Five Bedside Cot Co Sleeper Lessons From The Pros
Bedside Co-Sleeper - What is a Bedside Co-Sleeper?
A bedside co-sleeper is a bassinet attached to the side of your mattress that allows you to be able to reach your baby during the middle of night. This kind of co-sleeping is recommended by The Lullaby Trust and NHS as it lets you keep your baby close by without risking SIDS.
Peace of Mind
Co-sleeping is a crucial parenting choice. Although some parents are concerned that sleeping close to their infant could increase the risk of SIDS, research like those conducted by NHS suggest that the opposite is true. It is important to keep in mind that co-sleeping requires sharing the same sleep surface, which can increase the risk of SIDS when not done so in a safe manner. Co-sleeping beds in cots have been designed to provide a secure space between bed-sharing and separate sleeping areas that allow parents to be able to reach out over their child and easily nurse or comfort them, without leaving the comfort of their bed.
Babies sleep best when they are fed and comforted regularly However, exhausted parents may be unable to leave their bed to feed or comfort them. A bedside cot co-sleeper allows parents to keep their infant in a safe distance and avoid the need to leave their comfortable bedding. Some co sleepers have an innovative design, like the SnuzPod. The four walls can be zipped down to convert the cot into a cradle, providing an extra layer of safety. This allows tired parents to be able to watch their babies while still lying in bed.
It is worth bearing in mind that the risk of SIDS is increased when a parent smokes (even with a co-sleeper) and if any alcohol or drugs are consumed, even in small quantities. Co-sleeping with children is not recommended when the parent has 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. The safest option is to use a bedside cot, bassinet or cradle.
Safety
The NHS recommends that babies sleep in their own cribs instead of having to share your bed. This is because of the increased risk of overheating or suffocation. Babies who sleep with parents are more likely to be covered by blankets, pillows or sheets, which could hinder their breathing and lead to SIDS. A crib that is placed near the bed can be an ideal solution. The crib is close to the parents, which prevents suffocation or overheating of the baby. It can still be easily accessible to feed the baby at night and also for comforting.
Parents across the globe were eagerly awaiting the Dutch cosleeping pod when it first went viral in 2004. They wanted to experience safe cosleeping. Despite the excitement doctors do not believe in a bed that connects to the side of a adult bed.
The main concern is that a parent may roll onto an infant and cause strangulation or suffocation. This is particularly true in the case of a parent who is asleep while drinking, smoking or taking drugs. Falls, overheating and maternal death are other risks.
If you decide to opt for a bedside sleeper, it's crucial to select one that is in line with the highest standards of safety. The mattress should be snugly fitted without gaps and be prone sagging. You should also familiarise yourself with the weight limitations and age-related recommendations for the sleeper.
All new bedside sleepers will have to comply with the new safety standard which was introduced in November of 2020. It replaces the previous standards. Some stores may still have older models available however they are slowly disappearing as manufacturers make the switch to the new standards.
If you are considering purchasing a secondhand model, ensure that it is in good condition. Verify that bedside crib with changing table used to fix the bed on the parent's mattress is strong and does not leave any gaps. Also, ensure that the mattress fits into the sleeper properly without any gaps or bulges. Sheets should fit snugly too, so that the baby can't squiggle around and end up in a pocket or be in danger of suffocation.
Convenience
Many new parents experience an instinctual desire to be at their baby's bed at night, but sleep experts like Lullaby Trust recommend avoiding bed-sharing. A bedside crib or bassinet is a better option. These cribs are designed to connect directly to the parent's bed so that baby can be easily reached for feeding and comforting at night. This lets parents rest peacefully at night without having to leave their bed.
Children who sleep in a separate bedroom are more likely than other children to have breathing pauses (apnoea), and are also at higher risk of developing SIDS. According to research that babies sleep better when they are with their parents. You can also quickly respond to any issue or concern your baby to make them feel more comfortable.
The best bedside bassinet or crib for your family depends on many factors, including your existing situation and plans for the future. If you live with a person who is a friend or if your child will be using the crib as they grow and develops, it is best to select a convertible crib that will grow into solitary cribs or toddlers beds. A lot of our cribs have this feature, and we recommend contacting us for more information.
In addition to being a safe and convenient option for tired new parents, the most significant advantage of the bedside crib is that it encourages bonding between mother and child. Studies have shown that mothers who are breastfeeding tend to breastfeed more frequently when their baby is near and this creates a stronger and more secure attachment between the pair.
A bedside cot could be a great option for new mothers who wish to keep their child nearby. When buying a bassinet, or co-sleeper it is important to make sure that it meets all the Lullaby Trust and safe sleep guidelines. It's also worth considering what your budget is as there are options available at all price levels.