Bedside Co-Sleeper - What is a Bedside Co-Sleeper?
A bedside co-sleeper is a bassinet attached to the side of your mattress which lets you reach baby in the middle 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 can be a good parenting choice. While some parents are concerned about the possibility that sleeping close to their child could increase the risk of SIDS, research like those published by NHS suggest contrary. However, it's important to keep in mind that co-sleeping is sharing the same sleeping surface, and could increase the risk of SIDS when not carried out correctly. Bedside cot co sleepers have been designed to provide an appropriate place to rest between bed sharing and separate sleeping areas that allow parents to hold their child and easily nurse or comfort them without leaving the security of their bed.
Babies sleep best when they are fed and reassured frequently however exhausted parents might be unable to leave their beds in order to feed or comfort their children. The bedside sleeper gives parents to keep their baby close and not have to leave their bed. The innovative design of some co sleepers, like the SnuzPod also allows the four walls to slide down and turn the crib into a cradle, providing an extra layer of protection which makes it easier for parents who are exhausted to keep an eye on their infant while they are in their bed.
Even small amounts of alcohol or drugs could increase the risk of SIDS. It's also not a good idea to co-sleep with a baby if either the father or mother have an history of sleeping through the night. The NHS recommends that babies sleep on their backs in order to minimize the risk of suffocation and accidental rolling. A bassinet or cot at the bedside is the best way to ensure this.
Safety
The NHS suggests that babies sleep in their own cribs rather than sharing your bed. This is due to the higher risk of overheating and suffocation. When a baby is in bed with their parents are more likely covered by blankets, pillows or sheets. This can lead to SIDS. small bedside cot that is placed near the bed can be an ideal solution. The close proximity to parents will ensure that the baby isn't being suffocated, or overheated. Moreover, the baby is able to be easily reached for night-time feedings and comforting.
When the Dutch co-sleeping pod image first became viral in 2014 parents across the globe were eager to acquire one to test the safest co-sleeping with their baby. Despite the excitement doctors don't agree with the idea of a bed that connects to the sides of an adult bed.
The primary issue is that a parent could roll onto the infant and cause strangulation or suffocation. This is especially true when the parent is asleep while smoking, drinking or using a drug. Other risks include overheating, the chance of a fall and the possibility of maternal death during pregnancy or after the birth of the child.
If you decide to choose 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 should not be prone to sagging. You should also familiarise yourself with the weight limitations and age recommendations for the sleeper.
All new bedside beds must conform to the new safety standard which was launched in November 2020 and replaces the previous standards. Some stores may still offer older models for sale however they are slowly disappearing as manufacturers make the switch to the new standards.
If you decide to purchase a used model, check that it's in good shape. Verify that the mechanism used to fix the bed to the mattress of the parent and doesn't leave gaps. Also, ensure that the mattress fits into the sleeper in a proper way, without bulges or gaps. Sheets should fit snugly too in order that the child can't squiggle around and get stuck in a pocket, or be at risk of suffocation.
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 parent's bed so that baby can be easily accessible for feeding and comforting at night. Parents can rest peacefully at night without having to leave their bed.
Babies sleeping in a separate room are more likely to suffer breathing pauses (apnoea) and are more prone to SIDS. Research has proven that babies sleep better when they're in close proximity to their parents. The fact that your child is co-sleeping also means that you are able to swiftly respond to any problems and calm them, which means they feel more at ease.
The ideal bedside bassinet or crib for your family will depend on many aspects, including the living situation and future plans. If you share a home with a partner or if your child is likely to be using the crib as they grow, it may be best to select a convertible crib that will grow into solitary cribs or toddler beds. We recommend contacting us to learn more about this option.
The bedside crib fosters bonding with the mother and baby. It is a convenient and safe option for parents who are exhausted. Studies have proven that breastfeeding mothers tend to nurse for longer if their baby is close. This results in an increased bond between the two.
This is why a bedside cot is so popular, and a good choice for any new mum who would like to keep their baby close. But, prior to buying a bassinet, or co-sleeper, it's important to make sure that it meets all the safe sleep and Lullaby Trust guidelines. You should also take into consideration your budget, as there are a variety of options to choose from.