommends that babies be placed in their own cribs instead of having to share your bed. This is due to the higher risk of overheating or suffocation. Babies in bed with parents are more likely to be covered by blankets, pillows, or sheets, which may hinder their breathing and lead to SIDS. This is why a bedside crib is a fantastic solution. Being close to parents will ensure that the child is not being suffocated or overheated, while being capable of being easily reached for night-time feedings and comforting.
When the Dutch co-sleeping pod first went viral four years ago, parents around the world were eager to acquire one to test the safest co-sleeping with their baby. Despite the excitement and enthusiasm doctors aren't yet completely in support of the idea of a sleeping cot that fixes to the side of a bed for adults.
The primary concern is that a parent might accidentally roll over an infant, causing strangulation or the child to suffocate. The risk is particularly high if the parent is smoking, drinking alcohol or using drugs while asleep. Other dangers include overheating, the risk of a fall and the risk of a maternal death during pregnancy and following childbirth.
If you choose to purchase a bedside sleeper, it is essential that you choose one that is in line with the highest standards of safety. The mattress should be snugly fitted without gaps and should not be susceptible to sliding. You should also be familiar with the weight limits and age-related recommendations for the sleeper.
All new bedside sleepers must comply with the new safety standard which was launched in November 2020 and replaces previous standards. Some stores may have older models available but they are slowly disappearing as manufacturers make the switch to the new standards.
If you decide to purchase a used model, ensure that it is in good condition. Verify that the mechanism used to fix the bed on the parent's mattress is strong and doesn't leave gaps. Also, ensure that the mattress fits into the sleeper in a proper way, without gaps or bulges. Sheets should fit snugly too to ensure that the baby cannot wriggle down inside and become trapped in a pocket or be at risk of suffocation.
Convenience
Sleep experts such as Lullaby Trust advise against bed-sharing. A bedside crib or bassinet can be a safer option. They are designed to attach to the side of a parent's bed, allowing baby to be close enough to feed at night and relaxing. Parents can rest comfortably at night without leaving their bed.
Babies who sleep in a separate room are more likely to suffer pauses in breathing (apnoea) and are more prone to SIDS. Research has found that babies sleep better when they're close proximity to their parents. You can also react quickly to any issue or concern your baby and make them feel more at ease.
The ideal bedside bassinet or crib for your family will depend on several aspects, including the location of your home and the plans for the future. For instance, if you live with a partner or housemate who may also wish to use your bedside crib, it may be best to look at convertible options that can be converted into standalone cribs or toddler beds as your child develops. Many of our products have this feature, and we recommend contact us for more details.
In addition to being a safe and convenient choice for new parents, the most significant advantage of the bedside crib is that it promotes bonding between mother and baby. Studies have shown breastfeeding mothers tend to nurse longer when their baby's close. This creates greater bonding between the two.
This is the reason why a bedside cot is so popular and is a good option for a new mom who wishes to keep their baby close. However, when it comes to buying a bassinet or co-sleeper, you must check that it complies with all the safe sleep and Lullaby Trust guidelines. It is also important to take into consideration your budget, as there are a variety of options to choose from.