Bedside Co-Sleeper - What is a Bedside Co-Sleeper?
A bedside co-sleeper is a bassinet attached to the mattress's side which lets you reach baby in the middle night. This kind of co-sleeping is suggested by The Lullaby Trust and NHS as it allows you to keep your baby close without being at risk of SIDS.
Peace of Mind
Co-sleeping is an important parenting decision. Although some parents are concerned that sleeping close to their baby will increase the risk of SIDS, research like those published by NHS suggest that the opposite is true. 4-in-1 bedside crib -sleeping is a form of sharing a bed that can increase the risk of SIDS. Bedside cots designed for co-sleeping are made to provide a secure, middle space between beds that share and separate sleeping areas. They permit parents to reach over and comfort their child without having to leave their bed.
Babies sleep best when they are fed and comforted regularly however exhausted parents might find it difficult to leave their bed to feed or comfort them. The bedside sleeper gives parents the option to keep their infant close to them and not have to leave their comfortable bedding. The innovative design of some co sleepers, like the SnuzPod also allows the four walls to slide down and transform the cot into a cradle with an extra layer of protection that allows tired parents to keep an eye on their newborn while remaining in the bed.
It is important to keep in mind that the chance of SIDS increases if parents smoke (even with a co-sleeper) and when alcohol or other drugs are consumed, even in small amounts. It's not a good idea to sleep in a crib with a baby if the father or mother have an history of snoring. The NHS recommends ensuring that infants are put to sleep on their backs in order to minimize the risk of accidental rolling and suffocation. The most secure option is to use a bedside cot, bassinet or cradle.
Safety
The NHS suggests that babies sleep in their own cribs instead of having to sharing your bed. This is due to the increased risk of overheating and suffocation. When a baby is in bed with their parents are more likely to be covered by pillows, blankets or sheets. This can lead to SIDS. This is why a crib that is placed near the bed is an ideal solution. The close proximity to parents ensures that the baby isn't suffocated or overheated. Moreover, the baby is accessible for feedings at night and comforting.
Parents across the globe were eagerly anticipating the Dutch cosleeping pod when it first became popular in 2004. They wanted to try safe cosleeping. Despite the excitement, doctors do not fully support the idea of a bed that connects to the sides of an adult bed.
The primary concern is that a parent could roll onto an infant and cause strangulation or death. The risk of this happening is particularly high if a parent smokes, drinks alcohol or taking drugs while asleep. Other dangers include overheating, the possibility of a fall and the risk of a maternal death during pregnancy and following childbirth.

If you choose to purchase a bedside mattress, it is important that you select one that meets all safety standards. bedside co sleeper should fit tightly without gaps and not be susceptible to sagging. It is also important to be aware of the recommended weight and age for the sleeper.
All new bedside sleepers have to comply with the new safety standard that was introduced in November 2020. It replaces the old standards. Some stores may offer older models for sale however they are slowly disappearing as manufacturers shift to the new standards.
If you choose to purchase an older model be sure it is in good condition before purchasing it. Verify that the mechanism used to secure the bed to the parent's mattress is strong and doesn't leave any gaps. Also, make sure that the mattress fits into the sleeper properly without any bulges or gaps. The sheets must also be snug enough that the baby won't get into a pocket, and become stuck or suffocate.
Convenience
Sleep experts like Lullaby Trust advise against bed-sharing. A bedside crib or bassinet can be a safer option. These cribs are designed to attach directly to the parent's bed so that baby can be easily reached for feeding and sleeping. Parents can rest peacefully at the end of the night without having to leave their bed.
Babies who sleep in a separate room are more likely to suffer pauses in breathing (apnoea) and are at greater risk of SIDS. Research has found that babies sleep better when they're in close to their parents. You can also react quickly to any issue or concern your baby to make them feel more comfortable.
The best bedside crib or bassinet for your family will be contingent on a number of aspects, such as your living situation and long-term plans. For instance, if live with a partner or household member who might also wish to use your bedside crib, it could be best to look at convertible options that can be converted into separate cribs or toddler beds as your baby grows up. A lot of our cribs have this feature, and we recommend contact us for more details.
The bedside crib fosters bonding between the baby and mother. It is a convenient and safe option for parents who are exhausted. Studies have shown that breastfeeding mothers tend to feed longer when their baby is near which leads to an even stronger and more secure attachment between the pair.
This is the reason why a bedside cot has become so popular, and a good option for a new mom who wants to keep their baby close. When you purchase a bassinet or co-sleeper it is important to ensure that it meets all the Lullaby Trust and safe sleep guidelines. It's also worth assessing what your budget is as there are options available at all price levels.