Bedside Co-Sleeper - What is a Bedside Co-Sleeper?
A bedside cot co sleeper is a bassinet that can be attached to the side of your bed and allows you to reach for 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 without risking SIDS.
Peace of Mind
Co-sleeping is a crucial parenting choice. Some parents worry that sleeping with their baby increases the risk of SIDS. However studies like those published by NHS suggest the reverse. Co-sleeping is a form of sharing a bed, which can increase the risk for SIDS. Bedside cots designed for co-sleeping are made to provide a safe middle ground between bed sharing and separate sleeping areas. They allow parents to reach out and soothe their child without leaving their bed.
Babies sleep best when they are fed and comforted regularly however exhausted parents might find it difficult to leave their beds in order to feed or comfort them. A bedside cot with a co sleeper allows parents to keep their infant in a safe distance and avoid having to leave their comfortable bedding. Some co sleepers have an innovative design, for instance the SnuzPod. The four walls can be opened to turn the cot in a cradle. This provides an additional layer of security. This allows exhausted parents to watch their newborns while they sleep.
It is important to keep in mind that the risk of SIDS increases when parents smoke (even with a co-sleeper) and when alcohol or drugs are consumed, even in small amounts. It is also not recommended to sleep with a baby if the father or mother have a history of having a snore. The NHS suggests that babies sleep on their backs to reduce the risk of suffocation and accidental rolling. The safest option is to use a bedside cot or bassinet, or cradle.
Safety
While co-sleeping is a common practice in a variety of countries However, the NHS suggests that infants sleep in their own cot rather than sharing your bed. This is because of the higher risk of overheating or suffocation. Children who sleep with their parents are more likely to be covered by blankets, pillows or sheets, which may hinder their breathing and lead to SIDS. A bedside crib can be a great solution. The crib is located close to the parents, preventing overheating or suffocation of the baby. It can still be easily reached for nighttime feedings and soothing.
Parents from all over the world were eagerly awaiting the Dutch cosleeping pod when it first went viral in 2004. They wanted to experience safe cosleeping. Despite the excitement and interest, however, doctors are not yet adamant about the idea of a sleeping cot which can be attached to the side of a bed for an adult.
The primary concern is that a parent could roll onto an infant, causing strangulation or death. This is especially true when the parent is asleep while drinking, smoking or using a drug. Other dangers include overheating, the chance of a fall and the risk of a maternal death during pregnancy or after childbirth.
If you choose to go with a bedside sleeper, it is crucial to select a model that meets the highest safety standards. bedside baby bed should fit tightly without gaps and be prone sagging. You should also familiarise yourself with the weight limitations and age-related recommendations for sleepers.
All new bedside beds must be compliant with the new safety standard that was launched in November 2020 and replaces the previous standards. Some stores might still have older models on sale but they are slowly disappearing as manufacturers shift to the new standards.
If you decide to buy a second-hand model be sure it is in good condition before you purchase it. Check that the mechanism used to secure the bed on the mattress of the parent and doesn't leave gaps. Also, ensure that the mattress fits in the sleeper in a proper way, without gaps or bulges. Sheets should also fit snugly to ensure that the baby can't squiggle around and end up in a pocket or be at risk of being suffocated.
Convenience
Sleep experts like Lullaby Trust advise against bed-sharing. A bedside crib or bassinet is a safer alternative. They are made to be attached to the sides of a parent's bed, allowing the baby to remain close enough to feed at night and providing comfort. This allows parents to rest peacefully at night without leaving their bed.
Children who sleep in separate rooms are more likely to experience pauses in breathing (apnoea) and are more prone to SIDS. Research has found that babies sleep better when they're close proximity to their parents. Being a co-sleeper means that you are able to swiftly respond to any issue and reassure them, so they will be more relaxed.
Choosing the best bedside crib or bassinet for your family will be contingent on a number of factors, including living situation and long-term plans. If you share a home with a partner or if your child is likely to be using the crib as they grow, it may be best to select a convertible crib that will be converted into solitary cribs or toddlers beds. A lot of our cribs have this option, and we suggest getting in touch with us for more information.
Aside from being a safe and convenient choice for new parents, the main benefit of a bedside crib is that it promotes bonding between mother and baby. Studies have proven that breastfeeding mothers tend to nurse longer when their baby is close. This leads to greater bonding between the two.
A bedside cot is a great option for new mothers who want to keep their infant close. But, prior to buying a bassinet, or co-sleeper it is important to make sure that it meets all of the safe sleep and Lullaby Trust guidelines. It is also important to take into consideration your budget, as there are a variety of options to choose from.