Bedside Co-Sleeper - What is a Bedside Co-Sleeper?
A bedside co-sleeper is a bassinet attached to the mattress's side which lets you reach your baby during the middle of the night. This type of cosleeping has been recommended by the NHS and The Lullaby Trust as it allows you to keep your baby close without risking SIDS.
Peace of Mind
Co-sleeping is an excellent parenting option. Although some parents are concerned about the possibility that sleeping close to their child increases the risk of SIDS, research like those published by NHS suggest that the opposite is true. However, it's important to remember that co-sleeping involves sharing a single sleeping surface, which can increase the risk of SIDS if not done so in a safe manner. Co-sleeping beds in cots have been designed to provide an appropriate middle ground between bed-sharing and separate sleeping areas which allows parents to be able to reach out over their child and gently to comfort or nurse them without leaving the safety of their bed.
Babies sleep best when they are fed and comforted regularly however exhausted parents might find it difficult to leave their beds to feed or soothe them. A bedside cot with a co sleeper lets parents keep their baby at a distance and avoid the need to leave their comfortable bedding. Some co sleepers come with an innovative design, such as the SnuzPod. The four walls can be opened to transform the cot into a cradle, giving an extra layer of safety. bedside rocking crib allows exhausted parents to keep an eye on their infants while still lying in bed.
Even a small amount of alcohol or other drugs can increase the risk of SIDS. It's not recommended to sleep with a baby if either the mother or father have an history of sleeping through the night. The NHS recommends ensuring that babies are put to sleep on their backs in order to minimize the chance of rolling and death. The safest option is to use a bedside cot or bassinet, or cradle.
Safety
While co-sleeping is commonly practiced in a variety of countries however, the NHS suggests that infants sleep in their own cribs rather than sharing a bed. This is because of the increased risk of overheating or suffocation. Children who sleep with their parents are more likely to be surrounded by pillows, blankets or sheets, which could restrict their breathing and contribute to SIDS. A crib for bed is an ideal solution. The close proximity to parents ensures that the baby is not being suffocated or overheated while still being capable of being easily reached for night-time feedings and comforting.
Parents around the world were eagerly anticipating the Dutch cosleeping pod when it first went viral in 2004. They wanted to experience safe cosleeping. Despite the excitement, doctors do not fully believe in a sleeping bed that is attached to the side of an adult bed.
The main concern is that a parent might accidentally roll over an infant and cause strangulation or the child to suffocate. This is especially true if the parent is sleeping while smoking, drinking or using drugs. The risk of overheating, falling or even death are also a possibility.
If you decide to opt for a bedside mattress, it is essential to choose one that meets all safety standards. The mattress should be snugly fitted without gaps and must not be susceptible to sliding. You should also familiarise yourself with the weight limits and age-related recommendations for the sleeper.
All new bedside beds must be compliant with the new safety standard that was announced in November of 2020. It replaces the old standards. There are still older models on sale in a few stores, but these are gradually disappearing as manufacturers transition to the new safety standards.
If you decide to buy a second-hand mattress ensure that it is in good working order before you purchase it. Make sure that the mechanism that holds the mattress to the parent's bed is robust and doesn't leave a gap, and that the mattress fits inside the sleeper with no gaps or bulges. Sheets should also fit snugly in order that the child cannot wriggle down inside and get stuck in a pocket, or be in danger of suffocation.
Convenience
Sleep experts like Lullaby Trust advise against bed-sharing. Using a bedside crib or bassinet is a safer option. They are designed to be attached to the sides of parents' bed, allowing baby to be in reach to feed at night and providing comfort. This means that tired parents aren't forced to leave their beds during the night and can keep a close watch on their child while getting a good night's rest.
Babies who sleep in a separate bedroom are more likely to have breathing pauses (apnoea), and are also at a higher risk of SIDS. According to research, babies sleep better if they are with their parents. Having your baby in co-sleeping also allows you to quickly respond to any problems and calm them, which means they feel more at ease.
The best bassinet or bedside crib for your family will be contingent on a few aspects, such as your living situation and long-term plans. If you share a house with a partner or if your child will be using the crib as they grow in age, it might be beneficial to choose a convertible crib that can transform into a solitary crib or toddlers beds. A lot of our cribs have this feature, and we recommend contact us for more details.
Aside from being a safe and practical option for exhausted new parents, the primary advantage of the bedside crib is that it encourages bonding between mother and baby. Research has shown that mothers who breastfeed tend to nurse longer when their infant is close. This leads to greater bonding between the two.
This is why the bedside cot is well-liked and is a great choice for any new mum who would like to keep their baby close by. However, when it comes to buying a bassinet, or co-sleeper it is important to ensure that it is in compliance with all the safe sleep and Lullaby Trust guidelines. You should also consider your budget, as there are a variety of options to choose from.