Bedside Sleeper Cot

A bedside sleeper cot (also called a bassinet) can be attached to the bed's side so that your baby is close enough to be able to enjoy nighttime feeding, but in their own bed. Our mums love how they are easy to reach, and they can also rotate the sides or lower them to be closer.

Safety

A bedside sleeper cot permits infants to stay within reach of parents sleeping in their beds for nighttime feeding, as well as monitoring and comfort, without putting them at risk with bed-sharing (which could result in Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). The cots are in line with NHS guidelines for co-sleeping and are recommended by childcare experts, such as Dr. McKenna, director of Mother-Baby Behavioural Sleep Laboratory.

These bassinets also help to promote healthy attachment and breastfeeding by keeping babies close. This can help them achieve milestones in their development. It is crucial that parents look for bassinets that are easy to clean and safe to use and ensure they have been tested and approved by a reliable agency such as JPMA.

In 2023, ASTM updated their version of the standard F2906 that is voluntary for bedside sleepers in response to the latest products that transform from a baby bassinet to a bedside sleeping product by the side rails being lower next to a adult bed. This allows some portions of lower side to be elevated over the mattress and poses an increased chance of being entangled. The CPSC direct final rule incorporates the 2023 revision with reference to the mandatory standards in place under section 104 of Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008(CPSIA) for infant or toddler products which are in use for longer than 180 days and is expected to lower the risk of injuries.

Be aware that the bassinet or bedside sleeper should not be used in conjunction with blankets, pillows or other bedding. This could be an entrapment risk since babies are unable to raise their heads high enough to free them from soft objects. A reclining position could result in the head tipping to tilt forward, which can block their airway. Always put your child on their back when using a crib, bassinet or play yard. Use a fitted sheet that meets the federal requirements.

Convenience

Having your baby close to you at night can help to strengthen the bond between infants and parents. Bassets for bedside sleepers are firmly attached to the side of your mattress and allow you to reach your baby easily for diaper changes, feedings and comforting in middle of the night. We looked for models that had mesh sides that were translucent and able to be seen through so you can monitor your child without having to get up from the bed.

It is essential that the bassinet you choose is tested as safe for babies by an independent testing organisation and that it meets the requirements of the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). You should look for an infant bassinet that has a large base and a strong attachment system. A mattress that is breathable is important as well.

Choose a model with a manual rocking feature that's gentle on your baby and will help them sleep. Some models also come with tilting options that can be helpful for newborns with reflux or colic but should only be used with the guidance of your doctor or health care professional.

Some bassinets include a mattress and some require you to buy one separately. Make sure you purchase one that is made to fit the bedside cot newborn bassinet. Second-hand mattresses could be too soft and could pose a risk of SIDS. You will also need to purchase a breathable fitted sheet for your bed and a the muslin baby blanket. To make cleaning easier, check that the lining of the fabric or foam mattress can be washed using a machine. A basket or shelf for storage can be a useful option to store things like nappies clothing, muslins, and clothes. You can also find models with wheels that allow for easy movement around your home.

Support for breastfeeding

If you decide to breastfeed the baby, a cot with a bedside position can help you to get the most out of your evening feedings. By securing it to your bed, it allows you to reach easily when your baby is awake for a feed. The cot's side can be adjusted to create a shallow bed for sleeping side-by-side. Some models can also tilt to support reflux.

The curved sides make it easy to see and help lift your baby up to feed. They won't roll off the side. Some bedside sleeper cribs have an automatic rocking bedside crib feature that will help your child relax and encourage them to fall back asleep faster after eating.

When it comes to keeping baby clean, a soft bedding and a removable material that can be washed in the machine are helpful. Some models have gentle rocking and vibration features that can ease your baby to sleep. The storage space is another bonus for breastfeeding mums.

It is convenient for breastfeeding mothers to share the bed with their infants. This allows them to form a close bond while they sleep. Research has revealed that infants who are breastfed and share a sleep space have better outcomes than bottle-feeding infants. It is essential to be aware of the risks and pitfalls of sharing a bed with a newborn and to select an appropriate mattress for your baby.

Some in-bed sleepers have soft surfaces or padding along their edges, which could cause your baby to get entrapped. Also, you must be aware not to let the bedside sleeper slide backwards, creating an opening that your baby could crawl into or roll into.

If you're concerned about the safety of a baby or mother sleeping next to you, attend an LLL meeting. or talk to an experienced Sleep Leader about sleeping habits. They can explain how to create a safe sleep environment for your baby and help to understand the dangers of SIDS. They can also help you understand how to get the'sweet sleep that nursing mothers love, which includes many protective factors similar to breastfeeding.