Bedside Sleeper Cot
A bedside sleeper (also known by the name bassinet) is attached to the bed's side, so that your baby can be close enough to feed them at night while still being safe in their own sleeping space. Our mothers appreciate that they are simple to reach and that they can also swivel or drop the sides to make them more accessible.
Safety
A bedside sleeper cot permits newborns to be safely close to parents sleeping in their beds for nighttime feeding, as well as monitoring and comfort, without exposing them to the dangers associated with sharing beds (which can 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 the Mother-Baby Behavioural Sleep Laboratory Dr McKenna.
bedside crib and travel cot offer instant breastfeeding support and help babies feel more secure by keeping them close to their parents, promoting healthy attachment that can aid in the development of milestones. It's important that parents look for bassinets that are easy to clean and safe to use. Also, make sure that they've been tested and approved by a reputable agency like JPMA.
In 2023, ASTM updated their version of the voluntary standard F2906 for bedside sleepers in response to the latest products that transform from a baby bassinet to a bedside sleeper by dropping a side rail adjacent to an adult bed. This allows some portions of the lower part to be elevated over the mattress and poses an increased chance of entrapment. The CPSC's direct final rule incorporates in its reference this 2023 revision of the mandatory standard under section 104 of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA) for sturdy toddler or infant products that have been in use for longer than 180 days and is expected to decrease the chance of injuries.
Be aware that a bassinet or bedside sleeper should not be used in conjunction with blankets, pillows, or other bedding. This could create a suffocation risk as many young children aren't able to raise their heads sufficiently to keep them from soft objects and a reclined position could cause the head to slide forward, blocking their airway. Always place your child on their backs while using a bassinet, a crib or play yard. Use an appropriate fitted sheet that meets the federal requirements.
Convenience
A baby who is close to you during the night helps build a bond between newborns and parents. Bassets for bedside sleepers are firmly attached to the side of your mattress and allow you to easily reach your baby for feedings, diaper changes and comforting in middle of the night. We looked for models with mesh sides that were transparent enough to be able to see through so you could monitor your child without needing to leave the bed.
It is crucial that the bassinet you choose is deemed safe for infants by an independent testing organisation and that it meets the requirements of the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). You should look for a bassinet that has a wide base and a strong attachment system. A breathable mattress is essential as well.
Choose a model with a manual rocking function that's gentle on your baby and will help them sleep. Some models also come with a tilt option which can be beneficial for babies suffering from reflux or colic but should only be used under the guidance of your doctor or health care professional.
Some bassinets come with mattresses, while others require that you purchase one separately. Purchase a mattress that is designed to be a perfect fit for the sleeper that is placed on the bedside. Mattresses that are second-hand can be too soft and cause SIDS. You should also purchase a breathable fitted bed sheet and muslin baby blanket. Make sure the fabric lining and foam mattress are machine washable to make cleaning easier. A storage shelf or a basket is a convenient feature to store things like nappies, clothes and muslins. You can also find models with wheels for easy movement around your home.
Breastfeeding support
If you choose to feed your infant at night the sleeper cot that is placed next to your bed will help you get the most from your feedings. By securing to your bed, it allows you to easily reach across when your baby is awake to feed. 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 make it easy to see and raise your baby to feed. They won't roll off the side. Some cots with a bedside sleeper have an automatic rocking feature that can help calm your baby and help them to go to sleep faster after a meal.
A soft fabric, as well as removable and machine-washable bedding can be helpful when it comes to keeping your baby clean. Certain models come with gentle vibration and rocking functions that can ease your baby into sleep. Breastfeeding mothers will also appreciate having lots of storage.
It is a good idea for nursing mothers to share the bed with their infants. This helps them form a close bond while they sleep. Research has proven that babies who are breastfed who sleep with their mothers are more successful than babies who are bottle-fed. It is vital that you know the safety dangers and procedures involved in bed-sharing with a newborn baby and pick a suitable mattress for your baby.
Some in-bed sleeping bags have soft edges that can keep your baby in the bag. You also need to be careful not to let the bedside sleeper slide backwards, creating an opening that your child could crawl into or roll into.
If you're worried about the safety a mother or baby who sleeps next to you, attend an LLL meeting. or talk to an experienced Sleep Leader about sleeping habits. They can provide guidance on how to create a safe sleeping environment for your baby and help to understand the dangers of SIDS. They can also show you how to get the'sweet sleep that nursing mothers love and includes a variety of protective factors similar to breastfeeding.