Bedside Sleeper Cot
A bedside sleeper cot (also called a bassinet) is attached to the bed's side so that your baby can be close enough for nighttime feeding, but in their own space to sleep. Our moms love how they are easy to reach and also rotate the sides or drop them to get closer.
Safety
The bedside sleeper lets parents monitor, comfort and feed their infants at night without having to worry about the risks of sharing a bed. This can lead to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. The cots are in line with NHS guidelines for co-sleeping and are recommended by childcare experts such as Dr. McKenna, director of Mother-Baby Behavioural Sleep Laboratory.
They also provide instant breastfeeding support and can help babies feel more secure by keeping them close to their parents, promoting healthy attachment that can assist with milestones in development. It's important that parents look for bassinets that are simple to clean and safe to use. make sure they've been tested and certified by a reliable agency such as JPMA.
In 2023, ASTM updated their version of the standard F2906 that is voluntary for bedside sleepers in response to the newer products which convert from a bassinet for babies to a bedside sleeping product by lowering a side rail adjacent to an adult bed. This allows a portion of the lower side to be elevated above the mattress and poses an increased chance of being entangled. describes it incorporates by reference this 2023 revision of the mandatory standard under section 104 of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA) for durable infant or toddler products that have been in use for more than 180 days and is expected to reduce the chance of injury.
Be aware that the bassinet or bedside sleeper is not recommended to be used with blankets, pillows, or other bedding. This could be an entrapment risk since young babies are unable to raise their heads high enough to remove them from soft objects. A reclining position can cause the head tip to move forward, thereby blocking their airway. Always place your child on their back in a bassinet, crib or play yard or bedside sleeper. Be sure to use an appropriate fitted sheet that meets the federal requirements.
Convenience
Being close to your baby you at night can help build a bond between newborns and parents. Bedside sleeper bassinets attach securely to the side of your bed and allow you to easily reach your baby for diaper changes in the middle of the night feedings, and comforting. We searched for models with mesh sides that were transparent and easy to see through to allow you to keep an eye on your child without stepping up from bed.
You should make sure that the bassinet you purchase meets the requirements of the US Consumer Product Safety Commission's (CPSC) requirements and is certified safe for babies. It is recommended to choose a bassinet that has a wide base and a strong attachment system. A breathable mattress should also be included.
Find a model that has an option for manual rocking. It will be gentle on the skin of your baby and help them fall asleep. Certain models have tilt functions which can be beneficial for infants suffering from colic or reflux. However, this should only be used on the advice of a GP or health care professional.
Some bassinets come with mattresses, while others require you to purchase a mattress separately. Be sure to purchase a mattress that is designed to fit the bedside bassinet. Second-hand mattresses could be too soft and pose the risk of SIDS. You should also purchase a breathable fitted sheet for your bed and a the muslin baby blanket. To make cleaning easier, check that the fabric lining or mattress can be cleaned in the machine. A storage shelf or basket can be a useful option to store necessities like nappies or muslins, clothing, and nappies. You can find models with wheels that make it easier to move around the home.
Support for breastfeeding
If you decide to breastfeed, a cot that sleeps at your bedside can help you to get the most out of your night-time feedings. Attached to your bed you can reach across to feed your baby once he wakes up. The cot's side can lower to create a bassinet that is shallow for safe side-by-side sleeping. Certain models tilt to support reflux.
The curved sides make it easy to see and help lift your baby up for a feeding. They won't roll off the side. Some bedside cribs come with an automatic rocking feature that can help your child relax and encourage them to go back to sleep faster after a feeding.
A soft fabric, as well as removable and machine-washable bedding can be useful in keeping your baby clean. Some models come with gentle rocking or vibration functions which can aid in calming your baby. Breastfeeding mothers will also appreciate having lots of storage.
It is a good idea for nursing mothers to share their bed with their babies. This also lets them develop an intimate bond while they sleep. Research shows that breastfed babies who share a sleeping space with their mothers have better outcomes than those who are bottle-fed. It is important to be aware of the dangers and pitfalls of sharing a bed with a newborn and to select an appropriate mattress for your baby.
Some sleepers in the bed have soft surfaces or padding on their edges, which may cause your baby to become trapped. Also, be cautious not to let the bedside sleeper slide backwards, creating a gap that your baby could crawl into or roll into.
If you are worried about the safety of a baby who sleeps at the bedside take a look at attending an LLL meeting or talking with a Sleep Leader to learn more about the sleep habits of breastfeeding mothers and their babies. They can help you create a safe sleep environment for your baby and help to understand the dangers of SIDS. They will also teach you about the'sweet sleep' of nursing mothers, which has many of the same protection factors as breastfeeding.