Bedside Sleeper Cot
A bedside sleeper cot (also known as a bassinet) is attached to the side of your bed so that your baby is close enough to be able to enjoy night feeding but safe within their own bed. Our mothers love that they are simple to reach, and can also rotate the sides or drop them to reach closer.
Safety
The bedside sleeper allows parents to monitor, soothe and feed their newborns at night without worrying about the dangers of sharing a bed. This could 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 immediate breastfeeding support and help babies feel more secure by keeping them close to their parents, creating healthy attachments that aid in the development of milestones. It's important that parents look for bassinets that are easy to clean and safe to use and ensure they have been tested and certified by a reputable agency like JPMA.
In 2023, ASTM updated their version of the standard F2906 that is voluntary for bedside sleepers due to the latest products that convert from a bassinet for babies to a bedside sleeper by the side rails being lower next to a adult bed. This allows certain areas of lower side to be elevated over the mattress and presents an increased risk of entrapment. The CPSC direct final rule incorporates this revision with reference to the current mandatory standards under section 104 of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008(CPSIA) for infant or toddler products which have been used for longer than 180 days and is expected to lower the chance of injury.
Be aware that a bassinet or bedside sleeper should not be used in conjunction with blankets, pillows or other bedding. This could pose a suffocation risk as many young children aren't able to raise their heads enough to pull them away from soft objects and a reclined position could cause the head to slide forward, blocking their airway. Always put your child on their backs in a crib, bassinet or play yard or bedside sleeper. Make sure to use only an appropriate fitted sheet that meets federal requirements.
Convenience
A baby who is close to you during the night helps build a bond between newborns and their parents. Bedside sleeper bassets attach securely to the side of your mattress, allowing you to reach your baby easily to change diapers, feeds and comforting in middle of the night. We looked for models with mesh sides that were translucent enough to be able to see through so you could keep an eye on your baby without having to leave your bed.
It is essential that the bassinet you choose is certified as safe for babies by an independent testing agency, and meets all the requirements of the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). You should look for a broad base, a strong attachment mechanism and sturdy construction that prevents the bassinet from tipping over. A comfortable mattress is crucial as well.
Find models that have a manual rocking feature. It will be gentle on your baby's skin and help them fall asleep. Some models come with a tilt feature that can be useful for babies suffering from reflux or colic. However, this should only be used under the advice of a GP or health care professional.
Some bassinets come with mattresses, while others require you to purchase a mattress separately. Buy a mattress designed to fit the sleeper that is placed on the bedside. Mattresses that are second-hand can be too soft and pose a SIDS risk. Also, you will need to purchase a breathable fitted sheet for your bed and a muslin baby blanket. For easy cleaning ensure that the fabric lining or foam mattress can be washed using the machine. A storage shelf or basket is a convenient feature for storing necessities such as nappies, clothes and muslins. There are also models with wheels that allow for easy movement around your home.
Breastfeeding Support
If you decide to breastfeed the baby, a cot with a bedside position can help you get the most out of your night-time feedings. By securing it to your bed, it allows you to reach over easily when your baby wakes up to feed. The cot's sides can be lowered to create a shallow bassinet for a secure side-by-side sleep. Certain models can also tilt for reflux support.
The curved sides of the cot ensure that it's easy for you to see your baby, and they won't fall off the side when you lift them up to feed. Some bedside sleeper cribs have an automatic rocking feature which can calm your child and encourage them to fall asleep faster after eating.
A cozy fabric and removable and machine-washable bedding are helpful when it comes to keeping your baby clean. Some models come with gentle vibration or rocking functions that can help calm your baby into sleep. Breastfeeding mothers will also appreciate having plenty of storage.
It is convenient for nursing mothers to share a bed with their babies. This also allows them to form an intimate bond while they sleep. Research has shown that babies who are breastfed who share a sleeping space with their mothers have better outcomes than babies who are bottle-fed. However, it is important to be aware of the hazards and practices that come with sharing a crib with a newborn and select a mattress that is safe for your infant.
Some sleeping bags in the bed have soft edges that could trap your baby. Be sure to ensure that the bedside sleeping device slide backwards. This could result in an opening in which your baby can crawl or roll.
If bedside crib to cot are worried about the security of a sleeper in bed, consider attending an LLL meeting or speaking to an experienced Sleep Leader to know more about the sleep habits of breastfeeding mothers and babies. They can assist you in creating a safe sleep environment for your baby, and explain the risks of SIDS. They can also show you how to enjoy the'sweet sleep the nursing mothers get, which includes many protection factors that are similar to breastfeeding.
