Bedside Co-Sleeper - What is a Bedside Co-Sleeper?

A bedside cot co sleeper is a bassinet which attaches to the bed's side, allowing you to reach out for your baby during the night. This type of cosleeping has been recommended by the NHS and the Lullaby Trust as it allows you keep your baby close and not risk SIDS.

Peace of Mind

Co-sleeping is an important parenting choice. Many parents are concerned that sleeping next to their baby increases the risk of SIDS. However studies such as those conducted by NHS suggest the reverse. But, it's crucial to remember that co-sleeping involves sharing the same sleeping surface and can therefore increase the risk of SIDS if it's not carried out correctly. Co-sleepers for bedside cots are designed to be a safe, middle ground between beds that share and separate sleeping areas. They allow parents to reach over and comfort their child without having to leave their bed.

It is crucial to feed and comfort your baby frequently. However, parents who are exhausted might have difficulty to get up from their bed to do so. The bedside sleeper gives parents the option of keeping their infant close to them and not leave their comfy bed. The innovative design of some co sleepers, such as the SnuzPod, also allows the four walls to slide down and transform the crib into a cradle, providing an extra layer of security which makes it easier for parents who are exhausted to keep an eye on their baby while still in bed.

Even small amounts of alcohol or drugs could increase the risk of SIDS. It's not recommended to sleep with a baby if the mother or father have a history of snoring. The NHS recommends ensuring that babies are sleeping on their backs in order to minimize the risk of accidental rolling and death. The most secure option is to use a bedside cot or bassinet, or cradle.

Safety

The NHS suggests that babies sleep in their own cribs rather than share your bed. This is because of the increased risk for overheating or suffocation. When a baby is in bed with their parents are more likely to be to be covered by blankets, pillows or sheets. This could lead to SIDS. A bedside crib can be an ideal solution. The close proximity to parents will ensure that the baby isn't suffocated or overheated, while being accessible for night-time feedings and comforting.

Parents across the globe were eagerly awaiting the Dutch cosleeping pod when it first became viral in 2004. They wanted to try safe cosleeping. Despite the excitement and enthusiasm, doctors aren't yet adamant about the idea of a sleeping cot that fixes to the side of a bed for adults.

The main concern is that a parent could fall on an infant, causing strangulation or the child to suffocate. The risk is especially high if the parent is drinking, smoking, alcohol or taking drugs during sleep. Other risks include overheating, the possibility of falling, and the risk of a maternal death during pregnancy and after childbirth.


If you decide to choose a bedside sleeper it is essential to choose a model that meets all safety standards. The mattress must fit snugly without gaps and must not be susceptible to sagging. It is also important to familiarize yourself with the weight limitations and age-related recommendations for the sleeper.

All new bedside sleepers have to be compliant with the new safety standard which was announced in November of 2020 and replaces the previous standards. There may be large bedside crib for sale in some stores, but these are slowly disappearing as manufacturers move to the new safety standards.

If you opt for a second-hand model ensure that it is in good shape before purchasing it. Check that the mechanism used to secure the bed on the parent's mattress is strong and does not leave any gaps. Also, ensure that the mattress fits in the sleeper with no bulges or gaps. Sheets should fit snugly too to ensure that the baby is unable to wiggle inside and end up in a pocket, or be at risk of being suffocated.

Convenience

Many new parents experience an instinctual desire to be by their baby's side at night, however experts in sleep such as Lullaby Trust recommend avoiding bed-sharing. A bassinet or bedside crib can be a safer option. They are designed to be attached to the side of a parent's bed, allowing baby to be within easy reach for feeding at night and relaxing. This means that exhausted parents do not have to leave their own sleeping areas during the night, and they can keep an eye on their child while still sleeping well.

Babies who sleep in separate rooms are more likely to suffer breathing pauses (apnoea) and are more at risk of SIDS. According to research babies sleep better when they are with their parents. You can also react quickly to any issue or concern your baby and make them feel more at ease.

The best bassinet or bedside crib for your family will be contingent on a number of factors, including your living environment and long-term plans. For instance, if you are living with a spouse or household member who might also prefer to use the bedside crib, it could be a good idea to consider convertible options that can be converted into standalone cribs or toddler beds as your child grows up. A lot of our cribs have this feature, and we suggest contacting us for more information.

In addition to being a safe and convenient option for tired new parents, the main advantage of the bedside crib is that it promotes bonding between mother and child. Studies have proven that breastfeeding mothers tend to feed longer when their infant is close, which in turn leads to an even stronger and more secure bond between them.

This is the reason why a bedside cot has become so popular and is a good option for any new mom who wants to keep their baby close by. But, prior to buying a bassinet, or co-sleeper it is important to ensure that it is in compliance with all of the safe sleeping and Lullaby Trust guidelines. It's also important to consider what your budget is, as there are options available at all prices.