Bedside Sleeper Cot
A bedside sleeper (also called a bassinet) is attached to the bed's side, so that your baby can be close enough to feed them at night while remaining secure in their own space to sleep. Our mums appreciate that they are simple to reach and can also swivel or drop the sides to make them more accessible.
Safety
The bedside sleeper lets parents monitor, comfort and feed their infants at night without worrying about the dangers of sharing a bed. This can result in Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. The cots are made to conform to NHS guidelines on co-sleeping and are recommended by childcare experts such as director of the Mother-Baby Behavioural Sleep Laboratory Dr McKenna.
These bassinets also help to promote healthy attachment and breastfeeding by keeping babies close. This can help them achieve milestones in their development. Parents should look for bassinets that are easy to clean, safe to use, and have been endorsed by a trusted organization like JPMA.
In 2023, ASTM updated its version of the bedside sleeper voluntary standard F2906 to respond to newer products that convert from an infant bassinet to the bedside sleeper by dropping one side rail next to an adult bed, which allows some portions of the lower part to be elevated level above the mattress, which presents an increased risk for trapping. The CPSC direct final rule incorporates this revision with reference to the existing mandatory standards under section 104 of Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008(CPSIA) for durable baby or toddler products that are in use for longer than 180 days. It is expected to lower the chance of injury.
Be aware that the bassinet or bedside sleeper should never be used with blankets, pillows or other bedding. This could be a risk of suffocation since babies are unable to lift their heads high enough to keep them away from soft objects. A reclining position can result in the head tipping to tilt forward, which can block their airway. Always place your child on their back in a bassinet, crib or play yard, or a bedside sleeper. Make certain to use sheets that are fitted to meet federal requirements.
Convenience
A baby who is close to you throughout the night can help to strengthen the bond between infants and parents. Bassinets that sleep in bed are securely attached to the sides of your bed and allow you to easily reach your little one for diaper changes in the middle of the night feedings, and comforting. We looked for models with mesh sides that were transparent and visible through to allow you to keep an eye on your child without stepping up from the bed.
You should make sure that the bassinet you purchase meets the US Consumer Product Safety Commission's (CPSC) specifications and is deemed safe for babies. You should choose an infant bassinet that has a large base and a strong attachment system. A mattress that is breathable should be included.
Look for the model that comes with an option for manual rocking. It will be gentle on the skin of your baby and can help them sleep. Some models come with a tilt feature that can be useful for infants suffering from reflux or colic. However this should only be used on the advice of a doctor or health care professional.
Some bassinets come with a mattress and some require you to buy one separately. Purchase a mattress that is designed to be a perfect fit for the bedside sleeper. Second-hand mattresses are often too soft and be a risk for SIDS. You'll also need to invest in an air-tight fitted sheet and muslin blanket for your baby. Be sure to check the fabric lining. The foam mattress can be machine washed for ease of cleaning. A basket or shelf for storage can be a useful feature to store essentials such as nappies clothing, muslins, and clothes. There are also models with wheels that allow for easy movement around your home.
Support for breastfeeding
If you decide to breastfeed, a cot that sleeps at your bedside will help you make the most of your evening feedings. Attached to your bed it allows you to reach over to feed your baby when they wake up. The side of the cot can be lowered to create a bed for side-by side sleeping. Certain models can also tilt to provide support for reflux.
The curving sides of the cot mean that it's easy to spot your baby and they won't slide off of the side when you lift them up for feeding. bedside crib travel cot come with an automatic rocking feature that will help your child relax and encourage them to fall back asleep faster after eating.
When it comes to keeping your baby clean, a soft fabric and removable bedding which can be washed by a machine are a great option. Some models come with gentle rocking or vibration functions which can soothe your baby to sleep. Breastfeeding mothers will also appreciate having plenty of storage.
Bed-sharing is a popular choice 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 infants who breastfeed and have a shared space to sleep have much better outcomes than bottle-feeding infants. It is important to be aware of the dangers and pitfalls of sharing a bed with a newborn and to select a mattress that is safe for your baby.
Some sleeping bags in the bed have soft edges that could keep your baby in the bag. You should also be careful to not let your bedside device slide backwards. This could result in an opening through which your child can crawl or roll.
If you are concerned about the safety of a bedside sleeper take a look at attending an LLL meeting or speaking to a Sleep Leader to learn more about the sleep habits of breastfeeding mothers and infants. They can help you create an environment for sleep that is safe for your baby, and help you understand the dangers of SIDS. They can also help you understand how to get the "sweet sleep' that nursing mothers enjoy that includes many protection factors that are similar to breastfeeding.