Bedside Co-Sleeper - What is a Bedside Co-Sleeper?

A bedside co-sleeper cot is a bassinet that attaches to the side of your bed and allows you to reach out for your baby during the night. This kind of co-sleeping has been recommended by The Lullaby Trust and NHS as it lets you keep your baby close without risking SIDS.

Peace of Mind

Co-sleeping is an important parenting decision. Although some parents are worried that sleeping in close proximity to their baby could increase the risk of SIDS, studies like those conducted by NHS suggest contrary. It is crucial to remember that co-sleeping involves sharing the same sleep surface and can therefore increase the risk of SIDS when not done so in a safe manner. Bedside cots with co sleepers are designed to provide a secure place to rest between bed sharing and separate sleeping surfaces which allows parents to reach over their child and easily nurse or comfort them without leaving the security of their bed.

Babies sleep best when they are fed and reassured regularly however exhausted parents might find it difficult to leave their beds to feed or soothe them. A bedside cot co-sleeper allows parents to keep their baby at a distance and not have to leave their comfy bed. The innovative design of some co sleepers, like the SnuzPod also allows the four walls to slide down and turn the co-sleeper into a cradle that has an extra layer of protection that allows parents who are tired to watch their infant while they are in bed.

Even small amounts of alcohol or other drugs can increase the risk of SIDS. Co-sleeping with a child is not recommended when the parent has 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 bedside cot or bassinet is the most secure method to ensure this.

Safety

While co-sleeping is a common practice in a number of countries, the NHS advises that infants should be in their own cots instead of sharing a bed. This is due to the increased risk of suffocation and overheating. Babies who sleep with their parents are more likely covered by blankets, pillows or sheets. This can cause SIDS. A bedside crib can be a great solution. The crib is located close to the parents, which prevents suffocation or overheating of the baby. It can be easily reached to feed the baby at night and also for comforting.

Parents around the world were eagerly anticipating 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 which can be attached to the side of a bed for an adult.

The most significant concern is that a parent might roll onto an infant and cause strangulation or suffocation. This is especially the case when the parent is asleep while drinking, smoking or taking drugs. Other risks include overheating, the chance of falling and the possibility of maternal death during pregnancy and following the birth of a child.

If you decide to go with a bedside sleeper, it's crucial to select one that meets the highest standards of safety. The mattress should be snugly fitted without gaps and be susceptible to sagging. You should also familiarise yourself with the weight limits and age recommendations for sleepers.

All new bedside sleepers will have to comply with the new safety standard, that was announced in November 2020. It replaces the earlier standards. Some stores may still have older models available, but they are gradually disappearing as manufacturers switch to the new standards.

If you opt for an older model ensure that it is in good working order prior to purchasing it. Verify that the mechanism that holds the bed to the parent's bed is strong and doesn't leave a gap, and that the mattress fits properly in the sleeper without any gaps or bulges. The sheets must also be snug enough that the baby can't wriggle into a pocket and become trapped or choke.

Convenience

Many new parents feel the natural desire to be by their baby's bed at night, but experts in sleep such as Lullaby Trust recommend avoiding bed-sharing. Using a bedside cot 6 months plus crib, or bassinet is a safer option. They are designed to attach to the sides of a parent's bed, allowing baby to be in reach to feed at night and comforting. This lets parents rest comfortably at night without leaving their bed.

Babies who sleep in a separate bedroom are more likely than others to suffer breathing pauses (apnoea) and also are at a higher risk of SIDS. According to research babies sleep better when they are near their parents. Having your baby in co-sleeping also allows you to quickly respond to any issue and calm them, which means they will be more relaxed.

Selecting the ideal bedside crib or bassinet for your family will be contingent on a few factors, including living situation and long-term plans. For instance, if live with a partner or household member who may want to use the bedside crib, it could be beneficial to consider convertible options that will grow into standalone cribs or toddler beds as your child grows up. A lot of our cribs have this option, and we suggest contact us for more details.

The bedside cot 6 months plus crib helps foster bonding between the mother and baby. It is a convenient and safe choice for new parents who are exhausted. Research has shown that mothers who breastfeed tend to nurse longer when their infant is close. This creates a stronger attachment between the two.

This is why a bedside baby bed cot has become so popular, and a good choice for any new mum who wishes to keep their baby close by. However, when it comes to buying a bassinet, or co-sleeper, it's important to make sure that it meets all the safe sleep and Lullaby Trust guidelines. It is also important to take into consideration your budget, as there are numerous options to choose from.