Bedside Sleeper Cot
A bedside sleeper cot (also called bassinet) can be attached to the side of your bed to ensure that your baby is close enough to be able to enjoy night feeding but safe within their own space to sleep. Our mothers love that they are easy to reach, and can also pivot the sides and drop them to reach closer.
Safety
The bedside sleeper lets parents monitor, soothe and feed their infants at night without worrying about the risks of sharing a bed. This can result in Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. The cots are designed to adhere to NHS guidelines on co-sleeping. They are endorsed by childcare experts, such as the director of the Mother-Baby Behavioural Sleep Laboratory Dr McKenna.
They also provide immediate breastfeeding support and can help babies feel more secure by keeping them close to their parents, encouraging healthy attachment that can help with developmental milestones. Parents should search for bassinets that are simple to clean, safe to use, and have been certified by a respected organization such as JPMA.
In 2023, ASTM updated its version of the bedside sleeper voluntary standard F2906 to respond to newer models that convert an infant bassinet to a bedside cot bed sleeper by lowering one side rail next to an adult bed, which allows certain areas of the lower part to be elevated level above the mattress, which presents an increased risk of the entrapment of. The CPSC's direct final rule incorporates in its reference this 2023 revision of the mandatory standard in 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 decrease the risk of injuries.
Be aware that the bassinet or bedside sleeper should not be used in conjunction with pillows, blankets or other bedding. This could pose a suffocation hazard as infants aren't able to lift their heads high enough to keep them away from soft objects. A reclining position may cause the head tip forward, blocking their airway. Always place your baby on their back in a crib, bassinet or play yard or bedside co sleeper sleeper. Make sure to use only sheets that are fitted to meet the federal requirements.
Convenience
A baby who is close to you throughout the night can help create a bond between newborns and parents. bedside crib and cot sleeper bassets are secured to the sides of your mattress, allowing you to easily reach your baby for diaper changes, feedings and comforting in middle of the night. We looked for models that had mesh sides that were transparent and easy to see through, allowing you to keep an eye on your child without stepping up from the bed.
It is essential that the bassinet you choose is deemed safe for babies by an independent testing organisation, and meets all the requirements of the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). You should look for a bassinet with a wide base and a strong attachment system. A mattress that is breathable is important also.
Choose a model with an option for manual rocking that is gentle on your baby bedside cot and will help settle them to sleep. Some models also have a tilt option which can be beneficial for babies suffering from reflux or colic but should only be used under the advice of your GP or health professional.
Some bassinets come with a mattress, while others require you to purchase one separately. Find a mattress made to be suitable for the sleeper that is placed on the bedside. Mattresses that are second-hand can be too soft, and could cause SIDS. It is also necessary to purchase a breathable fitted sheet and muslin blanket to your baby. Make sure the fabric lining and foam mattress are machine washable to make cleaning easier. A storage shelf or a basket is a convenient feature to store essentials such as nappies, clothing and muslins. You can find models with wheels that make it easier to move around the house.
Support for Breastfeeding
If you decide to breastfeed, a bedside sleeper cot can help you to get the most out of your night-time feedings. By securing it to your bed, it allows you to reach easily when your baby wakes up for a feed. The cot's side can be adjusted to create a shallow bed to sleep side-by-side. Certain models can tilt for reflux support.
The curving sides of the cot ensure that it's easy to spot your baby and they won't roll out of the side when you pick them up for feeding. Some bedside cots sleeper cots also include an automatic rocking function which can calm your baby and encourage them to go to sleep more quickly after a feed.
When it comes to keeping baby clean, a cozy fabric and removable bedding that can be washed in the machine can be very beneficial. Certain models are equipped with gentle rocking or vibration features that can help calm your baby into sleep. Ample storage space is another bonus for breastfeeding mums.
It is beneficial for nursing mothers to share a bed with their babies. This helps them form an intimate bond as they sleep. Research has proven that babies who are breastfed and share a sleep space have better outcomes than infants fed by bottles. It is essential to be aware of the risks and practices that come with sharing the bed with a baby and to choose the right mattress for your baby.
Some sleepers in the bed have soft surfaces or padding along their edges, which could cause your baby to get entrapped. Be sure to not let your bedside device slide backwards. This could result in a gap into which your baby can crawl or roll.
If you are concerned about the safety of a baby who sleeps at the bedside take a look at attending an LLL meeting or talking with an experienced Sleep Leader to know 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 help you understand the dangers of SIDS. They can also show you how to get the'sweet sleep the nursing mothers get, which includes many protective factors similar to breastfeeding.