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 be able to reach your baby during the middle of night. This type of cosleeping has been recommended by the NHS and the Lullaby Trust as it allows you to keep your baby close, without risking SIDS.

Peace of Mind

Co-sleeping is a great parenting choice. Some parents are concerned that sleeping close to their baby increases the risk of SIDS. However, studies such as those published by NHS suggest the reverse. Co-sleeping is a form of sharing a bed, which can increase the risk of SIDS. Co-sleeping beds in cots have been designed to offer a safe place to rest between bed sharing and separate sleeping areas, allowing a parent to be able to reach out over their child and gently nurse or comfort them, without leaving the comfort of their own bed.

Babies sleep best when they are fed and soothed frequently however exhausted parents might be unable to leave their beds in order to feed or comfort them. The bedside co-sleeper gives parents the option of keeping their baby close and not need to leave their bed. Some co sleepers have an innovative design, such as the SnuzPod. The four walls can be closed to convert the cot into a cradle, giving an additional layer of security. This allows parents who are exhausted to be able to watch their babies while lying in bed.

Even a small amount of alcohol or drugs could increase the risk of SIDS. It's also not recommended to sleep with a baby if either the mother or father have a history of snoring. The NHS recommends ensuring that young babies are always put to sleep on their backs to reduce the chance of rolling and suffocation. A bassinet or bedside cot is the safest method to make sure this is done.

Safety

The NHS recommends that babies sleep in their own cribs instead of having to share your bed. This is due to the increased risk for suffocation or overheating. Babies who sleep with their parents are more likely covered by blankets, pillows or sheets. This could lead to SIDS. This is why a bedside crib is such a great solution. The crib is located close to the parents, preventing suffocation or overheating of the baby. It can still be reached easily for nighttime feedings and soothing.

When the Dutch co-sleeping pod 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 child. Despite the excitement doctors do not believe in a bed that connects to the sides of an adult bed.

The main issue is that a parent can roll over the infant, causing strangulation or suffocation. The risk is especially high if the parent is drinking, smoking, alcohol or taking drugs while asleep. Other dangers include overheating, the chance of falling, and the risk of maternal death during pregnancy and following the birth of the child.

If you decide to choose a bedside sleeper, it is essential to choose one that is in compliance with all safety standards. The mattress should fit tightly without gaps and not be prone to sagging. You should also familiarise yourself with the weight limits and age guidelines for the sleeper.

All new bedside beds will be required to meet the new safety standard, that was announced in November 2020. It replaces the earlier standards. Some stores may still have older models available but they are slowly disappearing as manufacturers shift to the new standards.

Before you buy a used model, check that it's in good condition. Verify that the mechanism that secures the bed to the parent's bed is robust and does not leave a gap. You should also ensure that the mattress fits properly inside the sleeper with no gaps or bulges. Sheets should be snugly fitted too, so that the baby is unable to wiggle inside and get stuck in a pocket, or be at risk of suffocation.

Convenience

Many new parents experience a natural urge to be by their baby's side at night, but sleep experts like Lullaby Trust recommend avoiding bed-sharing. Using a bedside crib, or bassinet is a safer alternative. These cribs are designed to connect directly to the parent's bed to allow the baby to be easily accessible for feeding and resting at night. Parents can rest comfortably at night without having to leave their bed.

Babies who have a separate bedroom are more likely than other children to suffer breathing pauses (apnoea) and are also at a higher risk of SIDS. Research has shown that babies sleep better when they're in close to their parents. The fact that your child is a co-sleeper also means that you are able to swiftly respond to any problems and soothe them, so they will be more relaxed.

The best bedside bassinet or crib for your family depends on several factors, including your existing situation and plans for the future. For instance, if have a partner or housemate who may also prefer to use the bedside crib then it might be best to look at convertible options that will grow into standalone cribs or toddler beds as your child grows older. We recommend that you contact us to inquire about this feature.

Apart from being a secure and practical option for exhausted new parents, the most significant advantage of the bedside crib is that it promotes bonding between mother and baby. Research has shown that breastfeeding mothers tend to breastfeed longer when their infant is close and this creates an increased and secure attachment between the pair.

bedside cot crib is 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. When purchasing a bassinet or co-sleeper, you need to make sure that it meets all the Lullaby Trust and safe sleep guidelines. You should also consider your budget, as there are numerous options to choose from.