Bedside Sleeper Cot
A bedside sleeper cot (also known as a bassinet) is attached to the bed's side to ensure that your baby is close enough for night feeding but safe within their own sleeping area. 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 newborns to be safely within reach of parents sleeping in their beds for nighttime feeding, comforting and monitoring without exposing them to the dangers associated with bed-sharing (which could result in Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). The cots are made to conform to NHS guidelines on co-sleeping. They are recommended by childcare experts such as director of the Mother-Baby Behavioural Sleep Laboratory Dr McKenna.
These bassinets also help to encourage healthy attachment and breastfeeding by keeping babies close. This can help them achieve developmental milestones. It is essential that parents search for bassinets that are simple to clean and safe to use. make sure that they've been tested and approved by a reputable agency 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 the bedside sleeper by lowering one side rail next to an adult bed, and allowing certain areas of the lower side to be at an elevated level above the mattress, which poses an increased risk of entrapment. The CPSC direct final rule incorporates the 2023 revision with reference to the mandatory standards in place under section 104 of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008(CPSIA) for sturdy baby or toddler products which have been used for longer than 180 days and is expected reduce the risk of injuries.
Be aware that a bassinet or bedside sleeper, should not be used in combination with blankets or pillows. This could be a suffocation hazard as infants aren't able to raise their heads high enough to remove them from soft objects. A reclining position could result in the head tipping to tilt forward, which can block their airway. Always put your child on their backs when using a bassinet, crib 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 to strengthen the bond between infants and parents. Bedside sleeper bassets attach securely on the side of your mattress, allowing you to reach your baby easily for diaper changes, feedings and comforting in middle of the night. We searched for models that had mesh sides that were translucent and visible through to allow you to 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 infants by an independent testing agency and that it meets all specifications of the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Make sure you choose a large base, a strong attachment mechanism and sturdy construction that prevents the bassinet from tipping over. A mattress that is breathable is important also.
Find a model that has a manual rocking feature that's gentle on your baby and can aid in settling them down. Some models have tilt functions that is beneficial for infants suffering from colic or reflux. However this should only be used under the advice of your doctor or health care professional.
Some bassinets come with a mattress while others require you to purchase one separately. Be sure to purchase a mattress that is designed to fit your bedside sleeper bassinet. Second-hand mattresses could be too soft and pose the risk of SIDS. It is also necessary to purchase an air-tight fitted sheet and muslin blanket for your baby. To make cleaning easier ensure that the lining fabric or foam mattress can be cleaned in the machine. A basket or shelf for storage is a useful feature to store things like nappies, clothing and muslins. You can find models that have wheels that enable it to be moved around the home.
Support for breastfeeding
If you decide to breastfeed, a cot that sleeps at your bedside can help you to get the most out of your evening feedings. By attaching to your bed, it allows you to easily reach across when your baby wakes up to feed. The cot's side can be lowered to create a bassinet that is shallow for a secure side-by-side sleep. Some models also tilt to support reflux.
The curved sides of the cot ensure that it's easy 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 feature that can help calm your baby and help them to fall asleep more quickly after a feed.
When it comes to keeping your baby clean, a soft bedding and a removable material that can be machine-washed are helpful. Some models have gentle rocking and vibration features which can help soothe your baby into sleep. Ample storage space is also a benefit for breastfeeding mothers.
It is a good idea for nursing mothers to share a bed with their babies. This allows them to form a close bond as they sleep. Research has revealed that infants who are breastfed and sleep together have much better outcomes than infants who are fed through bottles. However, it is important that you know the safety hazards and practices that come with bed-sharing with a newborn baby and choose a safe mattress for your infant.
Some in-bed sleepers have soft surfaces or padding on their edges, which could cause your baby to become entrapped. You also need to be cautious not to let the bedside sleeper slide backwards, forming an opening that your baby could crawl into or roll into.
If you're concerned about the safety of a bedside sleeper you should consider attending an LLL meeting or speaking to a Sleep Leader to find out more about the sleep habits of breastfeeding mothers and their babies. They can explain how to create a safe sleeping environment for your baby and help understand the risks of SIDS. They will also inform you about the'sweet sleep' of nursing mothers, which includes many of the same protective factors as breastfeeding.