Bedside Sleeper Cot
A bedside sleeper cot (also called a bassinet) fixes to the side of your bed so that your baby is close enough for night feeding but safe within their own bed. Our moms appreciate that they are simple to reach and that they can also swivel or lower the sides to be closer.
Safety
A bedside sleeper cot allows babies to be close to parents' beds for nighttime feeding, comforting and monitoring without increasing the risks associated with sharing beds (which can lead to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). The cots are designed to adhere to NHS guidelines on co-sleeping. They are endorsed by childcare experts, such as the director of Mother-Baby Behavioural Sleep Laboratory Dr McKenna.
They also encourage healthy attachment and breastfeeding by keeping babies close. This helps them to reach developmental milestones. Parents should search for bassinets that are easy to clean and safe to use and have been endorsed by a trusted organization like JPMA.
In 2023, ASTM updated their version of the voluntary standard F2906 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 adjacent to an adult bed. travel bedside crib allows certain areas of the lower side to be elevated above the mattress and presents an increased chance of getting trapped. CPSC's direct final rule incorporates by reference this 2023 revision to the current mandatory standard under section 104 of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA) for sturdy toddler or infant products that have been used for more than 180 days and is expected to lower the risk of injury.
Keep in mind that the bassinet or bedside sleeper should never be used with blankets, pillows or other bedding. This could be a suffocation hazard as infants aren't able to raise their heads high enough to keep them away from soft objects. A reclining position can result in the head tipping to move forward, thereby blocking their airway. Always place your child on their back in a crib, bassinet, play yard or bedside sleeper. Make sure to use sheets that are fitted to meet federal requirements.
Convenience
It is important to keep your baby close to you during the night. This can help create an emotional bond between parents and newborns. Bassinets that sleep in bed are securely attached to the side of your bed and let you easily reach your baby for diaper changes in the middle of the night feedings, and comforting. We looked for models with mesh sides that were transparent and able to be seen through to allow you to monitor your child without having to get up from the bed.
It's important that the bassinet you select is deemed safe for babies by an independent testing agency and that it meets all requirements of the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Make sure you choose a large base, a strong attachment mechanism, and a sturdy structure that will stop the bassinet from slipping over. A comfortable mattress is crucial as well.
Choose a model with an option for manual rocking that is gentle on your baby and will help them sleep. Some models come with tilt features that can be useful for infants suffering from colic or reflux. However this is only recommended on the advice of a doctor or health care professional.
Some bassinets come with a mattress and some require you to buy one separately. Make sure you 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. It is also necessary to invest in a breathable fitted sheet and muslin blanket to your baby. For ease of cleaning make sure that the fabric lining or foam mattress can be washed in a machine. A storage shelf or basket is a great option to store essentials such as nappies, clothes and muslins. You can find models with wheels that make it easier to move around the home.
Breastfeeding support
If you decide to nurse your baby at night, a sleeper cot by your bed can assist you in getting the most from your feedings. By securing it to your bed, it permits you to reach easily when your baby is awake to feed. The cot's sides can lower to create a shallow bassinet for safe side-by-side sleeping. Certain models can also tilt to support reflux.
The curved sides of the cot ensure that it's easy to see your baby, and they won't fall off the side when you pick them up for a feed. Some cots with a bedside sleeper have an automatic rocking feature which can soothe your baby and encourage them to fall asleep faster after a meal.
If you want to keep your baby clean, a cosy bedding and fabric that can be washed in the machine are a great option. Some models feature gentle rocking and vibration features that can help soothe your baby into sleep. Having plenty of storage space is another an advantage for breastfeeding moms.
Bed-sharing is very popular for breastfeeding mothers as it is practical and helps them to form the mother with a close relationship with her baby while they sleep. Research has shown that babies who are breastfed and sleep together have higher outcomes than infants fed by bottles. However, it is important that you know the safety hazards and practices that come with sharing a bed with a newborn and choose a safe mattress for your baby.
Some sleepers in the bed have soft surfaces or padding along their edges, which could cause your baby to become entrapped. Also, you must be careful not to allow the sleeper in bed slide backwards, forming an opening that your child could crawl into or roll into.
If you are worried about the security of a sleeper in bed take a look at attending an LLL meeting or talking with a Sleep Leader to find out more about the sleeping 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 educate you about the "sweet sleep" of nursing mothers, which includes many of the same protective factors as breastfeeding.