Bedside Co-Sleeper - What is a Bedside Co-Sleeper?
A bedside co-sleeper is a bassinet that attaches to the side of your bed and allows you to reach for baby during the night. This kind of cosleeping has been recommended by the NHS and the Lullaby Trust as it allows you keep your baby close without risking SIDS.
Peace of Mind
Co-sleeping is an important parenting choice. Although some parents are worried about the possibility that sleeping close to their child could increase the risk of SIDS, research like those conducted by NHS suggest that the opposite is true. Co-sleeping is a form of sharing a bed, which can increase the risk of SIDS. Bedside cots with co sleepers have been designed to offer a secure middle ground between bed-sharing and separate sleeping areas which allows parents to hold their child and easily nurse or comfort them, without leaving the comfort of their bed.
It is essential to feed and comfort your infant regularly. However, tired parents may find it difficult to get up from their beds to feed their baby. A bedside cot co-sleeper allows parents to keep their infant at arm's length and avoid the need to leave their comfortable bedding. The innovative design of a few co sleepers, such as the SnuzPod, also allows the four walls to slide down and transform the co-sleeper into a cradle that has an additional layer of protection that allows parents who are tired to keep an eye on their infant while they are in bed.
It is important to keep in mind that the chance of SIDS is increased when smoking by a parent (even with a co-sleeper) and if any alcohol or other drugs are consumed, even in small amounts. Co-sleeping with a child is not recommended in the event of a parent with a history of sleeping through the night. The NHS recommends that babies sleep on their backs in order to minimize the risk of suffocation and accidental rolling. The safest option is to utilize a cot at the bedside, bassinet or cradle.
Safety
The NHS suggests that babies sleep in their own cribs instead of having to 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 pillows, blankets or sheets. This can lead to SIDS. This is why a crib for bed is an ideal solution. The close proximity to parents ensures that the baby is not being suffocated or overheated. Moreover, the baby is accessible for feedings at night and comforting.
Parents around the world were eagerly awaiting the Dutch cosleeping pod when it first became viral in 2004. They wanted to experience safe cosleeping. Despite the excitement, doctors do not fully support the idea of a sleeping bed that is attached to the side of an adult bed.
The main concern is that a parent may accidentally roll over the infant and cause strangulation or suffocation. The risk of this is especially high if the parent is smoking, drinking alcohol or using drugs while asleep. Other dangers include overheating, the possibility of falling and the risk of a maternal death during pregnancy and following childbirth.
If you decide to purchase a bedside sleeper, it's crucial to select one that meets the highest standards of safety. The mattress must be fitted without gaps and not be prone to sagging. It is also important to be familiar with the recommended weight and age for the sleeper.
foldable bedside crib have to comply with the new safety standard, which was introduced in November of 2020. It replaces the previous standards. Some stores may still have older models on sale but they are slowly disappearing as manufacturers shift to the new standards.
If you are considering purchasing a secondhand model, ensure that it is in good shape. Make sure that the mechanism used to secure the bed on the parent's mattress is strong and doesn't leave any gaps. Also, make sure that the mattress fits inside the sleeper with no gaps or bulges. Sheets should be snugly fitted too, so that the baby can't squiggle around and get stuck in a pocket, or be in danger of suffocation.
Convenience
Sleep experts like Lullaby Trust advise against bed-sharing. A bedside crib or bassinet is a better option. These cribs are made to be attached directly to the bed of the parent to allow the baby to be easily reached for feeding and sleeping. This means that exhausted parents don't have to leave their bed at night and can keep an watch on their child while still getting a goodnight's sleep.
Babies sleeping in separate rooms are more likely to experience pauses in breathing (apnoea) and are at greater risk of SIDS. According to research that babies sleep better when they are close to their parents. Having your baby in a co-sleeper means that you are able to swiftly respond to any issues and calm them, which means they feel more at ease.
The best bassinet or bedside crib that is suitable for your family will be contingent on a variety of factors, including your living environment and long-term plans. For instance, if have a partner or housemate who may also wish to use your bedside crib, it could be beneficial to consider convertible options that can grow into standalone cribs or toddler beds as your baby grows up. Many of our range include this feature, and we recommend contacting us for more information.
Aside from being a safe and convenient choice for new parents, the main benefit of a crib that is placed near the bed is that it encourages bonding between baby and mother. Research has shown that mothers who breastfeed tend to breastfeed more frequently when their baby is close which creates an even stronger and more secure attachment between the pair.
This is why a bedside cot has become so popular and is a good choice for any new mum who wants to keep their baby close. However, when it comes to purchasing a bassinet or co-sleeper, you must check that it complies with all of the safe sleep and Lullaby Trust guidelines. It is also important to be aware of your budget, since there are many options available.