Bedside Sleeper Cot
A bedside sleeper cot (also called bassinet) can be attached to the side of your bed so baby is close enough for night feeding but safe within their own sleeping area. Our mums appreciate that they are simple to reach and can also rotate or drop the sides to make them more accessible.
Safety
A bedside sleeper cot allows newborns to be safely within reach of parents in their beds for feeding at night, as well as monitoring and comfort, without increasing the risks associated with bed-sharing (which can lead to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). The cots comply with NHS guidelines for co-sleeping and are recommended by childcare experts like Dr. McKenna director of the Mother-Baby Behavioural Sleep Laboratory.
They also foster healthy attachment and breastfeeding by keeping babies close. This will help them reach their milestones in their development. It is essential that parents search for bassinets that are simple to clean and safe to use. Also, make sure 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 bedside sleepers in response to the newer products which transform from a baby bassinet to a bedside sleeping device by the side rails being lower in front of a bed for adults. This allows some portions of the lower side to be elevated above the mattress and presents an increased chance of entrapment. The CPSC direct final rule incorporates the 2023 revision by reference to the current mandatory standards in section 104 of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008(CPSIA) for sturdy baby or toddler products which have been used for longer than 180 days and is expected to reduce the chance of injury.
Be aware that a bassinet or bedside sleeper, should not be used in conjunction with pillows or blankets. funny post can be a risk of suffocation since babies are unable to lift their heads up enough to remove them from soft objects. large bedside cot reclining position can cause the head to tip forward, blocking their airway. Always place your child on their back in a bassinet, crib or play yard or bedside sleeper. Be sure to use an appropriate fitted sheet that meets the requirements of the federal government.
Convenience
It is essential to keep your baby close to you during the night. This can help create bonds between newborns and parents. Bedside sleeper bassets attach securely on 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 looked for models that had mesh sides that were transparent and visible through, allowing you to keep an eye on your child without stepping up from bed.
It's important that the bassinet you pick is deemed safe for infants by an independent testing agency, and meets all the specifications of the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). You should choose a bassinet that has a wide base and a sturdy attachment system. A mattress that is breathable should be included.
Choose a model with a manual rocking function that's gentle on your baby and can help settle them to sleep. Some models have a tilt feature that is beneficial for babies suffering from colic or reflux. However this should only be used under the advice of your doctor or health professional.
Some bassinets include a mattress and some require you to purchase one separately. Make sure you purchase the right mattress to fit in your bedside bassinet. Second-hand mattresses may be too soft and pose a risk of SIDS. You'll also have to invest in a comfortable fitted sheet and muslin blanket for your baby. To make cleaning easier make sure that the fabric lining or mattress can be washed using the machine. A basket or shelf for storage is a great option for storing necessities such as nappies, clothing and muslins. There are also models with wheels for ease of movement around your house.
Breastfeeding support
If you decide to nurse your baby in the night sleeping in a cot beside your bed can aid you in getting the most from your feedings. Attached to your bed it allows you to reach over to feed your baby once he wakes up. The cot's side can be raised to create a bed that is shallow for sleeping side-by-side. Some models can also tilt for reflux support.
The curved sides of the cot ensure that it's easy to see your baby, and they won't slide off of the side when you pick them up to feed. Some cribs with a bedside sleeper feature an automatic rocking feature that can calm your child and help them to fall asleep faster after a feeding.
A soft fabric, as well as removable and machine-washable bedding can be helpful when it comes to keeping your baby clean. Certain models come with gentle rocking and vibration functions which can help soothe your baby to sleep. The storage space is another bonus for breastfeeding mums.
It is convenient for breastfeeding mothers to share a bed with their babies. This also lets them develop bonds of friendship while they sleep. Research has shown that babies who are breastfed and share a sleep space have better outcomes than infants who are fed through bottles. However, it is important to be aware of the dangers and procedures involved in sharing a bed with a newborn and pick a suitable mattress for your infant.
Some sleepers in the bed have soft surfaces or padding around their edges, which could cause your baby to become trapped. You also need to be cautious not to let your bed-side sleeper slide backwards, creating a gap that your baby could crawl or roll into.
If you're concerned about the safety of a bedside sleeper, consider attending an LLL meeting or speaking to an experienced Sleep Leader to know more about the sleep habits of breastfeeding mothers and their babies. They can explain how to create a safe and secure sleeping environment for your baby and help you to understand the dangers of SIDS. They will also teach you about the "sweet sleep" of nursing mothers, which includes many of the same protective factors as breastfeeding.