Bedside Co-Sleeper - What is a Bedside Co-Sleeper?
A bedside cot co sleeper is a bassinet that attaches to the side of your bed, allowing you to reach for your baby in the middle of the night. This type of co-sleeping is recommended 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 a crucial parenting choice. While some parents are concerned that sleeping in close proximity to their infant will increase the risk of SIDS, studies like those conducted by NHS suggest contrary. But, it's important to remember that co-sleeping involves sharing the same sleeping surface and can therefore increase the risk of SIDS when not carried out correctly. Bedside cots with co sleepers have been designed to offer a secure place to rest between bed sharing and separate sleeping surfaces which allows parents to hold their child and effortlessly soothe them without leaving the security of their bed.
It is essential to feed and reassure your baby frequently. However, tired parents may find it difficult to get up from their bed to do so. A bedside cot with a co sleeper lets parents keep their infant in a safe distance and not have to leave their bed. The unique design of some co sleepers, like the SnuzPod also allows the four walls to zip down and transform the cot into a cradle with an extra layer of protection that allows parents who are exhausted to watch their infant while they are in bed.
Even a small amount of alcohol or drugs could increase the risk of SIDS. baby bedside crib -sleeping with a child is not recommended if the parent has a history of sleeping through the night. The NHS suggests that infants are placed to sleep on their backs to reduce the risk of accidental rolling and suffocation. A bedside cot or bassinet is the safest method to make sure this is done.
Safety
While co-sleeping is commonly practiced in a variety of countries, the NHS suggests that infants be in their own cots rather than sharing a bed. This is because of the increased risk for overheating or suffocation. Babies who sleep with parents are more likely to be covered by pillows, blankets or sheets, which could obstruct their breathing and lead to SIDS. This is why a bedside crib is an ideal solution. The close proximity to parents will ensure that the child is not being suffocated or overheated while still being capable of being easily reached to feed at night and be comforted.
Parents across the globe were eagerly anticipating the Dutch cosleeping pod when it first became popular in 2004. They wanted to experience safe cosleeping. Despite the excitement and interest doctors aren't 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 may fall on the infant and cause strangulation or suffocation. The risk of this happening is particularly high if a parent is smoking, drinking alcohol or using drugs while asleep. Other risks include overheating, the risk of falling and the risk of a maternal death during pregnancy and after the birth of a child.
If you decide to choose a bedside sleeper, it is crucial to select one that is in compliance with all safety standards. The mattress should fit tightly without gaps and should not be susceptible to sagging. You should also familiarise yourself with the weight limits and age recommendations for the sleeper.
All new bedside beds will be required to meet the new safety standard, that was announced in November 2020. It replaces the earlier standards. Some stores may have older models on sale however they are slowly disappearing as manufacturers switch to the new standards.
If you choose to purchase a second-hand model, make sure that it is in good condition before you purchase it. Make sure that the mechanism that is used to anchor the bed on the mattress of the parent and does not leave any gaps. Also, make sure that the mattress fits in the sleeper with no bulges or gaps. The sheets should also fit snugly so that the baby won't get into a pocket, and become stuck or suffocate.
Convenience
Many new parents feel an instinctual desire to be by their baby's side at night, however experts in sleep such as Lullaby Trust recommend avoiding bed-sharing. Using a bedside crib, or bassinet is a better option. These cribs are made to be attached directly to the parent's bed to allow the baby to be easily accessible for feeding and sleeping. This means that tired parents don't have to leave their sleeping areas during the night, and they can keep an eye on their baby whilst getting a good night's rest.
Babies sleeping in a separate space are more likely to experience pauses in breathing (apnoea) and are at greater risk of SIDS. Research has shown that babies sleep better when they are in close proximity to their parents. You can also react quickly to any issues or concerns, or even reassure your baby to make them feel more comfortable.
Selecting the ideal bedside crib or bassinet for your family will be contingent on a variety of factors, including your living environment and long-term plans. If you share a house with a person who is a friend, or if your child is likely to be using the crib as he grows and develops, it is best to select a convertible crib that can be converted into solitary cribs or toddler beds. Many of our range include this feature, and we suggest getting in touch with us for more information.
Aside from being a safe and convenient option for tired new parents, the main benefit of a bedside crib is the fact that it fosters bonding between mother and baby. Studies have proven that mothers who are breastfeeding tend to breastfeed more frequently when their baby is near, which in turn leads to a stronger and more secure bond between them.
This is the reason why a bedside cot has become so well-liked and is a great option for a new mom who wishes to keep their baby close. When purchasing a bassinet or co-sleeper it is important to make sure that it is in compliance with Lullaby Trust and safe sleep guidelines. You should also consider your budget, as there are many options available.