Bedside Sleeper Cot
A bedside sleeper cot (the full report) (also known as a bassinet) is attached to the bed's side so that your baby can be close enough for feeding at night, but is safe in their own bed. Our moms appreciate that they are simple to reach and can also rotate or lower the sides to get closer.
Safety
The bedside sleeper lets parents supervise, comfort and feed their infants at night without having to worry about the dangers of sharing a bed. This could lead to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. The cots are designed to adhere to NHS guidelines for co-sleeping and are recommended by childcare experts, such as the director of Mother-Baby Behavioural Sleep Laboratory Dr McKenna.
They also help foster healthy attachment and breastfeeding by keeping babies close. This helps them to reach developmental milestones. It's important that parents look for bassinets that are simple to clean and safe to use and ensure they have been tested and certified by a reliable agency such as JPMA.
In 2023, ASTM updated their version of the standard F2906 that is voluntary for bedside cot mattress sleepers due to the latest products that convert from a baby bassinet to a bedside sleeping device by lowering a side rail in front of a bed for adults. This allows a portion of lower side to be elevated over the mattress, which poses an increased risk of getting trapped. The CPSC direct final rule incorporates this revision based on the existing mandatory standards under section 104 of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008(CPSIA) for infant or toddler products which have been in use longer than 180 days and is expected to reduce the chance of injury.
Be aware that a bassinet or bedside sleeper, should never be used in combination with blankets or pillows. This could pose a risk of suffocation since babies are unable to lift their heads up enough to keep them away from soft objects. A reclining position may cause the head to tip to move forward, thereby blocking their airway. Always put your child on their backs when using a bassinet, crib or play yard. Use a fitted sheet that meets the federal requirements.
Convenience
It is important to keep your baby close during the night. This helps create a bond between newborns and parents. Bassets for bedside sleepers are firmly attached to the side of your mattress which allows you to easily reach your baby for feedings, diaper changes and comforting in middle of the night. We searched for models with mesh sides that were translucent and able to be seen through, allowing you to monitor your child without having to get up from bed.
It is essential to ensure that the bassinet you purchase meets the requirements of the US Consumer Product Safety Commission's (CPSC) specifications and is safe for infants. You should choose a bassinet with a wide base and a strong attachment mechanism. A mattress that is breathable should be included.
Look for models that have the option of manual rocking. This will be gentle on your baby's skin and help them fall asleep. Certain models have tilt functions which can be beneficial for newborns who suffer from colic or reflux. However it should only be used under the advice of a doctor or health care professional.
Some bassinets include mattresses, while others require that you purchase one separately. Find a mattress made to fit the bedside sleeper. Second-hand mattresses are often too soft and cause SIDS. Also, you will need to buy a breathable fitted bed sheet and muslin baby blanket. For ease of cleaning make sure that the fabric lining or foam mattress can be cleaned in the machine. A storage shelf or basket can be a useful feature to store necessities like nappies clothing, muslins, and clothes. You can also find models with wheels that allow for ease of movement around your house.
Breastfeeding Support
If you decide to breastfeed the baby, a travel cot bedside with a bedside cosleeper position will help you maximize your feedings at night. By attaching to your bed, it permits you to easily reach across when baby wakes for a feed. The cot's side can be lowered to create a shallow bed to sleep side-by-side. Some models can also tilt to support reflux.
The curved sides of the cot ensure that it's easy for you to see your baby and they won't roll out of the side when you pick them up for feeding. Some bedside cribs come with an automatic rocking feature that can calm your child and encourage them to go back to sleep quicker after a meal.
If you want to keep your baby clean, a soft bedding and fabric that can be washed in the machine can be very beneficial. Certain models are equipped with gentle vibration or rocking functions which can aid in calming your baby. Breastfeeding mothers will also appreciate having lots of storage.
It is a good idea for breastfeeding mothers to share their bed with their babies. This also helps them form an intimate bond during their sleep. Research has shown that infants who are breastfed and share a sleep space have better outcomes than infants fed by bottles. But, it is crucial that you know the safety risks and practices involved in bed-sharing with a newborn baby and select a mattress that is safe for your baby.
Some sleepers in the bed have soft surfaces or padding on their edges, which could cause your baby bedside crib to get entrapped. You also need to be aware not to allow the sleeper in bed slide backwards, creating a gap that your baby could crawl into or roll into.
If you're concerned about the security of a sleeper in bed you should consider attending an LLL meeting or talking with a Sleep Leader to learn more about the sleep habits of breastfeeding mothers and babies. They can assist you in creating an environment that is safe for your baby and also explain the dangers of SIDS. They can also show you how to get the "sweet sleep the nursing mothers get and includes a variety of protective factors similar to breastfeeding.