5 Must-Know Bedside Cot Co Sleeper Practices You Need To Know For 2024
Bedside Co-Sleeper - What is a Bedside Co-Sleeper?
A bedside co-sleeper consists of a bassinet welded to the mattress's side that allows you to reach your baby during the middle of the night. This type of cosleeping is been recommended by the NHS and The Lullaby Trust as it allows you to keep your baby close, without risking SIDS.
Peace of Mind
Co-sleeping can be a good parenting choice. Some parents worry that sleeping close to their infant increases the risk of SIDS. However, studies such as those published by NHS suggest the opposite. However, it's crucial to remember that co-sleeping requires sharing the same sleeping surface and can therefore increase the risk of SIDS if it's not executed in a proper manner. Co-sleeping beds in cots are designed to provide a safe middle ground between bed-sharing and separate sleeping areas 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 reassured frequently However, exhausted parents may be unable to leave their bed to feed or comfort them. The bedside sleeper gives parents to keep their infant close to them and not leave their comfortable bedding. The unique design of some co sleepers, like the SnuzPod also permits the four walls to zip down and turn the cot into a cradle with an extra layer of protection that allows parents who are exhausted to watch their baby while still in the bed.
It is important to keep in mind that the risk of SIDS is increased when parents smoke (even with a co-sleeper) and when alcohol or other drugs are consumed even in small amounts. It's also not a good idea to co-sleep with a baby if either the mother or father have a history of snoring. The NHS suggests that babies sleep on their backs to limit the chance of suffocation or accidental rolling. A bassinet or cot at the bedside is the best method to ensure this.
Safety
While co-sleeping is widely practiced in many countries however, the NHS advises that infants should be in their own cots rather than sharing a bed. This is because of the higher risk of suffocation or overheating. When a baby is in bed with their parents are more likely to be covered by pillows, blankets or sheets. This can cause SIDS. This is why a bedside crib is such a great solution. The crib is close to the parents, which prevents overheating or suffocation of the baby. It can be easily reached for nighttime feedings and providing comfort.
When the Dutch co-sleeping cot image first became viral in 2014 parents across the globe were eager to get their hands on one to experience safe co-sleeping with their baby. Despite funny post and interest, doctors aren't yet completely in support of the idea of a sleeping cot that can be fixed to the side of an adult bed.
The most significant concern is the fact that a parent could fall on the infant and cause suffocation or strangulation. The risk of this happening is particularly high if the parent is drinking, smoking, alcohol or using drugs while asleep. Overheating, falling and maternal death are additional risks.
If you decide to choose a bedside mattress, 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 sagging. You should also be aware of the recommended weight and age of the sleeper.
All new bedside beds will be required to conform to the new safety standard which was launched in November of 2020. It replaces the previous standards. Some stores may still have older models available but they are slowly disappearing as manufacturers make the switch to the new standards.
If you decide to buy a second-hand mattress, make sure that it is in good condition prior to purchasing it. Make sure that the mechanism used to secure the bed to the mattress of the parent is sturdy and doesn't leave any gaps. Also, ensure that the mattress fits in the sleeper properly without any bulges or gaps. The sheets must also fit comfortably so that the baby doesn't slide into a pocket, and become trapped or even suffocate.
Convenience
Sleep experts such as Lullaby Trust advise against bed-sharing. A bassinet or bedside crib is a better option. These cribs are designed to connect directly to the parent's bed so that the baby can be easily accessible for feeding and comforting at night. Parents can sleep well at night without having to leave their bed.
Babies sleeping in a separate space are more likely to suffer from pauses in breathing (apnoea) and are more at risk of SIDS. According to research babies sleep better when they are with their parents. You can also react quickly to any issue or concern your baby, making them more comfortable.
Selecting the ideal bassinet or bedside crib for your family will depend on a variety of factors, including your living environment and long-term plans. If you share a house with a partner or if your child is likely to be using the crib as they grow and develops, it is best to select a convertible crib that can grow into solitary cribs or toddlers beds. Many of our range include this feature, and we suggest contact us for more details.
In addition to being a safe and practical option for exhausted new parents, the primary advantage of the bedside crib is that it encourages bonding between mother and child. Research has shown that breastfeeding mothers tend to breastfeed longer when their baby is near which creates an even stronger and more secure attachment between the pair.
This is the reason why a bedside cot has become so popular and is a good choice for any new mum who wants to keep their baby close by. When buying a bassinet, or co-sleeper, it is essential to ensure that it is in compliance with Lullaby Trust and safe sleep guidelines. Also, you should take into consideration your budget, as there are numerous options to choose from.