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 to be able to enjoy nighttime feeding, but in their own bed. Our moms appreciate that they are simple to reach and can also rotate or drop the sides to make them more accessible.
Safety
The bedside sleeper allows parents to supervise, comfort and feed their babies at the night without worrying about the dangers of bed-sharing. This can lead to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. The cribs are designed to conform to NHS guidelines on co-sleeping and are recommended by childcare experts such as director of Mother-Baby Behavioural Sleep Laboratory Dr McKenna.
These bassinets also help to promote healthy attachment and breastfeeding by keeping babies close. This helps them to reach milestones in their development. Parents should seek out bassinets which are easy to clean and safe to use and are certified by a reputable organization like JPMA.
In 2023, ASTM updated their version of the voluntary standard F2906 for bedside sleepers due to the newer models that convert from a baby bassinet to a bedside sleeping device by lowering a side rail in front of a bed for adults. This allows some portions of the lower part to be elevated above the mattress and poses an increased chance of getting trapped. The CPSC's direct rule incorporates this 2023 revision of the mandatory standard set under section 104 of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA) for sturdy toddler or infant products that have been used for more than 180 days and is expected to lower the chance of injury.
Keep in mind that the bassinet or bedside sleeper should never be used with pillows, blankets or other bedding. This could pose the risk of suffocation since many infants are unable to lift their heads enough to keep them from soft objects. A reclined position can cause the head to tilt forward, blocking their airway. Always put your child on their back when using a bassinet, crib or play yard. Use a fitted sheet that meets the federal requirements.
Convenience
It is important to keep your baby close during the night. This can help create bonds between parents and newborns. Bedside sleeper bassets attach securely on the side of your mattress, allowing you to reach your baby easily for diaper changes, feedings and comforting in middle of the night. We looked for models with mesh sides that were translucent enough to allow for visibility, so you could keep an eye on your baby without having to get out of bed.
It is essential to ensure that the bassinet you purchase meets the American Consumer Product Safety Commission's (CPSC) specifications and is certified safe for babies. Make sure you choose a large base, a strong attachment mechanism, and a sturdy structure which prevents the bassinet from tipping over. A mattress that is breathable should be included.
Look for a model that has a manual rocking feature. This will be gentle on the skin of your baby and will help them sleep. Some models also have a tilt option, which can be helpful for infants suffering from colic or reflux, but should only be used on the advice of your GP or health professional.
Some bassinets come with a mattress and some require you to buy one separately. Buy 4-in-1 bedside crib designed to fit the bedside sleeper. Second-hand mattresses are often too soft, and could cause SIDS. You'll also need to invest in a breathable fitted sheet and muslin blanket for your baby. To make cleaning easier make sure that the fabric lining or foam mattress can be cleaned in the machine. A basket or shelf for storage is a useful feature for storing necessities such as nappies, clothes and muslins. There are also models with wheels that allow for ease of movement around your house.
Support for Breastfeeding
If you decide to breastfeed the baby, a cot with a bedside position can help you to maximize your evening feedings. Attached to your bed it allows you to reach over to feed your baby whenever they wake up. The cot's sides can lower to create a shallow bassinet for safe side-by-side sleeping. Certain models tilt to support reflux.
The curving sides allow you to see and raise your baby up for a feeding. They won't roll off the side. Some cribs with a bedside sleeper feature an automatic rocking feature that can calm your child and help them to go back to sleep faster after eating.
A cosy fabric and removable and machine-washable bedding are helpful when it comes to keeping your baby clean. Certain models come with gentle rocking and vibration functions that can help soothe your baby to 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 also helps them form an intimate bond as they sleep. Research has proven that babies who are breastfed who share a bed with their mothers are more successful than babies who are bottle-fed. It is important to be aware of the risks and practices associated with sharing the bed with a baby and to select the right mattress for your baby.
Some in-bed sleeping bags have soft edges that can trap your baby. You also need to be careful not to let the bedside sleeper slide backwards, forming an opening that your child could crawl or roll into.
If you are worried about the safety of a baby who sleeps at the bedside take a look at attending an LLL meeting or speaking to a Sleep Leader to learn more about the sleeping habits of breastfeeding mothers and babies. They can help you create an environment for sleep that is safe for your baby and explain the risks of SIDS. They will also inform you about the'sweet sleep' of nursing mothers, which includes many of the same protection factors as breastfeeding.