Bedside Sleeper Cot
A bedside sleeper (also called a bassinet) is connected to the bed's side, so that your baby can be close enough to feed at night while still being safe in their own bed. Our mums love how they are easy to reach, and they can also swivel the sides or lower them to be closer.
Safety
The bedside sleeper lets parents supervise, comfort and feed their babies at night without having to worry about the risks of sharing a bed. This could lead to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. The cots are designed to adhere to NHS guidelines on co-sleeping and are endorsed by childcare experts, such as the director of the Mother-Baby Behavioural Sleep Laboratory Dr McKenna.
They also provide instant breastfeeding support and can help babies feel more secure by keeping them close to their parents, encouraging healthy attachment that can help with developmental milestones. Parents should search for bassinets that are easy to clean and safe to use and are certified by a reputable organization like JPMA.
In 2023, ASTM updated its version of the bedside sleeper voluntary standard F2906 in response to newer products that convert from a bassinet into the bedside sleeper by lowering one side rail next to an adult bed, which allows certain areas of the lower side to be at an elevated height above the mattress, which poses an increased risk for trapping. The CPSC direct final rule incorporates this revision by reference to the existing mandatory standards under section 104 of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008(CPSIA) for durable baby or toddler products that have been used for longer than 180 days. It is expected to lower the chance of injury.
Be aware that a bassinet or bedside sleeper, should never be used in combination with blankets or pillows. This can be a risk of suffocation since babies are unable to lift their heads high enough to remove them from soft objects. A reclining position could cause the head tip forward, blocking 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.
bedside crib travel cot
Having your baby close to you throughout the night can help build a bond between newborns and parents. Bedside sleeper bassinets attach securely to the side of your bed and allow you to easily reach your baby to change diapers feedings, and comforting. We searched for models with mesh sides that were transparent and able to be seen through to allow you to keep an eye on your child without having to get up from the bed.
It's important that the bassinet you select is certified as safe for infants by an independent testing organization and that it meets the requirements of the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Look for a wide base, a sturdy attachment mechanism and sturdy construction which prevents the bassinet from tipping over. bedside sleeper cot is essential as well.
Look for a model with an option for manual rocking that is gentle on your baby and will help them sleep. Some models also have tilt options, which can be helpful for newborns with colic or reflux, but should only be used on the supervision of your doctor or health professional.
Some bassinets include a mattress, while others require you to buy one separately. Be sure to purchase one that is made to fit in your bedside bassinet, as second-hand mattresses can be too soft and pose a risk of SIDS. You will also need to buy a breathable fitted sheet for your bed and a muslin baby blanket. To make cleaning easier ensure that the lining of the fabric or mattress can be washed in a machine. A basket or shelf for storage is a convenient feature to store essentials such as nappies, clothes and muslins. You can find models that have wheels that help you move it around the home.
Breastfeeding Support
If you decide to breastfeed, a cot that sleeps at your bedside can help you get the most out of your evening feedings. By attaching to your bed, it permits you to easily reach across when your baby is awake for a feed. The side of the cot can be lowered to create a bed to sleep side-by-side. Certain models can also tilt to provide support for reflux.
The curved sides make it easy to see and lift your baby up for a feeding. They won't fall off the side. Some bedside sleeper cribs have an automatic rocking feature which can help your child relax and encourage them to fall back asleep faster after a feeding.
A cozy fabric and removable and machine-washable bedding can be beneficial in keeping your baby clean. Some models have gentle rocking or vibration features which can soothe your baby to sleep. Ample storage space is another an advantage for breastfeeding moms.
Bed-sharing is extremely popular with breastfeeding mothers as it is convenient and provides the mother with a close relationship with her baby during sleep. Research has proven that infants who are breastfed and share a sleep space have much better outcomes than infants fed by bottles. But, it is crucial that you know the safety dangers and procedures involved in bed-sharing with a newborn baby and select a mattress that is safe for your infant.
Some in-bed sleeping bags have soft edges that can keep your baby in the bag. You also need to be cautious not to let the bedside sleeper slide backwards, creating a gap that your baby could crawl into or roll into.
If you're worried about the safety of your baby or mother who sleeps next to you, consider attending an LLL meeting. Talk to a Sleep Leader about the sleeping habits of your child. 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 enjoy that includes many safeguards that are similar to breastfeeding.