Bedside Co-Sleeper - What is a Bedside Co-Sleeper?
A bedside co-sleeper is a bassinet which attaches to the side of your bed and allows you to reach for your baby in the middle of the night. This kind of co-sleeping is suggested by The Lullaby Trust and NHS as it allows you to keep your baby close by without the risk of SIDS.
Peace of Mind
Co-sleeping is a crucial parenting decision. Although some parents are worried that sleeping in close proximity to their infant could increase the risk of SIDS, research like those conducted by NHS suggest otherwise. Co-sleeping is a form of sharing a bed that can increase the risk for SIDS. Bedside cots with co sleepers have been designed to offer a secure place to rest between bed sharing and separate sleeping areas, allowing a parent to reach over their child and gently to comfort or nurse them without leaving the safety of their own bed.
It is important to feed and reassure your baby regularly. However, tired parents might find it difficult to get up from their beds to feed their baby. The bedside co-sleeper gives parents the option to keep their infant close to them and not leave their comfy bed. Some co sleepers have an innovative design, such as the SnuzPod. The four walls can be closed to transform 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 worth bearing in mind that the risk of SIDS is increased when parents smoke (even with a co-sleeper) and if any alcohol or drugs are consumed, even in small quantities. It is also not recommended to co-sleep with a baby if either the mother or father have an history of snoring. The NHS recommends that babies sleep on their backs in order to minimize the risk of suffocation and accidental rolling. The most secure option is to use a bedside cot, bassinet or cradle.
Safety
While co-sleeping is widely practiced in a variety of countries however, the NHS advises that infants should sleep in their own cot rather than sharing your bed. This is because of the increased risk of suffocation or overheating. When a baby is in bed with their parents are more likely covered by pillows, blankets or sheets. This can cause SIDS. bedside cots for newborns is why a crib for bed is such a great solution. The crib is located close to the parents, preventing overheating or suffocation of the baby. It can still be easily accessible for feedings at night and for providing comfort.
When the Dutch co-sleeping cot image first became to the internet four years ago, parents around the world were eager to own one to try out safe co-sleeping while their child was sleeping. Despite the excitement and enthusiasm, doctors aren't yet completely in support of the idea of a sleeping cot that fixes to the side of an adult bed.
The main concern is that a parent could accidentally roll over an infant and cause strangulation or the child to suffocate. This is particularly true when the parent is asleep while drinking, smoking or taking drugs. The risk of overheating, falling or even death are other risks.
If you decide to choose a bedside sleeper it is important that you select one that meets all safety standards. The mattress should be snugly fitted without gaps and not be susceptible to sagging. It is also important to familiarize yourself with the weight limitations and age guidelines for sleepers.
All new bedside beds will be required to meet the new safety standard, which was launched in November of 2020. It replaces the earlier standards. You may still see older models on sale in some stores but they are gradually disappearing as manufacturers make the transition to the new safety standards.
If you are considering purchasing a secondhand model, check that it's in good condition. Verify that the mechanism that secures the mattress to the parent's bed is robust and does not leave a gap, and that the mattress fits properly inside the sleeper with no any gaps or bulges. The sheets should also be snug enough that the baby won't get into a pocket and get trapped or choke.
Convenience
Sleep experts like Lullaby Trust advise against bed-sharing. Using a bedside crib or bassinet is a safer alternative. These cribs are made to be attached directly to the bed of the parent so that baby can be easily reached for feeding or comforting at night. Parents can rest comfortably at night without leaving their bed.
Babies who sleep in separate bedrooms are more likely to have breathing pauses (apnoea) and also are at higher risk of developing SIDS. According to research, babies sleep better if they are with their parents. You can also quickly respond to any problems or reassure your baby and make them feel more at ease.
The ideal bedside bassinet or crib for your family will depend on many aspects, including the existing situation and plans for the future. For instance, if you are living with a spouse or household member who may want to use the bedside crib then it might be beneficial to consider convertible options that can be converted into separate cribs or toddler beds as your child grows older. We recommend contacting us to find out more about this feature.
Apart from being a secure and convenient choice for new parents, the most significant benefit of a bedside crib is that it promotes bonding between mother and baby. Studies have proven that breastfeeding mothers tend to nurse for longer if their baby is close. This leads to an increased bond between the two.
A bedside cot is an excellent option for mothers who wish to keep their child nearby. But, prior to purchasing a bassinet or co-sleeper, you must check that it complies with all the safe sleep and Lullaby Trust guidelines. It's also worth assessing what your budget is, because there are options at all price levels.