Bedside Sleeper Cot
A bedside sleeper cot (also called a bassinet) fixes to the side of your bed to ensure that your baby is close enough for night feeding but safe within their own sleeping area. Our moms love how they are easy to reach, and they can also pivot the sides and drop them to get closer.
Safety
A bedside sleeper cot allows infants to stay within reach of parents sleeping in their beds for nighttime feeding, providing comfort and monitoring, without putting them at risk with sharing beds (which could lead to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). The cots are made to conform to NHS guidelines on co-sleeping. They are recommended by childcare experts, such as the director of Mother-Baby Behavioural Sleep Laboratory Dr McKenna.
They also provide instant breastfeeding support and help babies feel more secure by keeping them close to their parents, encouraging healthy attachment that can help with developmental milestones. It is essential that parents search for bassinets that are easy to clean and safe to use. Also, ensure they have been tested and approved by a reliable agency such as 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 lowering a side rail in front of a bed for adults. This allows some portions of lower side to be elevated above the mattress and poses an increased chance of getting trapped. The CPSC direct final rule incorporates this 2023 revision based on the current mandatory standards under section 104 of Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008(CPSIA) for sturdy baby or toddler products that have been used for longer than 180 days 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 create an obstructing risk since infants are unable to lift their heads sufficiently to remove them from soft objects. A reclined position could cause the head to tip forward, obstructing their airway. Always put your child on their backs while using a crib, bassinet or play yard. Use 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 parents. Bedside sleeper bassets attach securely on the side of your mattress and allow you to easily reach your baby for diaper changes, feedings and comforting in middle of the night. We looked for models that had mesh sides that were transparent and easy to see through, allowing you to monitor your child without stepping up from bed.
It's important that the bassinet you select is certified as safe for infants by an independent testing agency 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 sturdy structure which prevents the bassinet from tipping over. A mattress that is breathable is important as well.
Look for the model that comes with an option for manual rocking. This will be gentle on your baby's skin and help them fall asleep. Some models also come with tilt options that can be helpful for babies suffering from reflux or colic, but should only be used on the supervision of your doctor or health care professional.
Some bassinets come with a mattress and some require you to purchase one separately. Make sure you purchase the right mattress to fit the bedside bassinet, since second-hand mattresses could be too soft and carry a risk of SIDS. You will also need to purchase a comfortable fitted bed sheet and muslin baby blanket. Check the fabric lining and foam mattress can be machine washed for ease of cleaning. A storage shelf or a basket can be a useful feature to store essentials such as nappies clothing, muslins, and clothes. You can find models with wheels to help you move it around the house.
Support for breastfeeding
If you plan to feed your baby at night sleeping in a cot beside your bed can help you get the most from your feedings. Attached to your bed, you can reach over to feed your baby whenever they wake up. The cot's side can then drop down to create a bassinet that is shallow for safe side-by-side sleeping. Certain models can also tilt to provide support for reflux.
bedside cot co sleeper curving sides allow you to see and raise your baby to feed. They won't slide off the side. Some bedside sleeper cribs have an automatic rocking feature that can help your child relax and encourage them to fall back asleep quicker after a meal.
A cozy fabric and removable and machine-washable bedding can be helpful when it comes to keeping your baby clean. Some models feature gentle rocking and vibration features that can ease your baby to sleep. Breastfeeding mothers will also appreciate having plenty of storage.
Bed-sharing is very popular for breastfeeding mothers as it is easy and allows them to have the mother with a close relationship with her baby while they sleep. Research has shown that babies who are breastfed who share a sleeping space with their mothers have better outcomes than babies who are bottle-fed. It is essential to be aware of the risks and practices associated with sharing the bed with a baby and to choose an appropriate mattress for your baby.
Some sleeping bags in the bed have soft surfaces on the edges, which could keep your baby in the bag. You also need to be cautious not to let your bed-side sleeper slide backwards, creating an opening that your baby may crawl into or roll over.
If you are concerned about the safety of a bedside sleeper you should consider attending an LLL meeting or speaking to a Sleep Leader to learn 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 can also help you understand how to get the "sweet sleep that nursing mothers love, which includes many safeguards that are similar to breastfeeding.