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 be able to reach your baby during the middle of night. This type of co-sleeping is recommended by The Lullaby Trust and NHS as it allows you to keep your baby close without risking SIDS.
Peace of Mind
Co-sleeping is an important parenting choice. While some parents are concerned that sleeping close to their infant could increase the risk of SIDS, research like those published by NHS suggest otherwise. It is important to remember that co-sleeping involves sharing the same sleep surface and can therefore increase the risk of SIDS if it's not carried out correctly. Bedside cots with co sleepers are designed to provide a secure middle ground between bed-sharing and separate sleeping areas that allow parents to be able to reach out over their child and gently to comfort or nurse them, without leaving the comfort of their own bed.
Babies sleep best when they are fed and soothed regularly however exhausted parents might find it difficult to leave their beds in order to feed or comfort them. The bedside co sleeper allows parents to keep their baby close and not need to leave their comfy bed. The unique design of some co sleepers, like the SnuzPod, also allows the four walls to zip down and turn the crib into a cradle, providing an extra layer of protection which makes it easier for tired parents to keep an eye on their newborn while remaining in their bed.
Even small amounts of alcohol or other drugs can increase the risk of SIDS. Co-sleeping with children is not recommended when the parent has a history of sleeping through the night. bedside crib co sleeper suggests that babies sleep on their backs in order to minimize the chance of suffocation or accidental rolling. The safest choice is to use a bedside cot or bassinet, or cradle.
Safety
While co-sleeping is a common practice in many countries However, the NHS recommends that infants sleep in their own cot rather than sharing your bed. This is due to the increased chance of suffocation and heat. Babies who sleep with their parents are more likely to be covered by blankets, pillows or sheets. This can lead to SIDS. A bedside crib can be a great solution. The crib is near the parents, preventing suffocation or overheating of the baby. It can be easily reached to feed the baby at night and also for providing comfort.
When the Dutch co-sleeping pod first went viral in 2014, parents around the world were eager to get their hands on one to experience safe co-sleeping with their baby. Despite the excitement doctors do not believe in a sleeping bed that is attached to the side of a adult bed.
The primary concern is the fact that a parent could roll onto the infant and cause strangulation or suffocation. The risk of this happening is especially high if the parent is drinking, smoking, alcohol or taking drugs during sleep. Other dangers include overheating, the possibility of falling, and the risk of a maternal death during pregnancy and following childbirth.
If you decide to purchase a bedside sleeper, it's vital to choose one that meets the highest safety standards. The mattress should fit tightly without gaps and should not be prone sagging. You should also familiarise yourself with the weight limits and age-related recommendations for the sleeper.
All new bedside beds must be compliant with the new safety standard which was introduced in November 2020 and replaces the previous standards. Some stores may offer older models for sale however they are slowly disappearing as manufacturers switch to the new standards.
If you are considering purchasing a secondhand model, check that it's in good condition. Check that the mechanism that secures the bed to the parent's bed is strong and doesn't leave a gap. Also, ensure that the mattress fits properly in the sleeper without gaps or bulges. The sheets should fit comfortably so that the baby won't get into a pocket and get trapped or even suffocate.
Convenience

Sleep experts such as Lullaby Trust advise against bed-sharing. A bassinet or bedside crib can be a safer option. They are made to be attached to the side of a parent's bed, allowing baby to be within easy reach for night time feeding and relaxing. Parents can rest comfortably at night without having to leave their bed.
Babies who sleep in separate rooms are more likely to suffer pauses in breathing (apnoea) and are more at risk of SIDS. According to research, babies sleep better if they are close to their parents. You can also respond quickly to any issues or concerns, or even reassure your baby to make them feel more comfortable.
Choosing the best bassinet or bedside crib that is suitable for your family will depend on a few aspects, such as your living situation and long-term plans. If you share a home with a partner, or if your child will be using the crib as they grow, it may be best to select a convertible crib that can grow into solitary cribs or toddlers beds. Many of our products have this option, and we suggest contact us for more details.
Aside from being a safe and practical option for exhausted new parents, the main benefit of a bedside crib is that it promotes bonding between baby and mother. Studies have shown that breastfeeding mothers tend to breastfeed more frequently when their baby is near and this leads to an even stronger and more secure attachment between the pair.
This is the reason why a bedside cot is so well-liked and is a great choice for any new mum who would like to keep their baby close by. When buying a bassinet, or co-sleeper, you need to ensure that it complies with the Lullaby Trust and safe sleep guidelines. It's also important to consider the cost of your purchase, because there are options at all prices.