Bedside Sleeper Cot
A bedside sleeper cot (also called bassinet) fixes to the side of your bed so that your baby is close enough to be able to enjoy nighttime feeding, but in their own space to sleep. Our moms appreciate that they are simple to reach and that they can also rotate or lower the sides to be closer.
Safety
A bedside sleeper cot allows babies to be within reach of their parents in their beds for feeding at night, as well as monitoring and comfort, without exposing them to the dangers associated with bed-sharing (which could result in Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). The cots are designed to adhere to NHS guidelines for co-sleeping and are recommended by childcare experts like director of Mother-Baby Behavioural Sleep Laboratory Dr McKenna.
They also foster healthy attachment and breastfeeding by keeping babies close. This helps them to reach developmental milestones. Parents should seek out bassinets which are easy to clean, safe to use, and have been endorsed by a reputable organization like JPMA.
In 2023, ASTM updated their version of the standard F2906 that is voluntary for bedside sleepers to respond to the newer products which convert from a bassinet for babies to a bedside sleeping device by dropping a side rail next to a adult bed. This allows certain areas of the lower side to be elevated above the mattress, which poses an increased risk of entrapment. CPSC's direct final rule incorporates in its reference this 2023 revision to the current 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 longer than 180 days and is expected to reduce the chance of injuries.
Remember that a bassinet or bedside sleeper is not recommended to be used with pillows, blankets or other bedding. This could create a suffocation risk as many infants are unable to lift their heads enough to keep them from soft objects and a reclined position could cause the head to tip forward, blocking their airway. Always place your baby on their backs in a bassinet, crib or play yard, or a bedside sleeper and be certain to use a fitted sheet that meets the federal requirements.
Convenience
Being close to your baby you throughout the night can help build a bond between newborns and parents. Bassets for bedside sleepers are firmly attached on the side of your mattress and allow you to reach your baby easily to change diapers, feeds and comforting in the middle of the night. We searched for models with mesh sides that were translucent and visible through to allow you to monitor your child without having to get up from the bed.
You should make sure that the bassinet meets the requirements of the US Consumer Product Safety Commission's (CPSC) specifications and is deemed safe for infants. You should choose a bassinet that has a wide base and a strong attachment mechanism. A mattress that is breathable is important as well.
Choose a model with a manual rocking function that's gentle on your baby and can help them sleep. Certain models also have a tilt option that can be helpful for infants suffering from reflux or colic, but should only be used on the guidance of your doctor or health visitor.
Some bassinets include mattresses, while others require that you purchase one separately. Make sure read article purchase a mattress that is designed to fit your bedside sleeper bassinet, as second-hand mattresses can be too soft and could pose the risk of SIDS. Also, you will need to purchase a comfortable fitted bed sheet and blanket for your baby. Make sure the fabric lining and foam mattress are machine washable for ease of cleaning. A basket or shelf for storage is a convenient feature to store essentials such as nappies, clothes and muslins. You can find models that have wheels that make it easier to move around the home.
Breastfeeding support
If you choose to feed your infant at night, a sleeper cot by your bed will aid you in getting the most benefit from your feedings. Attached to your bed it allows you to reach over to feed your baby when he wakes up. The cot's side can drop down to create a shallow bassinet for a secure side-by-side sleep. Some models can also tilt to provide support for reflux.
The curved sides of the cot means that it's easy for you to see your baby and they won't roll out of the side when you lift them up for a feed. Some cots with a bedside sleeper include an automatic rocking function that can help calm your baby and help them to return to sleep faster after a meal.
If you want to keep your baby clean, a soft fabric and removable bedding that can be washed in the machine are helpful. Some models have gentle vibration and rocking functions that can ease your baby to sleep. Breastfeeding mothers will also appreciate having lots of storage.
It is convenient for breastfeeding mothers to share the bed with their infants. This also lets them develop a close bond during their sleep. Research has shown that babies who are breastfed who share a bed with their mothers have better outcomes than those who are bottle-fed. It is vital that you know the safety dangers and procedures involved in bed-sharing with a newborn baby and pick a suitable mattress for your baby.
Some in-bed sleeping bags have soft surfaces on the edges, which could keep your baby in the bag. Also, you must be cautious not to let your bed-side sleeper slide backwards, creating an opening that your baby could crawl or roll into.
If bedside cot wooden concerned about the security of a sleeper in bed, consider attending an LLL meeting or speaking to a Sleep Leader to learn more about the sleep habits of breastfeeding mothers and babies. They can help you create a safe sleep environment for your baby and help you understand the dangers of SIDS. They can also show you how to get the "sweet sleep that nursing mothers love that includes many safeguards that are similar to breastfeeding.