Bedside Co-Sleeper - What is a Bedside Co-Sleeper?
A bedside co-sleeper is a bassinet that is attached to the side of your mattress, which allows you to reach your baby during the middle of the night. This type of co-sleeping is suggested by The Lullaby Trust and NHS as it lets you keep your baby close without the risk of SIDS.
Peace of Mind
Co-sleeping is an important parenting decision. Some parents are concerned that sleeping with their child increases the risk of SIDS. However studies such as those published by NHS suggest the reverse. Co-sleeping is a form of sharing a bed, which can increase the risk of SIDS. Co-sleepers for bedside cots are designed to be a safe, middle space between beds that share and separate sleeping areas. They permit parents to reach out and provide comfort to their child without leaving their bed.
It is essential to feed and comfort your baby regularly. However, parents who are tired may find it difficult to get up from their beds to feed their baby. The bedside co sleeper allows parents to keep their infant close to them and not have to leave their comfortable bedding. The innovative design of a few co sleepers, such as the SnuzPod also permits the four walls to slide down and turn the co-sleeper into a cradle that has an additional layer of protection which makes it easier for parents who are tired to keep an eye on their infant while they are in the bed.
It is important to keep in mind that the risk of SIDS increases when parents smoke (even with a co-sleeper) and when drinks or substances are consumed, even in small amounts. Co-sleeping with children is not recommended when the parent has a history of sleeping through the night. The NHS suggests that babies sleep on their backs in order to minimize the risk of suffocation as well as accidental rolling. The most secure option is to utilize a cot at the bedside, bassinet or cradle.
Safety
The NHS suggests that babies sleep in their own cribs, rather than sharing your bed. This is due to the increased risk of suffocation and overheating. Babies who sleep with their parents are more likely to be covered by blankets, pillows or sheets. This could lead to SIDS. This is why a crib for bed is a fantastic solution. The crib is close to the parents, which prevents suffocation or overheating of the baby. It can still be easily reached to feed the baby at night and also for providing comfort.
When the Dutch co-sleeping pod image first became viral in 2014 parents from all over the world were eager to get their hands on one to try out safe co-sleeping with their baby. Despite the enthusiasm and excitement doctors aren't yet completely in support of the idea of a sleeping cot that can be fixed to the side of a bed for adults.
The main concern is that a parent may roll onto an infant, causing strangulation or the child to suffocate. The risk is particularly high if the parent is smoking, drinking alcohol or taking drugs while asleep. Other dangers include overheating, the risk of a fall and the possibility of maternal death during pregnancy or after childbirth.
If you decide to go with a bedside sleeper, it is vital to choose a model that meets the highest standards of safety. The mattress should fit comfortably without gaps and shouldn't be prone to sagging. It is also important to familiarize yourself with the weight limitations and age guidelines for the sleeper.
All new bedside sleepers have to be compliant with the new safety standard which was announced in November of 2020. It replaces the old standards. There may be older models available for sale in some shops but they are gradually disappearing as manufacturers move to the new safety standards.
If you opt for a second-hand mattress ensure that it is in good shape before you purchase it. Verify the mechanism used to secure the mattress to the parent's bed is sturdy and doesn't leave a gap. Also, ensure that the mattress fits in the sleeper without any gaps or bulges. Sheets should also fit snugly to ensure that the baby cannot wriggle down inside and become trapped in a pocket or be in danger of suffocation.
Convenience
Many new parents experience a natural urge to be by their child's bed at night, but sleep experts like Lullaby Trust recommend avoiding bed-sharing. A bedside crib or bassinet is a better option. These cribs are made to be attached directly to the bed of the parent so that baby can be easily accessible for feeding and resting at night. This means that exhausted parents do not have to leave their own bed at night and can keep an watch on their child while getting a good night's rest.
Babies who sleep in a separate space are more likely to experience pauses in breathing (apnoea) and are more prone to SIDS. Research has shown that babies sleep better when they're in close proximity to their parents. You can also respond quickly to any issues or concerns, or even reassure your baby to make them feel more comfortable.
Choosing cot bedside or bedside crib that is suitable for your family will be contingent on a variety of factors, including living situation and long-term plans. If you live with a spouse, or if your child will be using the crib as they grow, it may be best to pick a convertible crib that can grow into solitary cribs or toddlers beds. Many of our range include this feature, and we suggest contacting us for more information.
Apart from being a secure and convenient choice for 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 breastfeeding mothers tend to breastfeed longer when their baby is close which results in a stronger and more secure bond between them.
This is the reason why a bedside cot is so popular and is a good option for any new mom who would like to keep their baby close. When purchasing a bassinet or co-sleeper, you need to make sure that it complies with the Lullaby Trust and safe sleep guidelines. It's also worth assessing the cost of your purchase, as there are options available at all prices.