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

A bedside co-sleeper is a bassinet that can be attached to the side of your bed which allows you to reach for your baby during the night. This type of cosleeping is been recommended by the NHS as well as the Lullaby Trust as it allows you to keep your baby close, without risking SIDS.

Peace of Mind

Co-sleeping is an excellent option for parents. While some parents are concerned that sleeping close to their infant will increase the risk of SIDS, research like those conducted by NHS suggest otherwise. Co-sleeping refers to sharing a bed which could increase the risk for SIDS. Bedside cot co sleepers have been designed to provide a secure middle ground between bed-sharing and separate sleeping surfaces which allows parents to hold 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 may find it difficult to leave their bed to feed or comfort their children. The bedside co sleeper allows parents the option of keeping their baby close and not leave their comfy bed. The innovative design of a few co sleepers, such as the SnuzPod, also allows the four walls to zip down and transform the crib into a cradle, providing an extra layer of protection that allows tired parents to keep an eye on their baby while still in the bed.

Even small amounts of alcohol or drugs could increase the risk of SIDS. Co-sleeping with a child is not recommended when the parent has an history of sleeping through the night. The NHS recommends ensuring that young babies are always put to sleep on their backs in order to minimize the chance of rolling and suffocation. The most secure option is to use a bedside cot or bassinet.

Safety

While co-sleeping is widely practiced in a variety of countries however, the NHS recommends that infants be in their own cots rather than sharing your bed. This is due to the higher chance of suffocation and heat. Babies in bed with parents are more likely to be covered by blankets, pillows or sheets, which can hinder their breathing and lead to SIDS. This is why a bedside cot sale crib is a fantastic solution. The close proximity to parents will ensure that the child isn't being suffocated, or overheated, while being able to be easily reached to feed at night and be comforted.

When the Dutch co-sleeping pod first became viral in 2014, parents around the world were eager to acquire one to try out safe co-sleeping with their baby. Despite the excitement doctors don't believe in a sleeping bed that is attached to the sides of an adult bed.

The main concern is the fact that a parent could fall onto the infant and cause strangulation or suffocation. The risk of this happening is especially high if the parent is smoking, drinking alcohol or using drugs while asleep. Other dangers include overheating, the risk of a fall and the risk of a maternal death during pregnancy and following childbirth.

If you decide to opt for a bedside sleeper, it is vital to choose one that meets the highest standards of safety. The mattress should fit tightly without gaps and should not be susceptible to sagging. You should also familiarise yourself with the weight limitations and age-related recommendations for the sleeper.

All new bedside sleepers must be compliant with a new safety standard that was introduced in November 2020 and replaces the previous standards. Some stores may have older models available but they are slowly disappearing as manufacturers make the switch to the new standards.

If you are considering purchasing a secondhand model, check that it's in good condition. Verify that the mechanism that is used to anchor the bed on the parent's mattress is strong and does not leave any gaps. Also, make sure that the mattress fits inside the sleeper in a proper way, without bulges or gaps. The sheets should also be snug enough that the baby won't get into a pocket, and become trapped or even suffocate.

Convenience

Sleep experts such as Lullaby Trust advise against bed-sharing. Using a bedside crib, or bassinet is a safer alternative. They are designed to be attached to the sides of parents' bed, allowing the baby to remain close enough to feed at night and comforting. This means that tired parents aren't forced to leave their own sleeping areas during the night and can keep a close eye on their baby whilst still sleeping well.

Babies sleeping in a separate room are more likely to experience breathing pauses (apnoea) and are more at risk of SIDS. Research has found that babies sleep better when they're close to their parents. You can also react quickly to any issue or concern your baby, making them more comfortable.

The best Bedside cot bassinet or bedside crib for your family will be contingent on a number of factors, including living situation and long-term plans. For example, if you have a partner or household member who might also prefer to use the wooden bedside cot crib, it could be best to look at convertible options that will grow into separate cribs or toddler beds as your child grows older. A lot of our cribs have this feature, and we recommend getting in touch with us for more information.

Aside from being a safe and convenient choice for new parents, the main benefit of a bedside crib is that it promotes bonding between baby and mother. Studies have proven that mothers who breastfeed tend to breastfeed more frequently when their baby is close and this leads to a stronger and more secure bond between the two.

A bedside crib travel cot is a great option for new mothers who want to keep their infant close. When you purchase a bassinet or co-sleeper, it is essential to ensure that it meets all the Lullaby Trust and safe sleep guidelines. It's also important to consider what your budget is as there are options available at all prices.