Bedside Sleeper Cot
A bedside sleeper cot (also called a bassinet) is attached to the bed's side so baby can be close enough for feeding at night, but is safe in their own bed. Our mums love how they are easy to reach and also pivot the sides and lower them to be closer.
Safety
A bedside sleeper cot permits newborns to be safely close to parents' beds for nighttime feeding, comforting and monitoring without putting them at risk with bed-sharing (which could lead to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). The cots are designed to adhere to NHS guidelines for co sleeper bedside cot-sleeping and are recommended by childcare experts, such as the director of Mother-Baby Behavioural Sleep Laboratory Dr McKenna.
They also encourage healthy attachment and breastfeeding by keeping babies close. This can help them achieve milestones in their development. Parents should seek out bassinets that are simple to clean and safe to use and are certified by a trusted organization like JPMA.
In 2023, ASTM updated its version of the bedside sleeper's voluntary standard F2906 in response to newer models that convert an infant bassinet to a bedside cot used sleeper by lowering one side rail adjacent to an adult bed, which allows some portions of the lower part to be elevated level above the mattress, which poses an increased risk for trapping. The CPSC direct final rule incorporates the 2023 revision by reference to the current mandatory standards under section 104 of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008(CPSIA) for sturdy baby or toddler products which are in use for more than 180days and is expected to reduce the risk of injuries.
Remember that the bassinet or bedside co sleeper sleeper should not be used in conjunction with blankets, pillows or other bedding. This could be a suffocation hazard as young babies are unable to lift their heads up enough to remove them from soft objects. A reclining position can cause the head to tip to move forward, thereby blocking 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
A baby who is close to you at night can help to strengthen the bond between infants and their parents. Bassinets for sleepers that are attached to the side of your bed and let you easily reach your little one for middle-of-the-night diaper changes feedings, as well as comforting. We searched for models that had mesh sides that were transparent and easy to see through so you can keep an eye on your child without having to get up from the bed.
It is essential that the bassinet you choose is deemed safe for babies by an independent testing agency and that it meets the requirements of the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). You should choose an infant bassinet that has a large base and a strong attachment system. A mattress that is breathable is important as well.
Find the model that comes with a manual rocking feature. This will be gentle on your baby's skin and help them fall asleep. Certain models have tilt features that can be useful for infants suffering from reflux or colic. However, this is only recommended on the advice of your doctor or health professional.
Some bassinets come with mattresses, while others require you to purchase a mattress separately. Buy a mattress designed to fit the bedside sleeper. Mattresses that are second-hand can be too soft and be a risk for SIDS. You should also purchase a comfortable fitted sheet for your bed and a the muslin baby blanket. Be sure to check the fabric lining. The foam mattress are machine washable to make cleaning easier. A basket or shelf for storage is a great option to store things like nappies, clothes and muslins. You can find models that have wheels to enable it to be moved around the house.
Breastfeeding support
If you decide to breastfeed, a bedside sleeper cot will help you maximize your night-time feedings. By securing it to your bed, it allows you to reach easily when your baby is awake for a feed. The cot's side can be lowered to create a bed for sleeping side-by-side. Certain models tilt to accommodate reflux.
The curving sides of the cot mean that it's easy for you to see your baby, and they won't fall off the side when you lift them up for a feed. Some cots for bedside sleepers feature an automatic rocking function which can soothe your baby and encourage them to return to sleep faster after a meal.
A soft fabric, as well as machine washable and removable bedding are useful in keeping your baby clean. Some models have gentle rocking and vibration features which can help soothe your baby to sleep. Ample storage space is a an advantage for breastfeeding moms.
Bed-sharing is a popular choice for breastfeeding mothers because it is practical and helps them to form a close bond with their baby during sleep. Research has shown that infants who breastfeed and share a sleep space have better outcomes than bottle-feeding infants. 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 sleeping bags in the bed have soft edges, which could keep your baby in the bag. You also need to be careful not to allow the sleeper in bed slide backwards, creating an opening that your child could crawl into or roll into.
If you are worried about the security of a sleeper in bed you should consider attending an LLL meeting or speaking to a Sleep Leader to learn more about the sleeping habits of breastfeeding mothers and their babies. They can provide guidance on how to create a safe and secure sleeping environment for your baby and help to understand the dangers of SIDS. They will also inform you about the'sweet sleep' of nursing mothers, which includes many of the same protection factors as breastfeeding.