Bedside Sleeper Cot
A bedside sleeper cot (also called a bassinet) is attached to the bed's side to ensure that your baby is close enough for feeding at night, but is safe in their own sleeping area. Our mums love that they are easy to reach and can also swivel or lower the sides to make them more accessible.
Safety
The bedside sleeper lets parents monitor, soothe and feed their babies at night without having to worry about the risks of sharing a bed. This can lead to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. The cots are in line with NHS guidelines for co-sleeping, and are recommended by childcare experts like Dr. McKenna, director of Mother-Baby Behavioural Sleep Laboratory.
These bassinets also help to foster healthy attachment and breastfeeding by keeping babies close. This can help them achieve milestones in their development. Parents should search for bassinets that are simple to clean and safe to use and have been endorsed by a reputable organization like JPMA.
In 2023, ASTM updated their version of the standard F2906 that is voluntary for bedside sleepers in response to the newer models that convert from a bassinet for babies to a bedside sleeping product by dropping a side rail in front of a bed for adults. This allows certain areas of the lower part to be elevated over the mattress, which poses an increased chance of getting trapped. CPSC's direct final rule incorporates by reference this 2023 revision to the existing mandatory standard under section 104 of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA) for sturdy toddler or infant products that have been used for more than 180 days and is expected to reduce the chance of injuries.
Be aware that a bassinet or bedside sleeper is not recommended to be used with blankets, pillows or other bedding. This can be a risk of suffocation since infants aren't able to lift their heads up enough to free them from soft objects. A reclining position may cause the head tip to tilt forward, which can block their airway. Always put your child on their back when using a crib, bassinet or play yard. Use an appropriate fitted sheet that meets the federal requirements.
Convenience
A baby who is close to you during the night helps create a bond between newborns and their parents. Bassinets that sleep in bed are securely attached to the sides of your bed and let you easily reach your little one for middle-of-the-night diaper changes feedings, and comforting. We looked for models with mesh sides that were transparent and able to be seen through, allowing you to monitor your child without having to get up from the bed.
It is important to ensure that the bassinet meets the requirements of the US Consumer Product Safety Commission's (CPSC) specifications and is deemed safe for babies. You should look for a bassinet that has a wide base and a strong attachment mechanism. A breathable mattress should be considered.
Choose a model with a manual rocking function that's gentle on your baby and will help settle them to sleep. Some models also have a tilt option, which can be helpful for infants suffering from reflux or colic but should only be used on the supervision of your doctor or health care professional.
Some bassinets come with mattresses, while others require that you purchase a mattress separately. Buy a mattress designed to be suitable for the bedside cots for newborns sleeper. Second-hand mattresses can be too soft, and could pose a SIDS risk. You should also purchase a breathable fitted bed sheet and muslin baby blanket. Make sure the fabric lining and foam mattress can be machine washed to make cleaning easier. A storage shelf or a basket is a great option to store essentials such as nappies clothing, muslins, and clothes. You can also find models that have wheels for mobility around the house.
Support for Breastfeeding
If you decide to breastfeed, a bedside sleeper cot can help you to maximize your evening feedings. By attaching to your bed, it permits you to reach easily when baby wakes for a feed. The side of the cot can be raised to create a bed for sleeping side-by-side. Certain models can also tilt to support 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 pick them up to feed. Some cots with a bedside sleeper have an automatic rocking bedside crib feature which can calm your baby and encourage them to go to sleep more quickly after a feed.
A cosy fabric and machine washable and removable bedding are beneficial in keeping your baby clean. Certain models come with gentle rocking and vibration features that can help soothe your baby to sleep. Having plenty of storage space is also a bonus for breastfeeding mums.
Bed-sharing is a popular choice for breastfeeding mothers due to it being easy and allows them to have an intimate bond with their baby during their sleep. Research has shown that babies who are breastfed and have a shared space to sleep have much better outcomes than infants who are fed through bottles. It is crucial to be aware of the dangers and practices associated with sharing the bed with a baby and to choose an appropriate mattress for your baby.
Some beds have soft surfaces or padding around their edges, which could cause your baby to become trapped. You must also be cautious to not let your bedside sleeping device slide backwards. This could result in an opening in which your baby can crawl or roll.
If you're worried about the safety of your baby or mother sleeping next to you, consider attending an LLL meeting. Or talk with an experienced Sleep Leader about sleep habits of the. They can help you create a safe sleep environment for your baby and help understand the risks of SIDS. They can also help you understand how to enjoy the'sweet sleep that nursing mothers love, which includes many protective factors similar to breastfeeding.