Bedside Co-Sleeper - What is a Bedside Co-Sleeper?
A bedside cot co sleeper is a bassinet that attaches to the bed's side which allows you to reach out for your baby during the night. This type of cosleeping has been recommended by the NHS as well as the Lullaby Trust as it allows you keep your baby close, without risking SIDS.
Peace of Mind
Co-sleeping is an excellent parenting option. Many parents are concerned that sleeping next to their baby increases the risk of SIDS. However studies like those conducted by NHS suggest the opposite. Co-sleeping is sharing a bed that can increase the risk of SIDS. Bedside cot co sleepers are designed to provide a safe place to rest between bed sharing and separate sleeping areas that allow parents to be able to reach out over their child and easily soothe them without leaving the safety of their bed.
It is essential to feed and reassure your baby regularly. However, tired parents may find it difficult to get out of their bed to feed their child. The bedside co-sleeper gives parents the option to keep their baby close and not need to leave their comfy bed. Some co sleepers feature an innovative design, like the SnuzPod. The four walls can be zipped down to transform the cot into a cradle, giving an additional layer of protection. This allows exhausted parents to keep an eye on their infants while lying in bed.
Even a small amount of alcohol or other drugs can increase the risk of SIDS. Co-sleeping with a child is not recommended in the event of a parent with an history of snoring. The NHS recommends ensuring that young babies are always put to sleep on their back to minimise the risk of accidental rolling and suffocation. The most secure option is to utilize a cot at the bedside or bassinet, or cradle.
Safety
The NHS recommends that babies be placed in their own cribs instead of having to sharing your bed. This is due to the higher risk of suffocation and overheating. When a baby is in bed with their parents are more likely to be to be covered by blankets, pillows or sheets. This can cause SIDS. This is why a crib for bed is a fantastic solution. Being close to parents will ensure that the baby is not being suffocated or overheated. Moreover, the baby is accessible for feedings at night and comforting.
When the Dutch co-sleeping cot image first went viral in 2014 parents from all over the world were eager to own one to test the safest co-sleeping with their baby. Despite the excitement, doctors do not fully agree with the idea of a sleeping bed that is attached to the side of a adult bed.
The primary issue is that a parent could roll on the infant and cause strangulation or suffocation. The risk of this happening is especially high if the parent is smoking, drinking alcohol or taking drugs while asleep. Other dangers include overheating, the risk of a fall and the risk of maternal death during pregnancy and after childbirth.
If you choose to go with a bedside sleeper, it's vital to choose one that meets the highest safety standards. The mattress must be fitted without gaps and not be prone to sagging. You should also familiarise yourself with the weight limitations and age-related recommendations for the sleeper.
All new bedside sleepers be required to meet the new safety standard which was introduced in November 2020. It replaces the previous standards. You may still see older models for sale in some shops, but these are gradually disappearing as manufacturers move to the new safety standards.
If you decide to buy a second-hand model, make sure that it is in good working order before you purchase it. Check that the mechanism that is used to anchor the bed on the mattress of the parent is sturdy and doesn't leave any gaps. Also, ensure that bedside crib to cot fits in the sleeper properly without any gaps or bulges. The sheets must also fit comfortably so that the baby can't wriggle into a pocket, and become trapped or choke.
Convenience
Sleep experts such as Lullaby Trust advise against bed-sharing. Using a bedside crib or bassinet is a safer option. They are designed to be attached to the sides of parents' bed, allowing baby to be in reach for night time feeding and providing comfort. This means exhausted parents aren't forced to leave their own beds during the night, and they can keep a close watch on their child while getting a good night's rest.
Children who sleep in a separate space are more likely to suffer from pauses in breathing (apnoea) and are at greater risk of SIDS. Research has found that babies sleep better when they are in close proximity to their parents. You can also quickly respond to any issues or concerns, or even reassure your baby and make them feel more at ease.
The best bedside crib or bassinet for your family will be contingent on a variety of factors, including living situation and long-term plans. For instance, if live with a partner or household member who may prefer to use the bedside crib then it might be a good idea to consider convertible options that can be converted into separate cribs or toddler beds as your child grows older. Many of our products have this option, and we suggest contact us for more details.
Aside from being a safe and convenient choice for new parents, the most significant benefit of a crib that is placed near the bed is the fact that it fosters bonding between mother and child. Research has shown that mothers who breastfeed tend to nurse for longer if their baby's close. This creates an increased bond between the two.
This is the reason why a bedside cot has become so popular, and a good option for a new mom who wishes to keep their baby close by. However, when it comes to purchasing a bassinet or co-sleeper, it's important to ensure that it is in compliance with all of 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.