Bedside Co-Sleeper - What is a Bedside Co-Sleeper?
A bedside co-sleeper is a bassinet attached to the side of your mattress, which allows you to be able to reach your baby during the middle of night. This kind of co-sleeping is recommended by The Lullaby Trust and NHS as it allows you to keep your baby close by without risking SIDS.
Peace of Mind
Co-sleeping is a vital parenting choice. Many 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 sharing a bed, which can increase the risk for SIDS. Bedside cots with co sleepers have been designed to provide a safe space between bed-sharing and separate sleeping areas, allowing a parent to be able to reach out over their child and easily to comfort or nurse them without leaving the security of their own bed.
It is essential to feed and soothe your baby regularly. However, parents who are exhausted may find it difficult to get up from their beds to feed their baby. A bedside cot co-sleeper lets parents keep their infant at arm's length and avoid the need to leave their bed. Some co sleepers feature an innovative design, for instance the SnuzPod. The four walls can be opened to convert the cot into a cradle. This provides an extra layer of safety. This allows exhausted parents to watch their newborns while still lying in bed.
It is important to keep in mind that the chance of SIDS increases if a parent smokes (even with a co-sleeper) and when drinks or substances are consumed, even in small amounts. Co-sleeping with a child is not recommended if the parent has an history of snoring. The NHS recommends ensuring that babies are placed to sleep on their backs to reduce the chance of rolling and the risk of suffocation. A bassinet or cot at the bedside is the safest way to make sure this is done.
Safety
While co-sleeping is widely practiced in a variety of countries, the NHS suggests that infants sleep in their own cribs instead of sharing a bed. This is due to the higher risk of suffocation and overheating. Babies in bed with parents are more likely to be covered by blankets, pillows, or sheets, which can hinder their breathing and lead to SIDS. A bedside crib can be a great solution. The crib is near the parents, preventing overheating or suffocation of the baby. It can be easily accessible for feedings at night and for comforting.
Parents around the world were eagerly anticipating the Dutch cosleeping pod when it first became viral in 2004. They wanted to try safe cosleeping. Despite the excitement and interest, doctors aren't yet fully supportive of the idea of a sleeping cot that can be fixed to the side of a bed for an adult.
The most significant concern is that a parent might roll onto an infant, causing strangulation or the child to suffocate. This is especially the case in the case of a parent who is asleep while smoking, drinking or using drugs. Other risks include overheating, the risk of falling, and the risk of a maternal death during pregnancy or after childbirth.
If you decide to opt for a bedside sleeper, it's vital to choose one that is in line with the highest standards of safety. The mattress must fit snugly without gaps and should not be prone to sagging. Also, you should be familiar with the recommended weight and age for the person sleeping.
All new bedside beds must conform to the new safety standard that was announced in November of 2020 and replaces previous standards. Some stores may still have older models on sale, but they are gradually disappearing as manufacturers make the switch to the new standards.
If you opt for a second-hand model ensure that it is in good working order prior to purchasing it. Verify that the mechanism that secures the mattress to the parent's bed is robust and does not leave a gap. Also, ensure that the mattress fits in the sleeper without any gaps or bulges. Sheets should fit snugly too to ensure that the baby cannot wriggle down inside and end up in a pocket or be at risk of suffocation.
Convenience
Many new parents feel the natural desire to be by their baby's side at night, but sleep experts like Lullaby Trust recommend avoiding bed-sharing. A bedside crib or bassinet is a better option. These cribs are designed to connect directly to the bed of the parent so that baby can be easily accessible for feeding and comforting at night. This means that tired parents don't have to leave their own sleeping areas during the night and can keep a close eye on their child while still sleeping well.
Children who sleep in a separate room are more likely to suffer from breathing pauses (apnoea) and are at greater risk of SIDS. bedside crib to cot has shown that babies sleep better when they are in close to their parents. Having your baby in a co-sleeper 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 is dependent on several factors, including your existing situation and plans for the future. For instance, if you have a partner or housemate who may also want to use the bedside crib, it may be a good idea to consider convertible options that will grow into separate cribs or toddler beds as your child develops. A lot of our cribs have this feature, and we recommend contacting us for more information.
Apart from being a secure and practical option for exhausted new parents, the most significant benefit of a crib that is placed near the bed is the fact that it fosters bonding between baby and mother. Studies have shown that mothers who are breastfeeding tend to breastfeed more frequently when their baby is near and this creates an even stronger and more secure bond between them.
This is the reason why the bedside cot is popular and is a good option for a new mom who wants to keep their baby close by. When buying a bassinet, or co-sleeper, you need to make sure that it complies with the Lullaby Trust and safe sleep guidelines. It's also important to consider what your budget is because there are options at all price points.