Bedside Sleeper Cot
A bedside sleeper (also known by the name bassinet) is attached to the side of a bed to ensure that your child can be close enough to feed at night, while remaining safe in their own bed. Our moms love how they are easy to reach, and they can also rotate the sides or drop them to reach closer.
Safety
A bedside sleeper cot permits babies to be within reach of their parents' beds for nighttime feeding, as well as monitoring and comfort, without increasing the risks associated with sharing beds (which can lead to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). The cots are made to conform to NHS guidelines on co-sleeping and are recommended by childcare experts such as director of Mother-Baby Behavioural Sleep Laboratory Dr McKenna.
They also promote healthy attachment and breastfeeding by keeping babies close. bedside crib and cot can help them achieve milestones in their development. It is essential that parents search for bassinets that are simple to clean and safe to use and ensure they have been tested and certified by a reputable agency like JPMA.
In 2023, ASTM updated its version of the bedside sleeping voluntary standard F2906 to respond to newer products that convert a bassinet into a bedside sleeper by dropping one side rail adjacent to an adult bed, allowing certain areas of the lower side to be elevated level above the mattress, which poses an increased risk of entrapment. The CPSC direct final rule incorporates this revision based on the existing mandatory standards under section 104 of Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008(CPSIA) for infant or toddler products that have been used for more than 180days and is expected reduce the chance of injury.
Remember that a bassinet or bedside sleeper should never be used with pillows, blankets or other bedding. This could be an entrapment risk since babies are unable to raise their heads high enough to free them from soft objects. A reclining position can cause the head to tip forward, blocking their airway. Always put your baby on their backs in a bassinet, crib, play yard or bedside sleeper and be sure to use only a fitted sheet that meets the federal requirements.
Convenience
It is important to keep your baby close throughout the night. This helps create an emotional bond between newborns and parents. Bedside sleeper bassets attach securely on the side of your mattress and allow you to reach your baby easily to change diapers, feeds and comforting in middle of the night. We searched for models with mesh sides that were translucent enough to be able to see through so you could watch your baby without having to get out of bed.
It's important that the bassinet you pick is deemed safe for infants by an independent testing organization and that it meets the specifications of the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Look for a wide base, a sturdy attachment mechanism, and a solid construction which prevents the bassinet from falling over. A breathable mattress should be included.
Look for bedside cots for newborns with an option for manual rocking that is gentle on your baby and can help them sleep. Certain models also have tilting options that can be helpful for babies suffering from colic or reflux, but should only be used with the supervision of your doctor or health visitor.
Some bassinets include a mattress and some require you to purchase a mattress separately. Find a mattress made to be a perfect fit for the bedside sleeper. Second-hand mattresses are often too soft and be a risk for SIDS. You should also buy a breathable fitted sheet for your bed and a muslin baby blanket. Check the fabric lining and foam mattress can be machine washed to make it easier to clean. A storage shelf or basket is a convenient feature to store essentials such as nappies, clothes and muslins. There are also models with wheels that allow for mobility around the house.
Support for breastfeeding
If you choose to feed your baby at night sleeping in a cot beside your bed can help you get the most out of your feedings. By securing to your bed, it permits you to easily reach across when your baby is awake to feed. The cot's sides can lower to create a shallow bassinet for safe side-by-side sleeping. Some models can also tilt to provide support for reflux.
The curving sides of the cot means that it's easy for you to see your baby and they won't fall off the side as you lift them up to feed. Some bedside sleeper cots also feature an automatic rocking function which can soothe your baby and help them to return to sleep more quickly after a feed.
When it comes to keeping your baby clean, a cozy bedding and fabric that can be washed in the machine can be very beneficial. Some models have gentle rocking or vibration features that can help calm your baby into sleep. Having plenty of storage space is also a an advantage for breastfeeding moms.
Bed-sharing is very popular for breastfeeding mothers due to it being convenient and provides an intimate bond with their baby during their sleep. Research has shown that babies who are breastfed who sleep with their mothers are more successful than babies who are bottle-fed. It is vital that you know the safety risks and practices involved in bed-sharing with a newborn baby and choose a safe mattress for your infant.
Some sleepers in the bed have soft surfaces or padding on their edges, which may cause your baby to get trapped. Also, be aware not to let the bedside sleeper slide backwards, forming an opening that your child may crawl into or roll over.
If you're worried about the safety a mother or baby who sleeps next to you, attend an LLL meeting. or talk to an experienced Sleep Leader about sleeping habits of your child. They can provide guidance on how to create a safe sleep environment for your baby and help you understand the risks of SIDS. They will also inform you about the'sweet sleep' of nursing mothers, which has many of the same protection factors as breastfeeding.