Bedside Sleeper Cot
A bedside sleeper (also called a bassinet) is connected to the side of a bed to ensure that your child can be close enough to eat at night, while remaining safe in their own space to sleep. Our mums love that they are easy to reach and can also pivot or drop the sides to make them more accessible.
Safety
The bedside sleeper allows parents to monitor, soothe and feed their infants at night without worrying about the dangers of sharing a bed. This can lead to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. The cots comply with NHS guidelines for co-sleeping, and are recommended by childcare experts like Dr. McKenna director of the Mother-Baby Behavioural Sleep Laboratory.
They also help promote healthy attachment and breastfeeding by keeping babies close. This can help them achieve milestones in their development. Parents should look for bassinets which are easy to clean and safe to use and are certified 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 latest products that transform from a baby bassinet to a bedside sleeper by lowering a side rail in front of a bed for adults. This allows some portions of the lower side to be elevated over the mattress and presents an increased risk of getting trapped. The CPSC's direct final rule incorporates in its reference this 2023 revision to the current mandatory standard in section 104 of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA) for products for toddlers and infants that have been in use for more than 180 days and is expected to decrease the risk of injury.
Be aware that a bassinet or bedside sleeper should never be used with blankets, pillows, or other bedding. This can be a risk of suffocation since babies are unable to lift their heads high enough to free them from soft objects. A reclining position may result in the head tipping to move forward, thereby blocking their airway. Always place your child on their back in a bassinet, crib or play yard or bedside sleeper. Make sure to use only an appropriate fitted sheet that meets the requirements of the federal government.
Convenience
Having your baby close to you throughout the night can help build a bond between newborns and parents. Bedside sleeper bassets are secured on the side of your mattress, allowing you to reach your baby easily to change diapers, feeds, and comforting in the middle of the night. We looked for models that had mesh sides that were transparent enough to see through, so you could keep an eye on your baby without having to leave your bed.
It's important that the bassinet you choose is tested as safe for infants by an independent testing agency and that it meets all requirements of the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). You should look for a broad base, a strong attachment mechanism, and a sturdy structure which prevents the bassinet from falling over. A breathable mattress should also be included.
Choose models that have the option of manual rocking. This will be gentle on the skin of your baby and can help them sleep. Some models also come with a tilt option which can be beneficial for infants suffering from reflux or colic, but should only be used under the guidance of your doctor or health visitor.
Some bassinets come with a mattress while others require you to purchase a mattress separately. Buy a mattress designed to fit the sleeper that is placed on the bedside. Second-hand mattresses can be too soft and pose a SIDS risk. You will also need to purchase a comfortable fitted bed sheet and the muslin baby blanket. For easy cleaning ensure that the lining fabric or mattress can be washed in the machine. A storage shelf or a basket is a useful feature to store things like nappies, clothes and muslins. There are also models with wheels that allow for mobility around the house.
Support for Breastfeeding
If you plan to feed your baby at night, a sleeper cot by your bed will help you get 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 bassinet that is shallow for safe side-by-side sleeping. Certain models can tilt to support reflux.
bedside cots curving sides allow you to see and raise your baby up for a feeding. They won't slide off the side. Some bedside sleeper cots also have an automatic rocking feature which can calm your baby and encourage them to fall asleep quicker after feeding.
A cosy fabric and removable and machine-washable bedding are useful in keeping your baby clean. Certain models come with gentle vibration and rocking functions that can help soothe your baby to sleep. Breastfeeding mothers will also appreciate having plenty of storage.
Bed-sharing is extremely popular with breastfeeding mothers due to it being convenient and provides an intimate bond with their baby during their sleep. Research has revealed that infants who breastfeed and sleep together have higher outcomes than infants fed by bottles. It is important to be aware of the risks and pitfalls of sharing a bed with a newborn and to select the right mattress for your baby.
Some in-bed sleeping bags have soft surfaces on the edges that can keep your baby in the bag. You must also be cautious to not let your mattress slide backwards. This could cause a gap into which your child can crawl or roll.
If you're worried about the safety of your mother or baby who sleeps close to you, go to an LLL meeting. Talk to a Sleep Leader about your child's sleeping habits of your child. They can help you create a safe sleep environment for your baby, and help you understand the dangers of SIDS. They will also teach you about the "sweet sleep" of nursing mothers, which has many of the same protective factors as breastfeeding.