Bedside Sleeper Cot
A bedside sleeper cot (also known as a bassinet) can be attached to the side of your bed so that your baby can be close enough for feeding at night, but is safe in their own space to sleep. Our mums love how they are simple to reach, and they can also rotate the sides or lower them to be closer.
Safety
The bedside sleeper allows parents to supervise, comfort and feed their infants at night without worrying about the risks of sharing a bed. This can result in 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 Mother-Baby Behavioural Sleep Laboratory.
wooden bedside cot provide immediate nursing support and help babies feel more secure by keeping them close, creating healthy attachments that aid in the development of milestones. It is essential that parents search for bassinets that are easy to clean and safe to use and make sure they've been tested and certified by a reputable agency like JPMA.
In 2023, ASTM updated their version of the standard F2906 that is voluntary for bedside sleepers due to the latest products that transform from a baby bassinet to a bedside sleeper by dropping a side rail 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. CPSC's direct final rule incorporates this 2023 revision to the current mandatory standard 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 and is expected to reduce the chance of injury.
It is important to remember that a bassinet or bedside sleeper, should never be used in combination with blankets or pillows. This can be an entrapment risk since young babies are unable to lift their heads high enough to free them from soft objects. A reclining position may cause the head to tip forward, blocking their airway. Always place your baby on their backs in a bassinet, crib, play yard or bedside sleeper. Be sure to use a fitted sheet that meets federal requirements.
Convenience
Being close to your baby you at night can help build a bond between newborns and their parents. Bedside sleeper bassets attach securely to the side of your mattress and allow you to easily reach your baby for feedings, diaper changes and comforting in middle of the night. We looked for models that had mesh sides that were translucent and able to be seen through so you can keep an eye on your child without having to get up from bed.
It is crucial that the bassinet you select is tested as safe for infants by an independent testing organisation, 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 strong attachment mechanism. A mattress that is breathable should be considered.
Look for models that have an option for manual rocking. It will be gentle on the skin of your baby and will help them sleep. Some models also come with tilt options, which can be helpful for infants suffering from reflux or colic but should only be used on the advice of your GP or health visitor.
Some bassinets come with mattresses, while others require you to purchase one separately. Make sure you purchase one that is made to fit the bedside bassinet, as second-hand mattresses can be too soft and pose a risk of SIDS. You will also need to buy a breathable fitted sheet for your bed and a blanket for your baby. For ease of cleaning make sure that the lining of the fabric or mattress can be washed using the machine. A storage shelf or a basket is a useful feature to store essentials such as nappies, clothes and muslins. There are also models with wheels that allow for ease of movement around your house.
Breastfeeding support
If you decide to breastfeed, a cot that sleeps at your bedside can help you make the most of your feedings at night. By securing it to your bed, it permits you to reach over easily when baby wakes to feed. The cot's side can be adjusted to create a shallow bed to sleep side-by-side. Certain models tilt to help with reflux.
The curving sides of the cot means that it's easy to see your baby and they won't fall off the side as you lift them up for a feed. Some bedside cribs come with an automatic rocking feature that will calm your child and help them to fall asleep faster after eating.
A soft fabric, as well as machine washable and removable bedding are useful in keeping your baby clean. Certain models come with gentle vibration and rocking functions which can help soothe your baby into sleep. Breastfeeding mothers will also appreciate having plenty of storage.
Bed-sharing is very popular for breastfeeding mothers because it is practical and helps them to form a close bond with their baby during 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 essential to be aware of the dangers and practices that come with sharing a bed with a newborn and to choose a mattress that is safe for your baby.
Some sleeping bags for babies have soft surfaces on the edges that can trap your baby. You should also be careful to not let your mattress slide backwards. This could result in a gap into which your baby could crawl or roll.
If you're concerned about the security of a sleeper in bed, consider attending an LLL meeting or speaking with a Sleep Leader to learn more about the sleeping habits of breastfeeding mothers and their babies. They can explain how to create a safe sleeping environment for your baby and help recognize the risks of SIDS. They can also educate you about the'sweet sleep' of nursing mothers, which includes many of the same protective factors as breastfeeding.