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 that allows you to 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 an important parenting decision. Although some parents are worried that sleeping in close proximity to their child increases 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 the same sleep surface and can therefore increase the risk of SIDS if not executed in a proper manner. bedside crib co sleeper with co sleepers are designed to provide a secure space between bed-sharing and separate sleeping areas, allowing a parent to hold their child and gently soothe them without leaving the security of their bed.
Babies sleep best when they are fed and soothed regularly however exhausted parents might find it difficult to leave their beds in order to feed or soothe them. A bedside cot with a co sleeper lets parents keep their infant at arm's length and avoid the need to leave their bed. Some co sleepers have an innovative design, for instance the SnuzPod. The four walls can be zipped down to transform the cot into a cradle, giving an additional layer of protection. This allows exhausted parents to be able to watch their babies while still lying in bed.
It is important to keep in mind that the chance of SIDS increases when parents smoke (even with a co-sleeper) and when alcohol or drugs are consumed even in small amounts. Co-sleeping with children is not recommended if the parent has an history of sleeping through the night. The NHS recommends ensuring that young babies are always put to sleep on their back to minimise the chance of rolling and suffocation. The safest choice is to utilize a cot at the bedside or bassinet, or cradle.
Safety
The NHS recommends that babies be placed in their own cribs, rather than share your bed. This is due to the higher chance of suffocation and heat. Babies who sleep with parents are more likely to be surrounded by blankets, pillows, or sheets, which can obstruct their breathing and lead to SIDS. A bedside crib can be a great solution. Being close to parents will ensure that the child is not being suffocated or overheated while still being capable of being easily reached for feedings at night and comforting.
When the Dutch co-sleeping cot image first went viral in 2014 parents from all over the world were eager to acquire one to test the safest co-sleeping with their baby. Despite the excitement doctors do not agree with the idea of a sleeping bed that is attached to the side of an adult bed.
The primary concern is that a parent might roll onto an infant and cause strangulation or death. The risk of this is particularly high if a parent smokes, drinks alcohol or using drugs while asleep. Other risks include overheating, the risk of falling, and the possibility of maternal death during pregnancy and after the birth of a child.
If you decide to opt for a bedside sleeper it is essential to choose a model that meets all safety standards. The mattress should fit tightly without gaps and not be susceptible to sagging. You should also be familiar with the weight limits and age recommendations for sleepers.
All new bedside beds must comply with a new safety standard that was introduced in November 2020. It replaces the old standards. Some stores may still have older models on sale however they are slowly disappearing as manufacturers shift to the new standards.
If you decide to purchase a used model, check that it's in good condition. Make sure that the mechanism that is used to anchor the bed on the mattress of the parent is sturdy and does not leave any gaps. Also, ensure that the mattress fits in the sleeper properly without any gaps or bulges. Sheets should be snugly fitted too, so that the baby can't squiggle around and get stuck in a pocket or be at risk of suffocation.
Convenience
Many new parents experience the natural desire to be by their baby's side at night, but experts in sleep such as Lullaby Trust recommend avoiding bed-sharing. Using a bedside crib or bassinet is a safer alternative. They are made to be attached to the side of a parent's bed, allowing the baby to remain close enough to feed at night and providing comfort. Parents can rest peacefully at night without leaving their bed.
Babies who have a separate bedroom are more likely than others to have breathing pauses (apnoea) and also are at higher risk of developing SIDS. According to research babies sleep better when they are close to their parents. You can also respond quickly to any problems or reassure your baby and make them feel more at ease.
The best bedside bassinet or crib for your family depends on many factors, including your existing situation and plans for the future. If you live with a partner, or if your child will be using the crib as they grow in age, it might be beneficial to pick an adjustable crib that can be converted into solitary cribs or toddler beds. Many of our range include this feature, and we recommend contacting us for more information.
The bedside crib helps foster bonding with the mother and baby. It's a convenient and safe choice for new parents who are tired. Research has shown that mothers who breastfeed tend to nurse longer when their baby is close. This results in a stronger attachment between the two.
This is the reason why a bedside cot has become so popular and is a good option for any new mom who wishes to keep their baby close. But, prior to buying a bassinet or co-sleeper, it's important to check that it complies with all of the safe sleep and Lullaby Trust guidelines. It is also important to be aware of your budget, since there are a variety of options to choose from.