Bedside Sleeper Cot
A bedside sleeper (also known by the name bassinet) is attached to the bed's side, so that your baby can be close enough to eat at night while still being safe in their own sleeping space. Our mums love how they are simple to reach, and they can also rotate the sides or lower them to be closer.
Safety
A bedside sleeper cot allows infants to stay close to parents' beds for nighttime feeding, comforting and monitoring without putting them at risk with bed-sharing (which can lead to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). The cots adhere to 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 nursing support and help babies feel more secure by keeping them close to their parents, promoting healthy attachment that can help with developmental milestones. 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 trusted agency such as JPMA.
In 2023, ASTM updated their version of the standard F2906 that is voluntary for bedside sleepers in response to the newer products which convert from a bassinet for babies to a bedside sleeper by dropping a side rail adjacent to an adult bed. This allows certain areas of the lower side to be elevated over the mattress, which poses an increased risk of being entangled. CPSC's direct final rule incorporates by reference this 2023 revision of the mandatory standard under section 104 of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA) for products for toddlers and infants that have been used for more than 180 days. It is expected to reduce the risk of injury.
Remember that a bedside or bassinet should never be used with pillows, blankets or other bedding. This can pose the risk of suffocation since many infants are unable to lift their heads sufficiently to pull them away from soft objects and a reclining position can cause the head to slide forward blocking their airway. Always put your child on their backs in a bassinet, crib or play yard, or a bedside sleeper. Be sure to use only an appropriate fitted sheet that meets the federal requirements.
Convenience
A baby who is close to you at night can help to strengthen the bond between infants and their parents. Bedside sleeper bassinets attach securely to the side 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 translucent enough to see through, so you could monitor your child without having to get out of bed.
You should make sure that the bassinet is in compliance with the American Consumer Product Safety Commission's (CPSC) requirements and is deemed safe for infants. It is recommended to choose a bassinet that has a wide base and a strong attachment system. A breathable mattress should be included.
Look for a model with an option for manual rocking that is gentle on your baby and will help them sleep. Some models have a tilt feature which can be beneficial for newborns who suffer from colic or reflux. However this should only be used on the advice of a GP or health professional.
Some bassinets come with a mattress while others require you to purchase one separately. Purchase a mattress that is designed to be suitable for the bedside sleeper. Mattresses that are second-hand can be too soft, and could pose a SIDS risk. You will also need to purchase a comfortable fitted sheet for your bed and a the muslin baby blanket. For ease of cleaning, check that the fabric lining or foam mattress can be cleaned in the machine. A storage shelf or a basket is a great option to store essentials such as nappies, clothing and muslins. You can find models that have wheels to make it easier to move around the house.
Breastfeeding support
If you choose to feed your baby at night sleeping in a cot beside your bed will help you get the most out of your feedings. Attached to your bed it allows you to reach over to feed your baby whenever he wakes up. The side of the cot can be raised to create a bed for side-by side sleeping. Some models also tilt to accommodate reflux.
The curved sides make it easy to see and raise your baby up for a feeding. They won't slide off the side. Some bedside sleeper cribs have an automatic rocking feature which can help your child relax and encourage them to fall back asleep faster after a feeding.
A cosy fabric and machine washable and removable bedding are beneficial in keeping your baby clean. Some models have gentle rocking or vibration features that can help calm your baby into sleep. Having plenty of storage space is a an advantage for breastfeeding moms.
Bed-sharing is extremely popular with breastfeeding mothers because it is easy and allows them to have the mother with a close relationship with her baby during their sleep. Research has shown that babies who are breastfed who share a sleeping space with their mothers have better outcomes than those who are bottle-fed. It is essential to be aware of the risks and practices that come with sharing a bed with a newborn and to select the right mattress for your baby.
Some in-bed sleepers have soft surfaces or padding around their edges, which may cause your baby to get trapped. Also, you must be cautious not to allow the sleeper in bed slide backwards, creating a gap that your baby could crawl into or roll into.
If bedside cot wooden are worried about the safety of a bedside sleeper you should consider attending an LLL meeting or speaking with a Sleep Leader to find out more about the sleeping habits of breastfeeding mothers and their babies. They can explain how to create a safe sleep environment for your baby and help you recognize 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.