To consider getting a Snuzpod 3 from FB Marketplace? (i.e. not officially ‘safe’)

[Este38]

We have co-slept since DS was five days old, at the recommendation of the midwife, as he simply would not take to being put down in any kind of crib or Moses basket.

He’s now 3.5 months old and I’m desperate for more than 2.5 hours of sleep at a stretch. My back is killing me from being on my side all night and I am cold as I can’t use the duvet.

We bought a Snuzpod 4 which, in line with the latest British Safety Standard, has the 12cm dip, meaning it isn’t flush with our mattress. DS has never used it, and even now he wakes immediately if we try to put him down in it.

If I could use a Snuzpod 3, which was manufactured before the latest safety standards were introduced, it would lie flush with our mattress and I do think there’s a chance DS would accept being in it. It would mean I could lie on my back to sleep and be more comfortable!

But deep down I would know that it doesn’t meet the latest safety standard. I shouldn’t do it, should I? Would you?

Bump

The regulations changed to make sure that the child couldn’t fall out if a gap appeared between the snuzpod and the bed.

you’re the person attaching it to the bed. And know how well wedged in or otherwise it is.
With that context, you can work out whether it’s a good idea.

ours was literally wedged between the bed and the bedside table and the wall - so zero potential for a gap.

I am currently using one for DC2, which we bought and used for DC1 before the new standard came into force. From a brief read it seems that the new standard is to stop the baby rolling from the beside crib into the adult bed. In my case, DC can't roll when in his sleeping bag so I'm comfortable with our setup. I guess you have to assess what the risk of that would be in your specific case.

This doesn't help with the side sleeping but to keep you warm have you considered one of these? https://www.slumbersac.co.uk/collections/adult-sleeping-bags?srsltid=AfmBOorAjgyLa2laURVg9moJjbv-7X2TwlDbwK4oOYzAxEKF9s2rjMfC

Thanks both. I had googled and googled and couldn’t work out why the new standard was introduced.

I haven't read the standard itself, but snuz say it's to stop them rolling out https://www.snuz.co.uk/blogs/sleep-talk/snuzpod4-held-to-a-higher-standard

Are you able toto get a new mattress for it? Never use a second hand one for a baby.

What is your pillow situation? Get a firm one and wedge behind your back, it really helped me when cosleeping and I did have a cellular blanket tucked into bottom of the mattress over me.

Might help in the short term.

If you probably strap the snuzpod 3 to the bed then I'd imagine it's pretty safe.

As with so many things with babies I think you have to look at the advice but also conduct your own risk assessment for your circumstances. For example, for a while my DC1 would only sleep while held, or co-sleep. Although I acknowledge that him sleeping in his own cot would have been the safest option, I judged that it was safer at that point for us to do planned co-sleeping with the risks mitigated as much as possible (i.e. following the safe sleep 7), than for me to accidentally fall asleep while holding him, which was a very real possibility at that point due to exhaustion.

Similarly, the snuzpod 4 is safer than the snuzpod 3. But the snuzpod 3 may be safer for you than your current realistic alternative. Only you can assess that!

I wish I’d done this but I got the 4

There's a really good Facebook group on cosleeping, I think called happy co sleepers, loads of great advice on there.
Many on there have taken the side off a standard cot and attached it like a side car onto their bed, with the mattresses flush together and there's loads of tips on how to do that and how to make it safe

I think you’d be better off continuing to co-sleep (safely!) than investing in another Snuz as your LO will be growing out of it very soon. Maybe try to hang on until they’re another month and then put them in a cot? My first slept fine in a SP4 but my second will only nap briefly in it and will only sleep in bed next to me. Plus she’s nearly 5 months and almost too long for it.

Hmmm, I have seen those groups where they ‘sidecar a cot’ but if I’m honest I don’t see how that’s 100% safe either. Because if, on the one hand, the safety standards are now saying it’s not safe to have the crib’s mattress level with the parents’ mattress - then how is it magically safe to have the sidecar cot’s mattress level with the parents’ mattress?! They seem quite evangelical about it - but no one seems to address the inconsistency?!

I’m not saying I’d rule out sidecar-ing a cot… I’m just not sure what to do for the best!

Yes I bought one off eBay - new mattress and sheets. I just made sure there was no gap and was quite comfortable with the set up. 😊