Bedside Sleeper Cot
A bedside sleeper (also called a bassinet) is attached to the side of a bed to ensure that your child can be close enough to eat at night, while remaining safe in their own space to sleep. Our mums love that they are easy to reach and can also rotate or lower the sides to be closer.
Safety
A bedside sleeper cot permits babies to be within reach of parents' beds for nighttime feeding, comforting and monitoring without increasing the risks associated with sharing beds (which could result in Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). The cots are designed to adhere to NHS guidelines for co-sleeping and are endorsed by childcare experts like director of Mother-Baby Behavioural Sleep Laboratory Dr McKenna.
They also encourage healthy attachment and breastfeeding by keeping babies close. This helps them to reach developmental milestones. Parents should look for bassinets which are easy to clean, safe to use, and are certified by a reputable organization like JPMA.
In 2023, ASTM updated its version of the bedside sleeper's voluntary standard F2906 to respond to newer models that convert an infant bassinet to a bedside sleeper by dropping one side rail to an adult bed, and allowing some areas of the lower side to be at an elevated level above the mattress, which poses an increased risk of entrapment. The CPSC direct final rule incorporates the 2023 revision with reference to the mandatory standards in place under section 104 of Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008(CPSIA) for durable baby or toddler products which are in use for longer than 180 days and is expected to reduce the chance of injury.
Be aware that a bassinet or bedside sleeper, should not be used in conjunction with pillows or blankets. This could create a suffocation risk as many infants are unable to lift their heads high enough to remove them from soft objects. A reclined position can cause the head to tip forward, obstructing their airway. Always place your child on their back when using a crib, bassinet or play yard. Use a fitted sheet that is in compliance with the federal requirements.
Convenience
It is essential to keep your baby close throughout the night. This helps create a bond between parents and newborns. Bedside sleeper bassinets attach securely to the sides of your bed, allowing you to easily reach your baby for diaper changes in the middle of the night feedings, as well as comforting. We searched for models with mesh sides that were transparent enough to allow for visibility, so you could monitor your baby without having to get out of bed.
It is essential to ensure that the bassinet is in compliance with the requirements of the US Consumer Product Safety Commission's (CPSC) specifications and is deemed safe for babies. It is recommended to choose an infant bassinet that has a large base and a sturdy attachment system. A breathable mattress should be considered.
Find a model that has a manual rocking feature. It will be gentle on the skin of your baby and will help them sleep. Some models also have tilt options that can be helpful for infants suffering from colic or reflux, but should only be used with the guidance of your doctor or health care professional.
Some bassinets include a mattress, while others require that you purchase a mattress separately. Make sure you buy the right mattress to fit in your bedside bassinet. Second-hand mattresses can be too soft and carry the risk of SIDS. You should also purchase a comfortable fitted sheet for your bed and a the muslin baby blanket. For easy cleaning make sure that the fabric lining or foam mattress can be washed using a machine. A basket or shelf for storage is a convenient feature for storing necessities such as nappies, clothing and muslins. There are also models with wheels that allow for mobility around the house.
Support for breastfeeding
If you plan to feed your infant at night, a sleeper cot by your bed can assist you in getting the most benefit from your feedings. By securing to your bed, it permits you to easily reach across when baby wakes to feed. The cot's side can be lowered to create a bed that is shallow for sleeping side-by-side. Certain models can also tilt to provide support for reflux.
The curving sides of the cot mean that it's easy to spot your baby, and they won't fall off the side when you lift them up to feed. Some cots for bedside sleepers have an automatic rocking feature which can calm your baby and help them to go to sleep faster after a meal.
If you want to keep your baby clean, a cozy bedding and fabric which can be washed by a machine are helpful. Some models come with gentle rocking or vibration features which can calm your baby into sleep. Having plenty of storage space is a an advantage for breastfeeding moms.
It is beneficial for nursing mothers to share a bed with their babies. This also lets them develop an intimate bond during their sleep. bedside crib to cot has shown that infants who are breastfed and have a shared space to sleep have much better outcomes than infants fed by bottles. It is important to be aware of the dangers and practices that come with sharing an infant's bed and to select an appropriate mattress for your baby.
Some beds have soft surfaces or padding on their edges, which could cause your baby to become entrapped. You must also be cautious to ensure that the bedside device slide backwards. This could create an opening through which your baby could crawl or roll.
If you're concerned about the safety of a bedside sleeper you should consider attending an LLL meeting or talking with a Sleep Leader to find out more about the sleeping habits of breastfeeding mothers and babies. They can help you create a safe sleeping environment for your baby and help understand the risks of SIDS. They will also inform you about the'sweet sleep' of nursing mothers, which includes many of the same protective factors as breastfeeding.