Bedside Co-Sleeper - What is a Bedside Co-Sleeper?
A bedside co-sleeper consists of a bassinet welded to the mattress's side, which allows you to reach baby in the middle night. This type of cosleeping is been recommended by the NHS and the Lullaby Trust as it allows you keep your baby close and not risk SIDS.
Peace of Mind
Co-sleeping is a great parenting option. Many parents are concerned that sleeping with their baby increases the risk of SIDS. However studies like those published by NHS suggest the opposite. Co-sleeping is a form of sharing the same sleeping surface which could increase the risk of SIDS. Bedside cots designed for co-sleeping are made to be a safe, middle space between beds that share and separate sleeping areas. They allow parents to reach out and provide comfort to their child without leaving their bed.
Babies sleep best when they are fed and soothed regularly, but exhausted parents can find it difficult to leave their beds in order to feed or soothe them. The bedside co-sleeper gives parents the option of keeping their baby close and not have to leave their comfy bed. Some co sleepers come with an innovative design, for instance the SnuzPod. The four walls can be closed to transform the cot into a cradle, providing an additional layer of security. This allows exhausted parents to watch their newborns while lying in bed.
It is important to keep in mind that the chance of SIDS increases if a parent smokes (even with a co-sleeper) and also if drinks or substances are consumed even in small quantities. It's not a good idea to co-sleep with a baby if the father or mother has a history of having a snore. The NHS suggests that infants are placed to sleep on their backs in order to minimize the chance of rolling and death. The safest choice is to use a bedside cot, bassinet or cradle.
Safety
While co-sleeping is widely practiced in many countries However, the NHS recommends that infants sleep in their own cribs rather than sharing a bed. This is due to the increased risk of suffocation or overheating. Babies who sleep with their parents are more likely to be covered by blankets, pillows or sheets. This can lead to SIDS. A crib that is placed near the bed can be an ideal solution. The close proximity of parents will ensure that the child is not being suffocated or overheated while still being accessible for night-time feedings and comforting.
When the Dutch co-sleeping cot image first became to the internet four years ago, parents around the world were eager to own one to try out safe co-sleeping while their child was sleeping. Despite the excitement doctors don't support the idea of a sleeping bed that is attached to the sides of an adult bed.
The main concern is that a parent may fall on an infant and cause strangulation or the child to suffocate. The risk of this is particularly high if the parent smokes, drinks alcohol or taking drugs while asleep. Other dangers include overheating, the risk of falling and the risk of maternal death during pregnancy and after the birth of the child.
If you decide to opt for a bedside sleeper, it is essential to choose one that is in compliance with all safety standards. The mattress should be snugly fitted without gaps and should not be prone to sagging. You should also be aware of the recommended weight and the age of the sleeper.
All new bedside sleepers will be required to meet the new safety standard that was announced in November 2020. It replaces the previous standards. You may still see older models available for sale in some stores however, they are gradually disappearing as manufacturers make the transition to the new safety standards.
If you are considering purchasing a secondhand model, make sure it's in good condition. Verify that the mechanism that is used to anchor the bed to the mattress of the parent is sturdy and does not leave any gaps. Also, ensure that the mattress fits in the sleeper properly without any gaps or bulges. Sheets should be snugly fitted too in order that the child is unable to wiggle inside and become trapped in a pocket, or be at risk of being suffocated.
Convenience
Many new parents feel an instinctual desire to be by their baby's bed at night, but sleep experts such as Lullaby Trust recommend avoiding bed-sharing. 4-in-1 bedside crib or bedside crib can be a safer choice. They are designed to be attached to the sides of parents' bed, keeping baby close enough for feeding at night and providing comfort. This means that tired parents aren't forced to leave their own sleeping areas during the night, and they can keep a close eye on their child while still sleeping well.
Children who sleep in a separate room are more likely to suffer 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. Being co-sleeping also means that you are able to swiftly respond to any problems and soothe them, so they feel more at ease.
Selecting the ideal bassinet or bedside crib that is suitable for your family will depend on a number of aspects, such as your living situation and long-term plans. For instance, if are living with a spouse or household member who may wish to use your bedside crib, it may be a good idea to consider convertible options that can grow into separate cribs or toddler beds as your baby grows older. A lot of our cribs have this feature, and we recommend contacting us for more information.
Aside from being a safe and practical option for exhausted new parents, the primary advantage of the bedside crib is the fact that it fosters bonding between mother and child. Studies have proven that breastfeeding mothers tend to nurse longer when their infant is close. This results in greater bonding between the two.
This is why the bedside cot is popular, and a good option for a new mom who would like to keep their baby close by. When purchasing a bassinet or co-sleeper, you need to make sure that it complies with the Lullaby Trust and safe sleep guidelines. Also, you should be aware of your budget, since there are many options available.