Bedside Sleeper Cot
A bedside sleeper cot (also known as bassinet) is attached to the bed's side so that your baby is close enough for night feeding but safe within their own space to sleep. Our mothers love that they are easy to reach and also rotate the sides or drop them to reach closer.
Safety
A bedside sleeper cot allows babies to be close to parents in their beds for feeding at night, as well as monitoring and comfort, without increasing the risks associated with bed-sharing (which could result in Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). The cots are in line with NHS guidelines for co-sleeping and are recommended by childcare experts such as Dr McKenna director of the Mother-Baby Behavioural Sleep Laboratory.
They also foster healthy attachment and breastfeeding by keeping babies close. This will help them reach their milestones in their development. It's important that parents look for bassinets that are simple to clean and safe to use and ensure they have been tested and approved by a reputable agency like JPMA.
In 2023, ASTM updated their version of the standard F2906 that is voluntary for bedside sleepers due to the newer models that transform from a baby bassinet to a bedside sleeper by lowering a side rail adjacent to an adult bed. This allows certain areas of lower side to be elevated over the mattress, which poses an increased chance of entrapment. The CPSC direct final rule incorporates this 2023 revision by reference to the current mandatory standards under section 104 of Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008(CPSIA) for durable baby or toddler products which have been used for more than 180days and is expected to lower the chance of injury.
Remember that a bassinet, or best Bedside cot Uk sleeper, should never be used in conjunction with pillows or blankets. This could create a suffocation risk as many infants are unable to lift their heads high enough to pull them away from soft objects and a reclined position could cause the head to tip forward, blocking their airway. Always put your baby on their backs in a crib, bassinet, play yard or bedside cot bed sleeper. Make certain to use a fitted sheet that meets the requirements of the federal government.
Convenience
Being close to your baby you at night can help create a bond between newborns and parents. Bassinets for sleepers that are attached to the side of your bed and allow you to easily reach your child for middle-of-the-night diaper changes feedings, and comforting. We looked for models that had mesh sides that were transparent and able to be seen through so you can keep an eye on your child without stepping up from the bed.
It is crucial that the bassinet you select is tested as safe for babies by an independent testing organization, and meets all the specifications of the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). It is recommended to choose an infant bassinet that has a large base and a strong attachment system. A breathable mattress is essential as well.
Look for a model with a manual rocking feature that's gentle on your baby and will help settle them to sleep. Some models also have a tilt option that can be helpful for infants suffering from colic or reflux, but should only be used on the advice of your GP or health care professional.
Some bassinets come with mattresses however, others require you to buy one separately. Make sure you purchase the right mattress to fit the bedside bassinet. Second-hand mattresses can be too soft and carry the risk of SIDS. You will also need to buy a breathable fitted sheet for your bed and a the muslin baby blanket. To make cleaning easier, check that the lining fabric or mattress can be washed in the machine. A storage shelf or basket is a useful feature for storing necessities such as nappies, clothing and muslins. There are many models with wheels that enable it to be moved around the house.
Support for breastfeeding
If you decide to breastfeed, a bedside sleeper cot will help you get the most out of your feedings at night. Attached to your bed it allows you to reach over to feed your baby when you wake up. The side of the cot can be lowered to create a shallow bed to sleep side-by-side. Some models also tilt to accommodate reflux.
The curved sides of the cot means that it's easy for you to see your baby and they won't fall off the side when you pick them up for feeding. Some wooden bedside cot sleeper cribs have an automatic rocking feature which can help your child relax and encourage them to go back to sleep quicker after a meal.
A cosy fabric and machine washable and removable bedding are beneficial in keeping your baby clean. Some models feature gentle vibration and rocking functions that can help soothe your baby to sleep. Having plenty of storage space is also a an advantage for breastfeeding moms.
It is beneficial for breastfeeding mothers to share their bed with their babies. This lets them develop an intimate bond while they sleep. Research has shown that babies who are breastfed and have a shared space to sleep have better outcomes than infants fed by bottles. However, it is important to be aware of the dangers and procedures involved in sharing a bed with a newborn and choose a safe mattress for your baby.
Some in-bed sleeping bags have soft surfaces on the edges that can keep your baby in the bag. Also, be cautious not to allow the sleeper in bed slide backwards, creating a gap that your baby could crawl into or roll into.
If you are concerned about the safety of a baby who sleeps at the bedside you should consider attending an LLL meeting or talking with a Sleep Leader to learn more about the sleep habits of breastfeeding mothers and their babies. They can help you create an environment that is safe for your baby, and also explain the dangers of SIDS. They can also teach you how to get the'sweet sleep' that nursing mothers enjoy, which includes many safeguards that are similar to breastfeeding.