Bedside Sleeper Cot
A bedside sleeper cot (also known as bassinet) is attached to the bed's side so that your baby is close enough for night feeding but safe within their own space to sleep. Our mothers appreciate that they are simple to reach and that they can also pivot or drop the sides to make them more accessible.
Safety
A bedside sleeper cot permits babies to be within reach of their parents sleeping in their beds for nighttime feeding, providing comfort and monitoring, without increasing the risks associated with bed-sharing (which could result in Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). The cribs are designed to conform to NHS guidelines for co-sleeping and are recommended by childcare experts such as director of the Mother-Baby Behavioural Sleep Laboratory Dr McKenna.
They also promote healthy attachment and breastfeeding by keeping babies close. This will help them reach their milestones in their development. It's important that parents look for bassinets that are easy to clean and safe to use. Also, ensure they have been tested and certified by a trusted agency such as 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 lowering a side rail next to a adult bed. This allows certain areas of lower side to be elevated above the mattress and poses an increased risk of being entangled. The CPSC direct final rule incorporates the 2023 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 which have been used for longer than 180 days and is expected to reduce the risk of injuries.
Remember that the bassinet or bedside sleeper should not be used in conjunction with blankets, pillows, or other bedding. This could be a suffocation hazard as young 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 back in a bassinet, crib, play yard or bedside sleeper. Make sure to use sheets that are fitted to meet federal requirements.
Convenience
A baby who is close to you during the night helps create a bond between newborns and their parents. Bassinets for sleepers that are attached to the side of your bed and allow you to easily reach your baby for diaper changes in the middle of the night feedings, and comforting. We searched for models with mesh sides that were translucent enough to allow for visibility, so you could watch your baby without needing to leave the bed.
It is important to ensure that the bassinet you purchase meets the American Consumer Product Safety Commission's (CPSC) requirements and is certified safe for infants. It is recommended to choose a bassinet with a wide base and a sturdy attachment system. A breathable mattress should be considered.
Find a model that has an option for manual rocking. It will be gentle on your baby's skin and will help them sleep. Certain models have a tilt feature which can be beneficial for infants suffering from reflux or colic. However, this should only be used on the advice of your doctor or health care professional.
Some bassinets come with a mattress while others require that you purchase a mattress separately. Make sure you purchase the right mattress to fit the bedside bassinet, since second-hand mattresses can be too soft and carry the risk of SIDS. You'll also have to invest in a breathable fitted sheet and muslin blanket for your baby. To make cleaning easier ensure that the fabric lining or foam mattress can be washed in a machine. A basket or shelf for storage can be a useful feature to store essentials such as nappies, clothes, and muslins. There are also models with wheels that allow for mobility around the house.
Support for Breastfeeding
If you decide to breastfeed, a bedside sleeper cot will help you make the most of your feedings at night. By securing it to your bed, it allows you to easily reach across when your baby wakes up for a feed. The cot's sides can drop down to create a shallow bassinet for safe side-by-side sleeping. Certain models can also tilt to support reflux.
The curving sides make it easy to see and lift your baby up for a feeding. They won't fall off the side. Some cots for bedside sleepers include an automatic rocking function which can soothe your baby and encourage them to go to sleep quicker after feeding.
If you want to keep your baby clean, a cozy bedding and a removable material which can be washed by a machine can be very beneficial. Some models have gentle rocking and vibration features which can help soothe your baby to sleep. Breastfeeding mothers will also appreciate having plenty of storage.
It is a good idea for breastfeeding mothers to share their bed with their babies. bedside cots allows them to form a close bond while they sleep. Research has shown that babies who are breastfed who share a bed with their mothers have better outcomes than babies who are bottle-fed. It is essential to be aware of the dangers and practices associated with sharing an infant's bed and to choose a mattress that is safe for your baby.
Some in-bed sleepers have soft surfaces or padding on their edges, which can cause your baby to get entrapped. You should also be careful to ensure that the mattress slide backwards. This could create a gap into which your baby could crawl or roll.
If you're concerned about the security of a sleeper in bed you should consider attending an LLL meeting or speaking to a Sleep Leader to learn more about the sleep habits of breastfeeding mothers and babies. They can help you create a safe sleeping environment for your baby and help you to understand the dangers of SIDS. They can also teach you how to get the'sweet sleep the nursing mothers get that includes many safeguards that are similar to breastfeeding.