Bedside Sleeper Cot
A bedside sleeper cot (also known as bassinet) is attached to the side of your bed so that your baby is close enough to be able to enjoy feeding at night, but is safe in their own bed. Our mums love that they are easy to reach and that they can also pivot or drop the sides to make them more accessible.
Safety
The bedside sleeper allows parents to supervise, comfort and feed their babies at the night without worrying about the dangers of bed-sharing. This can result in Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. The cots adhere to NHS guidelines for co-sleeping, and are recommended by childcare experts like Dr. McKenna, director of Mother-Baby Behavioural Sleep Laboratory.
They also promote healthy attachment and breastfeeding by keeping babies close. This can help them achieve milestones in their development. Parents should seek out bassinets which are easy to clean, safe to use, and are certified by a respected organization such as JPMA.
In 2023, ASTM updated their version of the voluntary standard F2906 for bedside sleepers to respond to the newer models that convert from a baby bassinet to a bedside sleeping product by the side rails being lower next to a adult bed. This allows some portions of the lower side to be elevated above the mattress and presents an increased risk of entrapment. The CPSC direct final rule incorporates the 2023 revision based on 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 in use longer than 180 days and is expected reduce the risk of injuries.
It is important to remember that a bassinet or bedside sleeper, should never be used in conjunction with pillows or blankets. This can 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 cause the head tip forward, blocking their airway. Always place your child on their backs when using a bassinet, a crib or play yard. Use a fitted sheet that meets the federal requirements.
Convenience
Having your baby close to you during the night helps build a bond between newborns and parents. Bedside sleeper bassinets attach securely to the sides of your bed and allow you to easily reach your little one to change diapers feedings, and comforting. We searched for models with mesh sides that were translucent and able to be seen through, allowing you to keep an eye on your child without stepping up from the bed.
It is essential that the bassinet you pick is deemed safe for babies by an independent testing organisation and that it meets the specifications of the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). You should choose a bassinet with a wide base and a sturdy attachment system. A mattress that is breathable should be included.
Choose a model that has a manual rocking feature. This will be gentle on your baby's skin and can help them sleep. Certain models also have a tilt option, which can be helpful for newborns with reflux or colic, but should only be used under the guidance of your doctor or health visitor.
Some bassinets come with a mattress, while others require you to purchase a mattress separately. Be sure to purchase the right mattress to fit the bedside bassinet. Second-hand mattresses can be too soft and carry a risk of SIDS. You'll also need to purchase a breathable fitted sheet and muslin blanket for your baby. For ease of cleaning, check that the lining fabric or mattress can be cleaned in a machine. A basket or shelf for storage can be a useful option to store necessities like nappies clothing, muslins, and clothes. You can find models that have wheels that make it easier to move around the house.
Support for Breastfeeding
If you decide to breastfeed, a bedside sleeper cot can help you to maximize your night-time feedings. By attaching to your bed, it allows you to reach easily when baby wakes for a feed. The side of the cot can be raised to create a bed that is shallow for sleeping side-by-side. bedside cot used tilt to accommodate 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 sleeper include an automatic rocking function which can soothe your baby and encourage them to fall asleep more quickly after a feed.
A cosy fabric and removable and machine-washable bedding are helpful when it comes to keeping your baby clean. Some models feature gentle rocking and vibration functions that can help soothe your baby to sleep. Having plenty of storage space is a benefit for breastfeeding mothers.
Bed-sharing is very popular for breastfeeding mothers due to it being convenient and provides a close bond with their baby during sleep. Research has revealed that infants who are breastfed and have a shared space to sleep have much better outcomes than infants fed by bottles. It is crucial to be aware of the risks and practices that come with sharing a bed with a newborn and to choose a mattress that is safe for your baby.
Some in-bed sleepers have soft surfaces or padding along their edges, which could cause your baby to become entrapped. Also, be aware not to let your bed-side sleeper 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 take a look at attending an LLL meeting or speaking with an experienced Sleep Leader to know more about the sleep habits of breastfeeding mothers and babies. They can help you create a safe sleeping environment for your baby and help you understand the risks of SIDS. They can also educate you about the'sweet sleep' of nursing mothers, which has many of the same protective factors as breastfeeding.