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

A bedside co-sleeper consists of a bassinet welded to the side of your mattress which lets you be able to reach your baby during the middle of night. This kind of cosleeping has been recommended by the NHS and The Lullaby Trust as it allows you keep your baby close, without risking SIDS.

Peace of Mind

Co-sleeping is a great option for parents. Although some parents are concerned that sleeping in close proximity to their baby increases the risk of SIDS, research like those published by NHS suggest that the opposite is true. Co-sleeping refers to sharing a bed, which can increase the risk for SIDS. Bedside cots with co sleepers have been designed to provide a secure place to rest between bed sharing and separate sleeping surfaces that allow parents to hold their child and effortlessly soothe them without leaving the safety of their own bed.

Babies sleep best when they are fed and soothed regularly However, exhausted parents may find it difficult to leave their beds to feed or soothe them. The bedside co sleeper allows parents to keep their infant close to them and not need to leave their bed. Some co sleepers come with an innovative design, such as the SnuzPod. The four walls can be zipped down to turn the cot in a cradle, providing an extra layer of safety. This allows exhausted parents to keep an eye on their infants while lying in bed.

It is important to keep in mind that the risk of SIDS increases if parents smoke (even with a co-sleeper) and if any alcohol or other drugs are consumed, even in small amounts. Co-sleeping with a child is not recommended if the parent has a 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 utilize a cot at the bedside or bassinet, or cradle.

Safety

While co-sleeping is a common practice in a number of countries however, the NHS advises that infants should sleep in their own cot rather than sharing a bed. This is due to the increased risk of overheating or suffocation. Babies in bed with parents are more likely to be surrounded by blankets, pillows or sheets, which may restrict their breathing and contribute to SIDS. A crib for bed is a great solution. The close proximity of parents will ensure that the child is not being suffocated or overheated, while being able to be easily reached for night-time feedings and comforting.

When the Dutch co-sleeping pod first went viral in 2014, parents around the world were eager to acquire one to try out safe co-sleeping while their child was sleeping. Despite the excitement, doctors do not fully support the idea of a sleeping bed that is attached to the side of a adult bed.

The main issue is that a parent can roll on the infant and cause strangulation or suffocation. The risk is especially high if the parent is drinking, smoking, alcohol or taking drugs during sleep. Other dangers include overheating, the possibility of a fall and the risk of a maternal death during pregnancy and following childbirth.

If you decide to purchase a bedside sleeper, it's vital to choose a model that meets the highest safety standards. The mattress should fit tightly without gaps and be prone sagging. Also, you should be aware of the recommended weight and age of the person sleeping.

All new bedside sleepers will be required to conform to the new safety standard, which was introduced in November 2020. It replaces the previous standards. Some stores may still offer older models for sale but they are slowly disappearing as manufacturers make the switch to the new standards.

If you opt for an older model be sure it is in good shape before you purchase it. Verify that the mechanism that secures the bed to the parent's bed is robust and doesn't leave a gap. Also, ensure that the mattress fits within the sleeper without any gaps or bulges. The sheets must also fit snugly so that the baby doesn't slide into a pocket, and become stuck or suffocate.

Convenience

Many new parents experience a natural urge to be by their baby's side at night, however experts in sleep such as Lullaby Trust recommend avoiding bed-sharing. A bedside cot used crib or bassinet can be a safer choice. They are designed to be attached to the sides of parents' bed, keeping baby close enough to feed at night and providing comfort. Parents can sleep well at night without leaving their bed.

Babies who have separate bedrooms are more likely to have breathing pauses (apnoea) and are also at an increased risk of SIDS. According to research that babies sleep better when they are close to their parents. You can also quickly respond to any issue or concern your baby and make them feel more at ease.

The best bedside crib co sleeper bassinet or crib for your family depends on a variety of factors, including your living situation and future plans. For instance, if you live with a partner or household member who might also prefer to use the bedside crib, it may be a good idea to consider convertible options that will grow into standalone cribs or toddler beds as your child grows older. Many of our products have this feature, and we suggest contact us for more details.

Aside from being a safe and convenient option for tired new parents, the most significant benefit of a bedside crib is the fact that it fosters bonding between mother and baby. Studies have shown breastfeeding mothers tend to nurse for longer if their infant is close. This results in a stronger attachment between the two.

This is why a bedside cot has become so popular, and a good choice for any new mum who would like to keep their baby close by. But, prior 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 be aware of your budget, since there are numerous options to choose from.