Bedside Sleeper Cot
A twin bedside cot sleeper cot (also known as a bassinet) fixes to the bed's side so baby is close enough for night feeding but safe within their own sleeping area. Our moms appreciate that they are simple to reach and can also rotate or drop the sides to get closer.
Safety
A bedside sleeper cot (Historydb published an article) allows newborns to be safely close to parents in their beds for feeding at night, comforting and monitoring without increasing the risks associated with bed-sharing (which could result in Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). The cots comply 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 offer instant breastfeeding support and can help babies feel more secure by keeping them close, creating healthy attachments that help with developmental milestones. It is crucial that parents look for bassinets that are easy to clean and safe to use and make sure they've been tested and approved by a trusted agency such as JPMA.
In 2023, ASTM updated their version of the voluntary standard F2906 for bedside sleepers in response to the latest products that convert from a baby bedside crib bassinet to a bedside sleeper by the side rails being lower adjacent to an adult bed. This allows some portions of the lower side to be elevated over the mattress, which poses an increased chance of entrapment. CPSC's direct final rule incorporates in its reference this 2023 revision to the existing mandatory standard set under 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. It is expected to decrease the chance of injury.
Keep in mind that a bedside or bassinet is not recommended to be used with blankets, pillows or other bedding. This could create the risk of suffocation since many infants are unable to lift their heads sufficiently to keep them from soft objects. A reclined position could cause the head to slide forward, obstructing their airway. Always place your child on their back in a bassinet, crib, play yard or bedside sleeper and be sure to use only an appropriate fitted sheet that meets federal requirements.
Convenience
It is important to keep your baby close during the night. This helps create a bond between parents and newborns. Bassinets that sleep in bed are securely attached to the sides of your bed and let you easily reach your baby to change diapers feedings, as well as comforting. We looked for models with mesh sides that were transparent enough to be able to see through so you could watch your child without having to leave your bed.
It is crucial that the bassinet you pick is deemed safe for babies by an independent testing organization, and meets all the requirements of the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). You should choose an infant bassinet that has a large base and a sturdy attachment system. A mattress that is breathable should be considered.
Look for a model with an option for manual rocking that is gentle on your baby and can help them sleep. Some models also come with tilt options, which can be helpful for babies 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 however, others require you to purchase a mattress separately. Buy a mattress designed to be a perfect fit for the bedside sleeper. Second-hand mattresses can be too soft and be a risk for SIDS. You should also purchase a comfortable fitted sheet for your bed and a muslin baby blanket. Check the fabric lining and foam mattress are machine washable to make it easier to clean. A storage shelf or a basket is a great option to store essentials such as nappies or muslins, clothing, and nappies. 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 will help you make the most of your feedings at night. Attached to your bed it allows you to reach over to feed your baby once they wake up. The side of the cot can be adjusted to create a bed that is shallow to sleep side-by-side. Certain models can tilt to provide support for reflux.
The curved sides of the cot ensure that it's easy to spot your baby and they won't fall off the side when you lift them up for feeding. Some cots with a bedside co sleeper sleeper include an automatic rocking function that can help calm your baby and help them to go to sleep quicker after feeding.
A cozy fabric and machine washable and removable bedding are beneficial in keeping your baby clean. Some models feature gentle vibration and rocking functions which can help soothe your baby into sleep. Breastfeeding mothers will also appreciate having plenty of storage.
It is a good idea for nursing mothers to share a bed with their babies. This allows them to form a close bond while they sleep. Research has proven that babies who are breastfed who share a bed with their mothers have better outcomes than babies who are bottle-fed. It is essential to be aware of the dangers and practices associated with sharing the bed with a baby and to choose a mattress that is safe for your baby bedside co sleeper.
Some sleepers in the bed have soft surfaces or padding on their edges, which may cause your baby to become trapped. You also need to be careful not to let your bed-side sleeper slide backwards, creating a gap that your baby could crawl or roll into.
If you're worried about the safety of a baby bedside cot or mother sleeping next to you, attend a LLL meeting. or talk to a Sleep Leader about the sleeping habits. They can provide guidance on how to create a safe and secure sleeping environment for your baby and help you to understand the dangers of SIDS. They can also teach you how to get the'sweet sleep that nursing mothers love and includes a variety of protective factors similar to breastfeeding.