Bedside Co-Sleeper - What is a Bedside Co-Sleeper?
A bedside co-sleeper cot is a bassinet which attaches to the side of your bed and allows you to reach out for your baby during the night. This type of cosleeping is 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 concerned that sleeping in close proximity to their baby could increase the risk of SIDS, research like those conducted by NHS suggest that the opposite is true. It is important to remember that co-sleeping involves sharing a single sleeping surface, which can increase the risk of SIDS when not carried out correctly. Bedside cot co sleepers have been designed to provide a secure place to rest between bed sharing and separate sleeping surfaces which allows parents to be able to reach out over their child and effortlessly soothe them without leaving the safety of their 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. A bedside cot with a co sleeper lets parents keep their infant in a safe distance and not have to leave their bed. The innovative design of a few co sleepers, such as the SnuzPod, also allows the four walls to zip down and transform the co-sleeper into a cradle that has an additional layer of protection that allows tired parents to keep an eye on their infant while they are in bed.
It is worth bearing in mind that the risk of SIDS increases when a parent smokes (even with a co-sleeper) and also if alcohol or other drugs are consumed even in small amounts. It's also not a good idea to sleep with a baby if either the father or mother have a history of sleeping through the night. The NHS suggests that babies sleep on their backs to limit the risk of suffocation and accidental rolling. A bedside cot or bassinet is the safest method to ensure this.
Safety
The NHS suggests that babies sleep in their own cribs, rather than sharing your bed. This is due to the increased risk of suffocation or overheating. When a baby is in bed with their parents are more likely covered by blankets, pillows or sheets. This can cause SIDS. A bedside crib can be a great solution. Being close to parents will ensure that the child isn't suffocated or overheated while still 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 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 most significant concern is the fact that a parent could roll on the infant and cause suffocation or strangulation. The risk of this is particularly high if a parent is drinking, smoking, alcohol or using drugs while asleep. Falls, overheating and maternal death are other risks.
If you decide to opt for a bedside sleeper, it is vital to choose one that meets the highest safety standards. The mattress should fit comfortably without gaps and shouldn't be susceptible to sliding. It is also important to be aware of the recommended weight and age of the sleeper.
All new bedside sleepers have to comply with a new safety standard that was launched in November 2020. It replaces the old standards. Some stores might still have older models available however they are slowly disappearing as manufacturers shift to the new standards.
If you opt for an older model ensure that it is in good working order before purchasing it. Verify that the mechanism used to fix the bed on the mattress of the parent and doesn't leave any gaps. Also, ensure that the mattress fits in the sleeper properly without any gaps or bulges. The sheets should also be snug enough that the baby won't get into a pocket and become trapped or choke.
Convenience
Sleep experts like Lullaby Trust advise against bed-sharing. A bassinet or bedside crib can be a safer option. These cribs are made to be attached directly to the parent's bed so that baby can be easily accessible for feeding and comforting at night. This means that tired parents aren't forced to leave their bed at night, and they can keep an eye on their baby whilst still sleeping well.
Children who sleep in separate rooms are more likely to experience breathing pauses (apnoea) and are more at risk of SIDS. Research has proven that babies sleep better when they're close proximity to their parents. Having your baby in a co-sleeper also allows you to quickly respond to any issue and soothe them, so they are more comfortable.
The ideal bedside bassinet or crib for your family depends on a variety of aspects, including the existing situation and plans for the future. For instance, if have a partner or household member who might also wish to use your bedside crib, it could be beneficial to consider convertible options that will grow into standalone cribs or toddler beds as your baby grows older. Many of our products have this option, and we suggest contacting us for more information.
wooden bedside cot helps foster bonding between the mother and baby. It's a practical and safe option for new parents who are tired. Studies have proven that breastfeeding mothers tend to breastfeed longer when their baby is close which creates an even stronger and more secure bond between the two.
A bedside cot could be an ideal option for new mothers who want to keep their baby close to them. When buying a bassinet, or co-sleeper it is important to ensure that it is in compliance with Lullaby Trust and safe sleep guidelines. It's also important to consider what your budget is since there are options at all price levels.