Bedside Co-Sleeper - What is a Bedside Co-Sleeper?
A bedside co-sleeper is a bassinet attached to the mattress's side that allows you to reach baby in the middle 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 and not risk SIDS.
Peace of Mind
Co-sleeping is a crucial parenting decision. Although some parents are worried about the possibility that sleeping close to their baby will increase the risk of SIDS, research like those published by NHS suggest that the opposite is true. Co-sleeping refers to sharing a sleeping space that can increase the risk for SIDS. Bedside cots designed for co-sleeping are made to provide a secure, middle space between beds that share and separate sleeping areas. They allow parents to reach out and provide comfort to their child without leaving their bed.
It is essential to feed and soothe your baby frequently. However, parents who are exhausted might find it difficult to get up from their beds to feed their baby. The bedside co-sleeper gives parents to keep their infant close to them and not leave their bed. The innovative design of some co sleepers, such as the SnuzPod, also allows the four walls to zip down and turn the crib into a cradle, providing an additional layer of protection, making it easy for tired parents to watch their infant while they are in the bed.
Even small amounts of alcohol or drugs could increase the risk of SIDS. It's also not a good idea to sleep with a baby if the father or mother have an history of having a snore. The NHS recommends ensuring that infants are placed to sleep on their backs to reduce the risk of accidental rolling and death. A bassinet or cot at the bedside is the safest method to ensure this.
Safety
While co-sleeping is a common practice in many countries However, the NHS recommends that infants sleep in their own cribs rather than sharing a bed. This is because of the higher risk of overheating or suffocation. Babies who sleep with their parents are more likely to be covered by blankets, pillows or sheets. This can lead to SIDS. A bedside crib can be a great solution. The crib is close to the parents, which prevents suffocation or overheating of the baby. It can be reached easily to feed the baby at night and also for providing comfort.
When the Dutch co-sleeping cot image first became viral in 2014 parents from all over the world were eager to acquire one to experience safe co-sleeping with their baby. Despite the excitement and enthusiasm however, doctors are not yet fully supportive of the idea of a sleeping cot that can be fixed to the side of a bed for an adult.
The primary concern is that a parent could fall on the infant and cause strangulation or suffocation. This is especially the case if the parent is sleeping when drinking, smoking or taking drugs. The risk of overheating, falling or even death are also a possibility.
If you choose to opt for a bedside sleeper, it is essential that you choose a model that meets the highest safety standards. The mattress should fit tightly without gaps and not be susceptible to sagging. You should also familiarise yourself with the weight limitations and age guidelines for the sleeper.
All new bedside sleepers be required to meet the new safety standard which was introduced in November of 2020. It replaces the earlier standards. Some stores might still offer older models for sale, but they are gradually disappearing as manufacturers shift to the new standards.
If you opt for an older model ensure that it is in good working order prior to purchasing it. Verify that the mechanism used to fix the bed on the parent's mattress is strong and does not leave any gaps. Also, make sure that the mattress fits in the sleeper in a proper way, without bulges or gaps. Sheets should fit snugly too to ensure that the baby cannot wriggle down inside and end up in a pocket, or be in danger of suffocation.
Convenience
Many new parents experience a natural urge to be at their baby's side at night, however sleep experts such as Lullaby Trust recommend avoiding bed-sharing. Using a bedside crib or bassinet is a safer alternative. These cribs are made to be attached directly to the bed of the parent so that the baby can be easily accessible for feeding and resting at night. This means that exhausted parents do not have to leave their sleeping areas during the night, and they can keep an watch on their child while still sleeping well.
Babies who sleep in a separate room are more likely to suffer from pauses in breathing (apnoea) and are more at risk of SIDS. According to bedside crib travel cot that babies sleep better when they are close to their parents. The fact that your child is co-sleeping also allows you to quickly respond to any issue and reassure them, so they will be more relaxed.
Choosing the best bassinet or bedside crib for your family will be contingent on a few factors, including your living environment and long-term plans. For example, if you have a partner or household member who might also want to use the bedside crib, it may be a good idea to consider convertible options that can grow into separate cribs or toddler beds as your child grows older. A lot of our cribs have this feature, and we recommend getting in touch with us for more information.
The bedside crib helps foster bonding between the baby and mother. It's a practical and safe option for parents who are tired. Research has shown that mothers who breastfeed tend to nurse for longer if their infant is close. This leads to an increased bond between the two.
This 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. When purchasing a bassinet or co-sleeper it is important to ensure that it meets all the Lullaby Trust and safe sleep guidelines. It's also worth considering the cost of your purchase, because there are options at all price levels.