Bedside Co-Sleeper - What is a Bedside Co-Sleeper?
A bedside co-sleeper is a bassinet that is attached to the side of your mattress which lets you reach your baby during the middle of the night. This kind of co-sleeping is recommended by The Lullaby Trust and NHS as it lets you keep your baby close without the risk of SIDS.
Peace of Mind
Co-sleeping is a crucial parenting choice. Some parents are concerned that sleeping next to their infant increases the risk of SIDS. However studies such as those published by NHS suggest the opposite. Co-sleeping is sharing a sleeping space that can increase the risk of SIDS. Bedside cots co-sleepers are designed to provide a secure, middle space between beds that share and separate sleeping areas. They allow parents to reach out and soothe their child without having to leave their bed.
Babies sleep best when they are fed and reassured frequently however exhausted parents might be unable to leave their beds to feed or soothe them. The bedside co-sleeper gives parents the option of keeping their baby close and not need to leave their comfortable bedding. Some co sleepers come with an innovative design, for instance the SnuzPod. The four walls can be opened to convert the cot into a cradle. This provides an additional layer of protection. This allows tired parents to keep an eye on their infants while still lying in bed.
It is important to keep in mind that the chance of SIDS increases if a parent smokes (even with a co-sleeper) and if any drinks or substances are consumed even in small quantities. Co-sleeping with a child is not recommended if the parent has a history of sleeping through the night. The NHS recommends ensuring that infants are placed to sleep on their back to minimise the chance of rolling and death. The safest option is to use a bedside cot or bassinet.
Safety
The NHS recommends that babies sleep in their own cribs, rather than sharing your bed. This is due to the higher risk of overheating and suffocation. Babies who sleep with their parents are more likely to be covered by blankets, pillows or sheets. This could lead to SIDS. A crib that is placed near the bed can be a great solution. The close proximity of parents will ensure that the baby is not being suffocated or overheated, while being capable of being easily reached to feed at night and be comforted.
Parents across the globe were eagerly anticipating the Dutch cosleeping pod when it first became viral in 2004. They wanted to test safe cosleeping. Despite the excitement doctors do not support the idea of a bed that connects to the side of a adult bed.
The most significant concern is that a parent may accidentally roll over an infant and cause strangulation or death. This is especially the case if the parent is sleeping when drinking, smoking or taking drugs. Other risks include overheating, the possibility of falling, and the risk of a maternal death during pregnancy or after the birth of a child.
If you decide to choose a bedside mattress, it is crucial to select one that is in compliance with all safety standards. The mattress must fit snugly without gaps and should not be susceptible to sliding. You should also be familiar with the weight limitations and age-related recommendations for the sleeper.
All new bedside beds must be compliant with the new safety standard that was announced in November of 2020. wooden bedside cot replaces the old standards. Some stores might still have older models on sale but they are slowly disappearing as manufacturers make the switch to the new standards.
If you decide to buy an older model be sure it is in good condition before you purchase it. Verify the mechanism used to secure the bed to the parent's bed is sturdy and does not leave a gap. Also, ensure that the mattress is placed within the sleeper without gaps or bulges. Sheets should also fit snugly, so that the baby can't squiggle around and get stuck in a pocket, or be at risk of suffocation.
Convenience
Many new parents experience a natural urge to be by their child's bed at night, but sleep experts like Lullaby Trust recommend avoiding bed-sharing. A bedside crib or bassinet is a better option. They are made to be attached to the sides of a parent's bed, keeping baby in reach to feed at night and comforting. This lets parents sleep well at the end of the night without having to leave their bed.
Babies who have a separate bedroom are more likely to experience pauses in their breathing (apnoea) and also are at a higher risk of SIDS. According to research babies sleep better when they are near their parents. Having your baby in a co-sleeper also means that you can quickly respond to any issues and soothe them, so they are more comfortable.
The ideal bedside bassinet or crib for your family is dependent on a variety of factors, such as the living situation and future plans. For instance, if are living with a spouse or household member who may want to use the bedside crib, it could be beneficial to consider convertible options that can be converted into standalone cribs or toddler beds as your baby grows up. Many of our products have this option, and we suggest contacting us for more information.
Aside from being a safe and convenient option for tired new parents, the most significant advantage of the bedside crib is that it encourages bonding between mother and child. Research has shown that mothers who are breastfeeding tend to breastfeed more frequently when their baby is close which creates an increased and secure bond between the two.
A bedside cot could be an excellent option for mothers who want to keep their infant nearby. However, when it comes to buying a bassinet, or co-sleeper, you must ensure that it is in compliance with all of the safe sleeping and Lullaby Trust guidelines. It's also worth assessing the cost of your purchase, as there are options available at all price levels.