Bedside Sleeper Cot
A bedside sleeper cot (also known as bassinet) fixes to the side of your bed so baby is close enough for feeding at night, but is safe in their own bed. Our mothers love that they are easy to reach, and they can also rotate the sides or drop them to get closer.
Safety
A bedside sleeper cot allows infants to stay within reach of parents in their beds for feeding at night, as well as monitoring and comfort, without putting them at risk with bed-sharing (which could result in Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). The cots are in line with NHS guidelines for co-sleeping, and are recommended by childcare experts like Dr McKenna director of Mother-Baby Behavioural Sleep Laboratory.
They also promote healthy attachment and breastfeeding by keeping babies close. This can help them achieve milestones in their development. Parents should seek out bassinets that are easy to clean and safe to use and are certified by a reputable organization like JPMA.
In 2023, ASTM updated their version of the standard F2906 that is voluntary for bedside sleepers due to the newer products which transform from a baby bassinet to a bedside sleeper by the side rails being lower next to a adult bed. This allows some portions of the lower side to be elevated over the mattress and poses an increased chance of getting trapped. CPSC's direct final rule incorporates this 2023 revision to the existing mandatory standard in section 104 of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA) for products for toddlers and infants that have been used for longer than 180 days and is expected to decrease the risk of injuries.
Remember that the bassinet or bedside sleeper is not recommended to be used with blankets, pillows or other bedding. This could be a risk of suffocation since infants aren't able to raise their heads high enough to keep them away from soft objects. A reclining position may result in the head tipping to tilt forward, which can block their airway. Always put your child on their backs when using a bassinet, a crib or play yard. Use a fitted sheet that meets the federal requirements.
Convenience
Being close to your baby you during the night helps create a bond between newborns and their parents. Bedside sleeper bassets attach securely to the sides of your mattress and allow you to easily reach your baby to change diapers, feeds, and comforting in the middle of the night. We looked for models with mesh sides that were translucent enough to see through, so you could monitor your child without needing to leave the bed.
You should make sure that the bassinet you purchase meets the US Consumer Product Safety Commission's (CPSC) requirements and is deemed safe for babies. It is recommended to choose a bassinet with a wide base and a sturdy attachment system. A mattress that is breathable is important also.
Look for the model that comes with an option for manual rocking. It will be gentle on your baby's skin and will help them sleep. Some models also have tilt options which can be beneficial for infants suffering from colic or reflux, but should only be used under the advice of your GP or health care professional.
Some bassinets come with mattresses however, others require you to purchase one separately. Make sure you buy one that is made to fit in your bedside bassinet, as second-hand mattresses may be too soft and carry a risk of SIDS. Also, you will need to purchase a comfortable fitted bed sheet and blanket for your baby. Make sure the fabric lining and foam mattress are machine washable to make it easier to clean. A storage shelf or basket is a great option to store essentials such as nappies, clothing and muslins. bedside crib or cot can also find models that have wheels for ease of movement around your house.
Support for Breastfeeding
If you decide to breastfeed, a cot that sleeps at your bedside will help you get the most out of your feedings at night. By attaching to your bed, it allows you to reach easily when your baby is awake to feed. The cot's side can then be lowered to create a bassinet that is shallow for safe side-by-side sleeping. Certain models can tilt to provide support for reflux.
The curving sides make it easy to see and help lift your baby up for a feeding. They won't fall off the side. Some cots with a bedside sleeper include an automatic rocking function that can help calm your baby and help them to return to sleep faster after a meal.
A cosy fabric and machine washable and removable bedding are useful in keeping your baby clean. Certain models are equipped with gentle vibration or rocking functions that can help soothe your baby to sleep. Breastfeeding mothers will also appreciate having lots of storage.
Bed-sharing is a popular choice for breastfeeding mothers due to it being easy and allows them to have a close bond with their baby while they sleep. Research has proven that babies who are breastfed who sleep with their mothers have better outcomes than those who are bottle-fed. It is essential to be aware of the risks and practices that come with sharing a bed with a newborn and to select the right mattress for your baby.
Some in-bed sleepers have soft surfaces or padding along their edges, which can cause your baby to become entrapped. You should also be careful to not let your mattress slide backwards. This could cause a gap into which your baby could crawl or roll.
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 find out more about the sleep habits of breastfeeding mothers and their babies. They can assist you in creating a safe sleep environment for your baby, and also explain the dangers of SIDS. They will also teach you about the'sweet sleep' of nursing mothers, which includes many of the same protection factors as breastfeeding.