Do Bedside Cribs Really Work? (YES, they do)

Maybe you’re thinking about getting a co-sleeping bed or cot of some sort and want to make sure you’re getting the best for your baby. Getting a co-sleeping cot is a great way to have the best of both world of sleeping close to your baby while focusing on the baby’s safety as well.

Below you will find tips about co-sleeping beds, how to use them, what they are, and what safety features these co-sleepers include.

What Is a Co-Sleeper?

A co-sleeper is some type of ‘sidecar’ that will keep your baby right next to you in bed. The ideal co-sleeper is one where you are within arm’s reach of baby without having to get out of bed. Additionally, a co-sleeper is any sleeping surface that isn’t your own bed. It also isn’t a separate dedicated bed for baby, like a traditional crib.

Most co-sleeping beds are convertible. This means that they can be attached to your bed and then can be converted to a dedicated bed once the child is ready to sleep in his/her own space.

These types of co-sleeping beds are designed specifically for babies. This is the biggest reason why these are considered a safe option for mum and baby. Co-sleeping beds often include mattresses that are sturdy and firm enough for an infant to use, and also include safety features to make sure the baby doesn’t fall out of the bed or end up underneath you if you roll over.

Co-Sleeping Can Boost Baby’s Development

Recent studies show that sharing a room with your baby helps the baby’s senses to develop. Babies learn to respond to the sensory signals of others around them. This includes everything from movements to smells to sounds, heat, and touches.

When a baby enters the world, she begins immediately building a bond with her parents; she is dependent upon them to help teach the proper ways to react. Co-sleeping fosters this development, giving great credence to the theory that co-sleeping beds work wonders for babies.

Advantages of Co-sleeping

While co-sleeping may not be the solution for every family, here are some advantages to look at when considering whether to co-sleep with your baby:

  • Babies oftentimes will get more sleep this way. This is because a baby that is close can be nursed easily and quickly and can go right back to sleep before she is completely awake.
  • Parents often sleep more in this scenario.
  • Breastfeeding is easier when baby is close.
  • Breastfeeding at night helps to maintain milk supply.
  • Night time nursing also prolongs the beneficial nature of breastfeeding.
  • Sleeping in the same room as your child helps to reduce the risk of SIDS by almost as much as fifty percent.
  • It alleviates night time anxiety related to separation.
  • Fewer issues develop related to bedtime.
  • Using a co-sleeper cot alleviates the worry about rolling over on baby, or any bed coverings that entangle the baby. You also don’t have to worry about falling asleep with baby in your arms. You can easily reach over to sooth your baby right next to you.
  • It is always nice to wake up next to a smiling baby!

Creating a Sleeping Area that Is Safe for Co-sleeping

Co-sleeping arrangements such as co-sleeping cots, side cars, bassinettes, and cribs all need to be made safe in order to make sure they work to the benefit of everyone. Since co-sleeping works so brilliantly for many families, here are some tips on making the most out this great arrangement;

  • The sleep surface should be firm, with no waterbed, pillow, beanbag, sheepskin or any other soft surface used for baby to sleep on
  • Baby should be placed on his/her back to sleep
  • Bedding in any co-sleeper should be tight fitting to the mattress
  • The mattress should also be tight fitting to the footboard and headboard, or crib sides
  • No loose pillows, soft blankets or stuffed animals near to baby’s face
  • Babies should not sleep on a sofa, futon, couch, recliner, or any other surface where a baby can slip into a crevice or become wedged
  • Make sure there is no space between the adjoining wall and bed where baby could become trapped when she rolls over

When you purchase and use a proper co-sleeping cot, all of these safety hazards are easily removed, and a safe and healthy co-sleeping environment is created.

What Parents Say about Co-sleeping

Many parents tout the practice of co-sleeping as a great way to improve the sleep of the baby and themselves. This in turn gives a boost to the bond with the baby. Many parents feel safer in the knowledge that they are just an arms-length away in case of emergency. The extra hours that are spent in morning and at night oftentimes means so much to those parents that have hectic work schedules during the day, as these are extra bonding times that might not otherwise be shared.

Co-sleeper cots make it easy to enjoy all of these benefits without any of the typical worries about baby being smothered or rolling off the bed.

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