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 be able to reach your baby during the middle of night. This type of co-sleeping is recommended by the Lullaby Trust and NHS as it lets you keep your baby close by without risking SIDS.
Peace of Mind
Co-sleeping is a great parenting choice. Although some parents are concerned that sleeping close to their baby could increase the risk of SIDS, research like those conducted by NHS suggest otherwise. Co-sleeping refers to sharing a bed, which can increase the risk of SIDS. Bedside cots with co sleepers have been designed to offer an appropriate place to rest between bed sharing and separate sleeping areas which allows parents to reach over their child and easily to comfort or nurse them without leaving the safety of their own bed.
It is crucial to feed and comfort your infant regularly. However, parents who are tired might have difficulty to get up from their beds to feed their baby. The bedside co-sleeper gives parents to keep their baby close and not leave their bed. The unique design of some co sleepers, like the SnuzPod, also allows the four walls to zip down and transform the co-sleeper into a cradle that has an extra layer of protection, making it easy for tired parents to watch their baby while still in their bed.
It is worth bearing in mind that the risk of SIDS increases when a parent smokes (even with a co-sleeper) and if any alcohol or drugs are consumed, even in small amounts. It is also not recommended to sleep in a crib with a baby if the father or mother has an history of sleeping through the night. The NHS recommends ensuring that infants are placed to sleep on their back to minimise the chance of rolling and suffocation. A bassinet or cot at the bedside is the safest way to ensure this.
Safety
While co-sleeping is a common practice in many countries however, the NHS suggests that infants sleep in their own cot rather than sharing your bed. This is due to the increased risk of suffocation and overheating. Children who sleep with their parents are more likely to be covered by blankets, pillows, or sheets, which could obstruct their breathing and lead to SIDS. A bedside crib can be a great solution. The close proximity to parents will ensure that the child is not being suffocated or overheated. Moreover, Recommended Reading is accessible to feed at night and be comforted.
Parents across the globe were eagerly anticipating the Dutch cosleeping pod when it first went viral in 2004. They wanted to try safe cosleeping. Despite the enthusiasm and excitement however, doctors are not yet adamant about the idea of a sleeping cot that fixes to the side of a bed for an adult.
The main concern is that a parent may accidentally roll over the infant and cause strangulation or the child to suffocate. This is especially true in the case of a parent who is asleep while drinking, smoking or using a drug. Other dangers include overheating, the chance of falling and the risk of a maternal death during pregnancy or after the birth of the child.
If you decide to choose a bedside sleeper, it is crucial to select one that meets all safety standards. The mattress should be snugly fitted without gaps and shouldn't be prone to sagging. You should also be familiar with the weight limitations and age recommendations for sleepers.
All new bedside sleepers must conform to a new safety standard that was launched in November 2020 and replaces the previous standards. Some stores may offer older models for sale but they are slowly disappearing as manufacturers switch to the new standards.
If you are considering purchasing a secondhand model, check that it's in good shape. Check that the mechanism that is used to anchor the bed on the mattress of the parent is sturdy and doesn't leave any gaps. Also, ensure that the mattress fits into the sleeper properly without any gaps or bulges. The sheets should also fit snugly so that the baby doesn't slide into a pocket and become trapped or even suffocate.
Convenience
Many new parents experience an instinctual desire to be at their baby's bed at night, but experts in sleep such as Lullaby Trust recommend avoiding bed-sharing. A bedside crib or bassinet can be a safer option. They are designed to attach to the sides of parents' bed, allowing the baby to remain close enough for feeding at night and comforting. Parents can sleep well at the end of the night without having to leave their bed.
Babies who sleep in a separate bedroom are more likely than other children to suffer breathing pauses (apnoea) and also are at higher risk of developing SIDS. According to research that babies sleep better when they are near their parents. You can also respond quickly to any issue or concern your baby to make them feel more comfortable.
The ideal bedside bassinet or crib for your family is dependent on several aspects, including the location of your home and the plans for the future. For instance, if have a partner or housemate who may also want to use the bedside crib then it might be best to look at convertible options that can be converted into standalone cribs or toddler beds as your child grows up. Many of our products 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 crib that is placed near the bed is the fact that it fosters bonding between mother and child. Studies have shown that mothers who are breastfeeding tend to breastfeed longer when their baby is close, which in turn results in an increased and secure attachment between the pair.
A bedside cot can be an ideal option for new mothers who want to keep their baby close to them. But, prior to purchasing a bassinet or co-sleeper, you must check that it complies with all of the safe sleeping and Lullaby Trust guidelines. It's also worth considering what your budget is, because there are options at all price points.