Bedside Co-Sleeper - What is a Bedside Co-Sleeper?
A bedside co-sleeper is a bassinet that attaches to the side of your bed which allows you to reach for your baby during the night. This type of cosleeping is been recommended by the NHS as well as the Lullaby Trust as it allows you to keep your baby close, without risking SIDS.
Peace of Mind
Co-sleeping is a vital parenting decision. Some parents worry 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 sleeping space which could increase the risk for SIDS. Bedside cots designed for co-sleeping are made to provide a safe middle space between the two sleeping surfaces. They permit parents to reach out and soothe their child without leaving their bed.
Babies sleep best when they are fed and reassured regularly However, exhausted parents may find it difficult to leave their beds to feed or comfort them. A bedside cot with a co sleeper allows parents to keep their infant in a safe distance and avoid the need to leave their comfortable bedding. The unique design of some co sleepers, such as the SnuzPod, also allows the four walls to zip down and turn the cot into a cradle with an additional layer of protection that allows parents who are tired to keep an eye on their infant while they are in their bed.
It is worth bearing in mind that the chance of SIDS is increased when smoking by a parent (even with a co-sleeper) and if any alcohol or drugs are consumed even in small amounts. Co-sleeping with children is not recommended when the parent has a history of snoring. The NHS recommends ensuring that infants are sleeping on their backs in order to minimize the chance of rolling and suffocation. A bassinet or bedside cot is the best way to make sure this is done.
Safety
While co-sleeping is widely practiced in a variety of countries, the NHS recommends that infants sleep in their own cot rather than sharing a bed. This is due to the increased risk of suffocation and overheating. Children who sleep with their parents are more likely to be surrounded by pillows, blankets or sheets, which can hinder their breathing and lead to SIDS. A bedside crib can be an ideal solution. The close proximity to parents ensures that the baby isn't being suffocated, or overheated, while being able to be easily reached for feedings at night and comforting.
When the Dutch co-sleeping pod image first became to the internet four years ago parents from all over the world were eager to get their hands on one to experience safe co-sleeping with their child. Despite the excitement and interest, doctors aren't yet completely in support of the idea of a sleeping cot which can be attached to the side of a bed for an adult.
The primary concern is that a parent may fall on an infant and cause strangulation or death. The risk of this happening is particularly high if the parent smokes, drinks alcohol or taking drugs during sleep. The risk of overheating, falling or even death are other risks.
If you choose to purchase a bedside sleeper, it is important that you select one that is in compliance with all safety standards. The mattress must be fitted without gaps and not be prone sagging. It is also important to familiarize yourself with the weight limits and age guidelines for the sleeper.
All new bedside sleepers be required to meet the new safety standard which was introduced in November of 2020. It replaces the previous standards. There may be older models for sale in some stores but they are slowly disappearing as manufacturers transition to the new safety standards.
If rocking bedside crib decide to buy a second-hand model, make sure that it is in good working order before you purchase it. Make sure that the mechanism used to fix the bed to the mattress of the parent is sturdy and doesn't leave any gaps. Also, ensure that the mattress fits inside the sleeper properly without any gaps or bulges. The sheets should fit snugly so that the baby doesn't slide into a pocket and get trapped or choke.
Convenience
Sleep experts such as Lullaby Trust advise against bed-sharing. Using a bedside crib or bassinet is a better option. These cribs are designed to attach directly to the bed of the parent so that baby can be easily reached for feeding and sleeping. This means exhausted parents don't have to leave their bed at night, and they can keep an eye on their baby whilst still getting a goodnight's sleep.
Children who sleep in separate bedrooms are more likely than other children to have breathing pauses (apnoea) and also are at higher risk of developing SIDS. According to research that babies sleep better when they are close to their parents. The fact that your child is co-sleeping also allows you to quickly respond to any issues and calm them, which means they will be more relaxed.
The ideal bedside bassinet crib for your family is dependent on several aspects, including the location of your home and the plans for the future. If you share a house with a partner 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 transform into a solitary crib or toddlers beds. We recommend that you contact us to find out more about this feature.
In addition to being a safe and convenient option for tired new parents, the most significant advantage of the bedside crib is that it promotes bonding between mother and child. Studies have proven that mothers who breastfeed tend to breastfeed more frequently when their baby is close which results in a stronger and more secure bond between them.
This is why the bedside cot is popular and is a good option for a new mom who would like to keep their baby close by. However, when it comes to purchasing a bassinet or co-sleeper, it's important to ensure that it is in compliance with all of the safe sleep and Lullaby Trust guidelines. It's also important to consider what your budget is because there are options at all price levels.