The 10 Scariest Things About Bedside Sleeper Cot

travel bedside crib Sleeper Cot

A bedside sleeper cot (also known as a bassinet) fixes to the side of your bed so baby is close enough for night feeding but safe within their own sleeping area. Our mothers love that they are simple to reach, and can also swivel the sides or drop them to get closer.

Safety

A bedside sleeper cot allows infants to stay close to parents' beds for nighttime feeding, as well as monitoring and comfort, without putting them at risk with sharing beds (which can lead to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). The cots are made to conform to NHS guidelines on co-sleeping and are endorsed by childcare experts like director of the Mother-Baby Behavioural Sleep Laboratory Dr McKenna.

They also offer instant nursing support and help babies feel more secure by keeping them close to their parents, encouraging healthy attachment that can help with developmental milestones. Parents should look for bassinets that are easy to clean and safe to use and have been endorsed by a respected organization such as JPMA.

In 2023, ASTM updated its version of the bedside crib with wheels sleeping voluntary standard F2906 in response to newer products that convert a bassinet into the bedside crib travel sleeper by lowering one side rail to an adult bed, allowing certain areas of the lower side to be at an elevated level above the mattress, which poses an increased risk of trapping. The CPSC's direct rule incorporates in its reference this 2023 revision to the current mandatory standard under section 104 of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA) for products for toddlers and infants that have been in use for more than 180 days and is expected to reduce the risk of injuries.

Remember that a bassinet or bedside cot mattress sleeper should not be used in conjunction with blankets, pillows or other bedding. This could create the risk of suffocation since many young babies cannot lift their heads sufficiently to keep them from soft objects. Additionally, a reclined position could cause the head to tip forward blocking their airway. Always place your child on their back in a crib, bassinet or play yard, or a bedside sleeper and be sure to use only sheets that are fitted to meet the federal requirements.

Convenience

Having your baby close to you during the night helps build a bond between newborns and their parents. Bassinets that sleep in bed are securely attached to the side of your bed and let you easily reach your little one for diaper changes in the middle of the night feedings, as well as comforting. We looked for models with mesh sides that were transparent and able to be seen through so you can monitor your child without stepping up from bed.

It is essential that the bassinet you select is deemed safe for babies by an independent testing organization and that it meets the specifications of the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). You should choose a bassinet that has a wide base and a strong attachment system. A mattress that is breathable is important also.

Find a model that has an option for manual rocking that is gentle on your baby and can help settle them to sleep. Some models come with tilt features that can be useful for infants suffering from reflux or colic. However it should only be used under the advice of a GP or health professional.

Some bassinets include a mattress however, others require you to purchase one separately. Purchase a mattress that is designed to be a perfect fit for the bedside sleeper. Second-hand mattresses are often too soft and cause SIDS. It is also necessary to purchase a comfortable fitted sheet and muslin blanket for your baby. Make sure the fabric lining and foam mattress are machine washable for ease of cleaning. A basket or shelf for storage can be a useful feature to store things like nappies clothing, muslins, and clothes. You can find models that have wheels that make it easier to move around the house.

Support for Breastfeeding

If you choose to feed your baby in the night, a sleeper cot by your bed will aid you in getting the most out of your feedings. Attached to your bed it allows you to reach over to feed your baby when they wake up. The cot's side can be raised to create a shallow bed to sleep side-by-side. Certain models can also tilt to provide support for reflux.

The curved sides of the cot ensure that it's easy to see your baby, and they won't roll out of the side when you pick them up for feeding. Some cots with a bedside sleeper have an automatic rocking feature that can help calm your baby and help them to fall asleep faster after a meal.

If you want to keep your baby clean, a cosy fabric and removable bedding which can be washed by a machine are a great option. Certain models are equipped with gentle rocking or vibration features which can soothe your baby to sleep. Ample storage space is a an advantage for breastfeeding moms.

It is a good idea for breastfeeding mothers to share the bed with their infants. This also helps them form an intimate bond while they sleep. Research has proven that babies who are breastfed who share a sleeping space with their mothers have better outcomes than babies who are bottle-fed. It is vital that you know the safety dangers and procedures involved in sharing a crib with a newborn and select a mattress that is safe for your infant.

Some sleepers in the bed have soft surfaces or padding along their edges, which could cause your baby to become entrapped. You also need to be aware not to let your bed-side sleeper slide backwards, forming an opening that your baby could crawl or roll into.

If you're concerned about the safety a baby or mother sleeping next to you, attend an LLL meeting. Or talk with an experienced Sleep Leader about sleeping habits of your child. They can explain how to create a safe and secure sleeping environment for your baby and help you to understand the dangers of SIDS. They will also teach you about the "sweet sleep" of nursing mothers, which includes many of the same protective factors as breastfeeding.