Bedside Sleeper Cot
A bedside sleeper cot (also known as a bassinet) is attached to the bed's side to ensure that your baby is close enough for night feeding but safe within their own sleeping area. Our mums love that they are easy to reach and that they can also pivot or drop the sides to make them more accessible.
Safety
A bedside sleeper cot lets infants to stay within reach of their parents sleeping in their beds for nighttime feeding, providing comfort and monitoring, without increasing the risks associated with sharing beds (which could result in Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). The cots adhere to NHS guidelines for co-sleeping and are recommended by childcare experts, such as Dr McKenna director of Mother-Baby Behavioural Sleep Laboratory.
They also provide immediate breastfeeding support and can help babies feel more secure by keeping them close to their parents, creating healthy attachments that help with developmental milestones. It's important that parents look for bassinets that are easy to clean and safe to use and make sure that they've been tested and approved by a reliable agency such as JPMA.
In 2023, ASTM updated their version of the voluntary standard F2906 for cheap bedside cot sleepers in response to the newer products which convert from a baby bassinet to a bedside sleeping product by dropping a side rail next to a adult bed. This allows some portions of the lower side to be elevated over the mattress and presents an increased chance of being entangled. The CPSC direct final rule incorporates the 2023 revision with reference to the current mandatory standards under section 104 of Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008(CPSIA) for sturdy baby or toddler products which are in use for longer than 180 days. It is expected to reduce the risk of injuries.
Remember that a bassinet, or best bedside cot sleeper, should never be used in combination with blankets or pillows. This can be an entrapment risk since babies are unable to lift their heads high enough to keep them away from soft objects. A reclining position could result in the head tipping to move forward, thereby blocking their airway. Always put your child on their back when using a bassinet, crib or play yard. Use an appropriate fitted sheet that meets the federal requirements.
Convenience
Being close to your baby bedside cot you at night can help to strengthen the bond between infants and their parents. Bedside sleeper bassets attach securely to the side of your mattress and allow you to reach your baby easily for feedings, diaper changes and comforting in the middle of the night. We searched for models with mesh sides that were translucent and able to be seen through so you can keep an eye on your child without stepping up from the bed.
It's important that the bassinet you pick is deemed safe for babies by an independent testing organisation, and meets all the requirements of the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). It is recommended to choose a bassinet with a wide base and a strong attachment system. A breathable mattress should also be considered.
Choose a model with a manual rocking function that's gentle on your baby and can help settle them to sleep. Some models also have a tilt option which can be beneficial for babies suffering from colic or reflux, but should only be used under the guidance of your doctor or health professional.
Some bassinets come with mattresses, while others require you to buy one separately. Find a mattress made to fit the bedside co sleeper sleeper. Second-hand mattresses are often too soft, and may pose a SIDS risk. Also, you will need to buy a breathable fitted sheet for your bed and a muslin baby blanket. Make sure the fabric lining and foam mattress are machine washable to make cleaning easier. A basket or shelf for storage is a convenient feature for storing necessities such as nappies, clothes and muslins. There are also models with wheels that allow for easy movement around your home.
Support for breastfeeding
If you decide to breastfeed, a bedside sleeper cot can help you to get the most out 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 side can drop down to create a bassinet that is shallow for safe side-by-side sleeping. Some models can also tilt for reflux support.
The curving sides of the cot mean that it's easy for you to see your baby, and they won't fall off the side when you pick them up for a feed. Some cots with a bedside sleeper include an automatic rocking function which can soothe your baby and help them to go to sleep more quickly after a feed.
A soft fabric, as well as removable and machine-washable bedding can be beneficial in keeping your baby clean. Some models feature gentle rocking and vibration functions which can help soothe your baby to sleep. Breastfeeding mothers will also appreciate having lots of storage.
Bed-sharing is extremely popular with breastfeeding mothers as it is easy and allows them to have a close bond with their baby while they sleep. Research has revealed that infants who breastfeed and have a shared space to sleep have much better outcomes than infants who are fed through bottles. It is important to be aware of the dangers and pitfalls of sharing the bed with a baby and to select a mattress that is safe for your baby.
Some in-bed sleeping bags have soft surfaces on the edges that can keep your baby in the bag. You also need to be aware not to allow the sleeper in bed slide backwards, forming an opening that your baby could crawl or roll into.
If you're worried about the safety of a mother or baby who sleeps next to you, consider attending an LLL meeting. or talk to an experienced Sleep Leader about sleep habits of the. They can explain how to create a safe sleep environment for your baby and help understand the risks of SIDS. They can also educate you about the "sweet sleep" of nursing mothers, which includes many of the same protective factors as breastfeeding.