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 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 without risking SIDS.
Peace of Mind
Co-sleeping is a crucial parenting decision. Although some parents are concerned that sleeping close to their child could increase the risk of SIDS, research like those published by NHS suggest that the opposite is true. It is crucial to remember that co-sleeping requires sharing the same sleeping surface and can therefore increase the risk of SIDS if it's not carried out correctly. Bedside cot co sleepers have been designed to provide a secure place to rest between bed sharing and separate sleeping surfaces which allows parents to hold their child and easily to comfort or nurse them, without leaving the comfort of their own bed.
Babies sleep best when they are fed and comforted regularly, but exhausted parents can be unable to leave their bed to feed or comfort them. A bedside cot co sleeper lets parents keep their infant at arm's length and avoid having to leave their bed. The innovative design of a few co sleepers, such as the SnuzPod also allows the four walls to slide down and transform the cot into a cradle with an additional layer of protection, making it easy for parents who are exhausted to keep an eye on their baby while still in the bed.
Even small amounts of alcohol or drugs could increase the risk of SIDS. It's not recommended to sleep in a crib with a baby if the father or mother have a history of snoring. The NHS recommends that babies sleep on their backs in order to minimize the chance of suffocation or accidental rolling. A bassinet or cot at the bedside is the most secure way to make sure this is done.
Safety
While co-sleeping is commonly practiced in a number of countries, the NHS suggests that infants sleep in their own cribs rather than sharing your bed. This is due to the increased risk of overheating or suffocation. Babies in bed with parents are more likely to be surrounded by pillows, blankets or sheets, which may obstruct their breathing and lead to SIDS. This is why a crib that is placed near the bed is a fantastic solution. The crib is close to the parents, preventing overheating or suffocation of the baby. It can be easily reached for feedings at night and for soothing.
Parents from all over the world were eagerly awaiting the Dutch cosleeping pod when it first became viral in 2004. They wanted to test safe cosleeping. Despite the excitement and enthusiasm however, doctors are not yet adamant about the idea of a sleeping cot that fixes to the side of an adult bed.
The main concern is that a parent could fall on an infant and cause strangulation or the child to suffocate. This is especially true in the case of a parent who is asleep when drinking, smoking or using a drug. Other dangers include overheating, the possibility of a fall and the risk of maternal death during pregnancy or after the birth of a child.
If you decide to opt for a bedside sleeper, it is crucial to select a model that meets all safety standards. The mattress should fit comfortably without gaps and must not be prone to sliding. You should also familiarise yourself with the weight limits and age-related recommendations for sleepers.
All new bedside sleepers be required to meet the new safety standard which was introduced in November 2020. It replaces the previous standards. Some stores might still have older models on sale, but they are gradually disappearing as manufacturers make the switch to the new standards.
If bedside cot reviews decide to buy an older model ensure that it is in good working order before you purchase it. Make sure that the mechanism that is used to anchor the bed on the mattress of the parent and doesn't leave gaps. Also, ensure that the mattress fits into the sleeper with no gaps or bulges. Sheets should also fit snugly, so that the baby is unable to wiggle inside and become trapped in a pocket or be at risk of being suffocated.
Convenience
Sleep experts such as Lullaby Trust advise against bed-sharing. A bedside crib or bassinet is a safer option. They are designed to be attached to the side of a parent's bed, keeping baby in reach for feeding at night and relaxing. This means that tired parents don't have to leave their bed at night and can keep an eye on their baby whilst still getting a goodnight's sleep.
Babies who sleep in a separate bedroom are more likely than other children to have breathing pauses (apnoea) and also are at higher risk of developing SIDS. Research has shown that babies sleep better when they are in close proximity to their parents. You can also react quickly to any problems or reassure your baby, making them more comfortable.
The ideal bedside bassinet or crib for your family depends on several factors, including your existing situation and plans for the future. If you share a house with a spouse or if your child will be using the crib as he grows and develops, it is best to pick a convertible crib that will transform into a solitary crib or toddler beds. We recommend contacting us to inquire about this feature.
The bedside crib fosters bonding between the mother and baby. It's a convenient and safe option for new parents who are tired. Research has shown that breastfeeding mothers tend to breastfeed longer when their baby is close which leads to an even stronger and more secure attachment between the pair.
A bedside cot could be an excellent option for mothers who want to keep their infant nearby. However, when it comes to buying a bassinet, or co-sleeper it is important to check that it complies with all the safe sleep and Lullaby Trust guidelines. It is also important to take into consideration your budget, as there are many options available.