Bedside Sleeper Cot
A bedside sleeper cot (also called a bassinet) is attached to the bed's side so that your baby can be close enough for night feeding but safe within their own space to sleep. Our mums love how they are easy to reach, and they can also rotate the sides or drop them to reach closer.
Safety
A bedside sleeper cot permits babies to be within reach of their parents sleeping in their beds for nighttime feeding, as well as monitoring and comfort, 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 for co-sleeping and are recommended by childcare experts, such as the director of 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 seek out bassinets that are simple 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's voluntary standard F2906 to respond to newer products that convert a bassinet into a bedside sleeper by lowering one side rail next to an adult bed, and allowing certain areas of the lower part to be at an elevated level above the mattress, presenting an increased risk for trapping. The CPSC direct final rule incorporates this 2023 revision with reference to the existing mandatory standards in section 104 of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008(CPSIA) for infant or toddler products that have been in use more than 180days and is expected reduce the chance of injury.
Be aware that a bassinet or bedside sleeper, should never be used in combination with blankets or pillows. This could be a suffocation hazard as babies are unable to raise their heads high enough to remove them from soft objects. A reclining position can cause the head to tip to tilt forward, which can block their airway. Always place your child on their backs in a bassinet, crib, play yard or bedside sleeper and be sure to use only a fitted sheet that meets the federal requirements.
Convenience
A baby who is close to you at night can help create a bond between newborns and parents. Bassinets that sleep in bed are securely attached to the side of your bed, allowing you to easily reach your little one for middle-of-the-night diaper changes feedings, as well as comforting. We looked for models that had mesh sides that were transparent enough to be able to see through so you could watch your baby without having to get out of bed.
You should make sure that the bassinet meets the American Consumer Product Safety Commission's (CPSC) specifications and is certified safe for babies. Look for a wide base, a sturdy attachment mechanism, and a solid construction that will stop the bassinet from falling over. A mattress that is breathable is important as well.
Find a model that has a manual rocking feature that's gentle on your baby and can aid in settling them down. click here to find out more have a tilt option, which can be helpful for babies suffering from reflux or colic but should only be used with the guidance of your doctor or health visitor.
Some bassinets include a mattress, while others require you to purchase one separately. Buy a mattress designed to be suitable for the sleeper that is placed on the bedside. Second-hand mattresses can be too soft, and could be a risk for SIDS. It is also necessary to invest in a comfortable fitted sheet and muslin blanket to your baby. For easy cleaning, check that the lining fabric or foam mattress can be washed in a machine. A storage shelf or a basket is a useful feature to store essentials such as nappies, clothing and muslins. There are models that have wheels that make it easier to move around the house.
Support for Breastfeeding
If you decide to breastfeed, a cot that sleeps at your bedside can help you get the most out of your evening feedings. Attached to your bed you can reach across to feed your baby once you wake up. The cot's sides can be lowered to create a bassinet that is shallow for a secure side-by-side sleep. Some models also tilt to support reflux.
The curving sides allow you to see and raise your baby up for a feeding. They won't fall off the side. Some cots for bedside sleepers have an automatic rocking feature which can soothe your baby and encourage them to go to sleep faster after a meal.
A cosy fabric and removable and machine-washable bedding can be beneficial in keeping your baby clean. Certain models are equipped with gentle rocking or vibration features that can help aid in calming your baby. Ample storage space is also a an advantage for breastfeeding moms.
It is convenient for nursing mothers to share their bed with their babies. This also allows them to form a close bond as they sleep. Research shows that breastfed babies who share a sleeping space with their mothers have better outcomes than babies who are bottle-fed. It is crucial to be aware of the dangers and pitfalls of sharing an infant's bed and to choose the right mattress for your baby.
Some beds have soft surfaces or padding on their edges, which may cause your baby to become entrapped. Also, be aware not to let the bedside sleeper slide backwards, forming an opening that your baby may crawl into or roll over.
If you are worried about the security of a sleeper in bed, consider attending an LLL meeting or talking with a Sleep Leader to learn more about the sleeping habits of breastfeeding mothers and infants. They can help you create an environment for sleep that is safe for your baby and explain the risks of SIDS. They can also show you how to get the "sweet sleep the nursing mothers get and includes a variety of protective factors similar to breastfeeding.