A Complete Guide To Bedside Cot Co Sleeper Dos And Don'ts

· 4 min read
A Complete Guide To Bedside Cot Co Sleeper Dos And Don'ts

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

A bedside co-sleeper cot is a bassinet that can be attached to the side of your bed, allowing you to reach out for your baby in the middle of the night. This type of cosleeping has been recommended by the NHS and The Lullaby Trust as it allows you keep your baby close, without risking SIDS.

Peace of Mind

Co-sleeping is an excellent parenting choice. While some parents are concerned that sleeping close to their baby could increase the risk of SIDS, research like those conducted by NHS suggest otherwise. Co-sleeping refers to sharing the same sleeping surface that can increase the risk of SIDS. Co-sleepers for bedside cots are designed to be a safe, middle space between the two sleeping surfaces. They allow parents to reach over and soothe their child without having to leave their bed.

It is important to feed and soothe your baby regularly. However, parents who are exhausted might find it difficult to get up from their bed to do so. A bedside cot co sleeper lets parents keep their infant at arm's length and not have to leave their bed. Some co sleepers come with an innovative design, like the SnuzPod. The four walls can be zipped down to turn the cot in a cradle. This provides an additional layer of security. This allows tired parents to keep an eye on their infants while they sleep.

Even a small amount of alcohol or drugs can increase the risk of SIDS. It's not a good idea to co-sleep with a baby if the father or mother have a history of having a snore. The NHS recommends ensuring that babies are put to sleep on their backs to reduce the chance of rolling and suffocation. The safest choice is to use a bedside cot or bassinet.

Safety

While co-sleeping is a common practice in a number of countries However, the NHS recommends that infants sleep in their own cribs instead of sharing a bed. This is due to the increased risk of suffocation or overheating. Children who sleep with their parents are more likely to be surrounded by pillows, blankets or sheets, which could hinder their breathing and lead to SIDS. This is why a crib that is placed near the bed is such 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.

When the Dutch co-sleeping pod image first became viral four years ago parents from all over the world were eager to get their hands on one to experience safe co-sleeping with their baby. Despite the excitement and enthusiasm, however, doctors are not yet fully supportive of the idea of a sleeping cot which can be attached to the side of an adult bed.

The main concern is that a parent may roll onto the infant and cause strangulation or suffocation. The risk of this is especially high if the parent is smoking, drinking alcohol or taking drugs while asleep. Overheating, falling and maternal death are additional risks.

If you decide to opt for a bedside sleeper, it's essential that you choose one that meets the highest safety standards. The mattress should be snugly fitted without gaps and should not be prone sagging. You should also be familiar with the weight limits and age-related recommendations for sleepers.


All new bedside beds must be compliant with a new safety standard that was announced in November of 2020. It replaces the old standards. Some stores may have older models available however 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 working order prior to purchasing it. Check that the mechanism used to fix the bed on the parent's mattress is strong and doesn't leave gaps. Also, make sure that the mattress fits in the sleeper in a proper way, without gaps or bulges. Sheets should fit snugly too to ensure that the baby is unable to wiggle inside and end up in a pocket or be in danger of suffocation.

Convenience

Sleep experts such as Lullaby Trust advise against bed-sharing. A bedside crib or bassinet is a better option. These cribs are made to be attached directly to the bed of the parent so that baby can be easily reached for feeding or resting at night. Parents can sleep well at the end of the night without having to leave their bed.

Children who sleep in separate rooms are more likely to experience pauses in breathing (apnoea) and are more prone to SIDS. According to research babies sleep better when they are close to their parents. Being co-sleeping also means that you can quickly respond to any problems and reassure them, so they will be more relaxed.

The ideal bedside bassinet or crib for your family will depend on a variety of factors, including your living situation and future plans. For  cotsfortots , if you are living with a spouse or housemate who may also want to use the bedside crib, it may be beneficial to consider convertible options that can be converted into separate cribs or toddler beds as your baby develops. We recommend that you contact us to inquire about this option.

Aside from being a safe and convenient option for tired new parents, the most significant advantage of the bedside crib is that it promotes bonding between mother and child. Research has shown that mothers who breastfeed tend to nurse longer when their infant is close. This results in an increased bond between the two.

This is why a bedside cot is so well-liked and is a great option for a new mom who wishes to keep their baby close by. 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 considering what your budget is as there are options available at all price levels.