5 Bedside Cot Co Sleeper Lessons From The Pros
Bedside Co-Sleeper – What is a Bedside Co-Sleeper? A bedside co-sleeper is a bassinet that can be attached to the bed's side which allows you to reach for your baby during the night. This type of co-sleeping is suggested by The Lullaby Trust and NHS as it allows you to keep your baby close by without risking SIDS. Peace of Mind Co-sleeping is an excellent option for parents. Many parents are concerned that sleeping close to their child increases the risk of SIDS. However studies such as those published by NHS suggest the opposite. But, it's important to keep in mind that co-sleeping is sharing the same sleep surface, which can increase the risk of SIDS when not done so in a safe manner. Bedside cots co-sleepers are designed to provide a secure, middle space between bed sharing and separate sleeping areas. They allow parents to reach out and comfort their child without having to leave their bed. Babies sleep best when they are fed and reassured frequently However, exhausted parents may find it difficult to leave their beds to feed or comfort their children. A bedside cot co-sleeper allows parents to keep their baby at a distance and not have to leave their comfortable bedding. Some co sleepers come with an innovative design, for instance the SnuzPod. The four walls can be opened to convert the cot into a cradle, providing an extra layer of safety. This allows exhausted parents to keep an eye on their infants while lying in bed. Even a small amount of alcohol or drugs can increase the risk of SIDS. It's also not a good idea to co-sleep with a baby if the father or mother has a history of sleeping through the night. The NHS suggests that infants are placed to sleep on their backs in order to minimize the chance of rolling and suffocation. The safest choice is to utilize a cot at the bedside or bassinet. Safety While co-sleeping is commonly practiced in a variety of countries, the NHS recommends that infants sleep in their own cribs rather than sharing your bed. This is due to the higher chance of suffocation and heat. Babies who sleep with their parents are more likely to be covered by pillows, blankets or sheets. This could lead to SIDS. A bedside crib can be a great solution. The close proximity to parents will ensure that the baby is not being suffocated or overheated, while being capable of being easily reached for night-time feedings and comforting. Parents around the world were eagerly awaiting the Dutch cosleeping pod when it first went viral in 2004. They wanted to test safe cosleeping. Despite the excitement and enthusiasm doctors aren't yet fully supportive of the idea of a sleeping cot that fixes to the side of a bed for adults. The main issue is that a parent can roll on the infant and cause suffocation or strangulation. The risk of this happening is particularly high if the parent is smoking, drinking alcohol or taking drugs during sleep. Falls, overheating and maternal death are additional risks. If you decide to go with a bedside sleeper, it's vital to choose one that meets the highest standards of safety. The mattress must fit snugly without gaps and should not be susceptible to sagging. It is also important to be aware of the recommended weight and age of the person sleeping. All new bedside beds must be compliant with the new safety standard that was introduced in November 2020 and replaces previous standards. You may still see older models for sale in some shops but they are gradually disappearing as manufacturers move to the new safety standards. If you decide to purchase a used model, make sure it's in good shape. Check that the mechanism that is used to anchor the bed on the mattress of the parent and does not leave any gaps. Also, make sure that the mattress fits into the sleeper with no gaps or bulges. bedside crib co sleeper should also fit comfortably so that the baby doesn't slide into a pocket and get trapped or even suffocate. Convenience Many new parents feel an instinctual desire to be by their child's side at night, but experts in sleep such as Lullaby Trust recommend avoiding bed-sharing. Using a bedside crib or bassinet is a safer alternative. These cribs are designed to attach directly to the bed of the parent so that baby can be easily reached for feeding and sleeping. This lets parents sleep well at night without having to leave their bed. Babies who sleep in a separate bedroom are more likely than other children to suffer breathing pauses (apnoea), and also are at a higher risk of SIDS. According to research babies sleep better when they are with their parents. You can also react quickly to any issues or concerns, or even reassure your baby to make them feel more comfortable. Selecting the ideal bedside crib or bassinet for your family will depend on a variety of aspects, such as your living situation and long-term plans. For example, if you have a partner or housemate who may also wish to use your bedside crib then it might be best to look at convertible options that can be converted into separate cribs or toddler beds as your child grows older. We recommend contacting us to learn more about this option. In addition to being a safe and convenient choice for new parents, the main advantage of the bedside crib is that it promotes bonding between mother and child. Research has shown that breastfeeding mothers tend to feed longer when their baby is near and this leads to a stronger and more secure bond between them. This is the reason why a bedside cot is so popular, and a good option for a new mom who wishes to keep their baby close. When you purchase a bassinet or co-sleeper it is important to make sure that it is in compliance with Lullaby Trust and safe sleep guidelines. It's also worth assessing what your budget is, since there are options at all price levels.