Bedside Co-Sleeper - What is a Bedside Co-Sleeper?
A bedside co-sleeper is a bassinet that is attached to the mattress's side, which allows you to reach your baby during the middle of the night. This type of cosleeping is been recommended by the NHS and the Lullaby Trust as it allows you keep your baby close and not risk SIDS.
Peace of Mind
Co-sleeping is a vital parenting decision. Some parents worry that sleeping close to their baby increases the risk of SIDS. However, studies such as those published by NHS suggest the opposite. Co-sleeping is sharing the same sleeping surface that can increase the risk of SIDS. Co-sleepers for bedside cots are designed to provide a secure, middle space between bed sharing and separate sleeping surfaces. They permit parents to reach out and provide comfort to their child without leaving their bed.
It is essential to feed and reassure your infant regularly. However, parents who are exhausted might find it difficult to get up from their bed to feed their child. The bedside co-sleeper gives parents the option to keep their baby close and not leave their comfy bed. The innovative design of some co sleepers, like the SnuzPod also permits the four walls to zip down and turn the crib into a cradle, providing an extra layer of security which makes it easier for parents who are exhausted to keep an eye on their infant while they are in bed.
Even a small amount of alcohol or drugs could increase the risk of SIDS. Co-sleeping with children is not recommended in the event of a parent with an history of sleeping through the night. The NHS recommends ensuring that babies are sleeping on their back to minimise the chance of rolling and the risk of suffocation. A bedside cot or bassinet is the safest way to make sure this is done.
Safety
The NHS recommends that babies sleep in their own cribs, rather than sharing your bed. This is due to the higher risk of suffocation and overheating. Babies who sleep with parents are more likely to be covered by blankets, pillows, or sheets, which could restrict their breathing and contribute to SIDS. A crib for bed is an ideal solution. Being close to parents ensures that the baby isn't being suffocated, or overheated while still being able to be easily reached for feedings at night and comforting.
When the Dutch co-sleeping pod first became viral four years ago parents across the globe were eager to get their hands on one to try out safe co-sleeping with their child. Despite the excitement doctors don't agree with the idea of a sleeping bed that is attached to the side of an adult bed.
The most significant issue is that a parent could fall over the infant, causing suffocation or strangulation. The risk of this happening is especially high if the parent is smoking, drinking alcohol or taking drugs during sleep. Other risks include overheating, the risk of a fall and the possibility of maternal death during pregnancy and following the birth of the child.
If you decide to go with a bedside sleeper, it's vital to choose one that meets the highest standards of safety. bedside crib and travel cot should be snugly fitted without gaps and must not be prone to sliding. It is also important to familiarize yourself with the weight limits and age guidelines for sleepers.
All new bedside sleepers will be required to conform to the new safety standard, that was announced in November of 2020. It replaces the earlier standards. Some stores may offer older models for sale but they are slowly disappearing as manufacturers shift to the new standards.
If you are considering purchasing a secondhand model, check that it's in good condition. Verify that the mechanism used to fix the bed to the mattress of the parent and doesn't leave gaps. Also, ensure that the mattress fits into the sleeper properly without any bulges or gaps. The sheets must also fit comfortably so that the baby doesn't slide into a pocket and get stuck or suffocate.
Convenience
Many new parents feel a natural urge to be at their baby's side at night, but experts in sleep such as Lullaby Trust recommend avoiding bed-sharing. A bedside crib or bassinet can be a safer option. These cribs are made to be attached directly to the bed of the parent so that the baby can be easily reached for feeding or resting at night. This means exhausted parents do not have to leave their beds during the night and can keep a close eye on their baby whilst still sleeping well.
Children who sleep in separate bedrooms are more likely to have breathing pauses (apnoea), and also are at an increased risk of SIDS. Research has found that babies sleep better when they're close to their parents. Having your baby in co-sleeping also means that you can quickly respond to any problems and reassure them, so they are more comfortable.
Choosing the best bassinet or bedside crib for your family will be contingent on a variety of factors, including your living environment and long-term plans. If you share a home with a spouse or if your child is likely to be using the crib as he grows and develops, it is best to pick an adjustable crib that can be converted into solitary cribs or toddler beds. We recommend contacting us to find out more about this feature.
Aside from being a safe and convenient choice for new parents, the main advantage of the bedside crib is that it promotes bonding between baby and mother. Research has shown that mothers who breastfeed tend to breastfeed more frequently when their baby is near which results in a stronger and more secure bond between them.
This is why a bedside cot is so popular, and a good option for any new mom who wishes to keep their baby close. But, prior to purchasing a bassinet or co-sleeper it is important to ensure that it is in compliance with all the safe sleep and Lullaby Trust guidelines. It's also important to consider the cost of your purchase, because there are options at all price points.