Bedside Sleeper Cot
A bedside sleeper cot (also called a bassinet) is attached to the side of your bed so that your baby is close enough for feeding at night, but is safe in their own sleeping area. Our moms love how they are simple to reach, and they can also swivel the sides or drop them to reach closer.
Safety
The bedside sleeper lets parents supervise, comfort and feed their infants at night without having to worry about the dangers of sharing a bed. This can result in Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. The cribs are designed to conform to NHS guidelines on co-sleeping. They are endorsed by childcare experts, such as the director of Mother-Baby Behavioural Sleep Laboratory Dr McKenna.
They also offer instant breastfeeding support and can help babies feel more secure by keeping them close to their parents, creating healthy attachments that assist with milestones in development. It's important that parents look for bassinets that are easy to clean and safe to use. Also, make sure that they've been tested and certified by a reputable agency like JPMA.
In 2023, ASTM updated its version of the bedside sleeping voluntary standard F2906 to respond to newer models that convert a bassinet into a bedside sleeper, by lowering one side rail adjacent to an adult bed, which allows some areas of the lower portion to be at an elevated level above the mattress, presenting an increased risk of trapping. The CPSC direct final rule incorporates this revision based on the mandatory standards in place under section 104 of Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008(CPSIA) for sturdy baby or toddler products that have been in use longer than 180 days. It is expected to lower the chance of injury.
Keep in mind that a bassinet or bedside sleeper should never be used with pillows, blankets or other bedding. This can pose an obstructing risk since infants are unable to lift their heads sufficiently to keep them from soft objects. Additionally, a reclined position can cause the head to slide forward blocking their airway. Always put your baby on their backs in a crib, bassinet or play yard or bedside sleeper. Be certain to use sheets that are fitted to meet federal requirements.
Convenience
It is important to keep your baby close throughout the night. This creates bonds between parents and newborns. Bedside sleeper bassets attach securely to the side of your mattress, allowing you to reach your baby easily for feedings, diaper changes and comforting in the middle of the night. We searched for models that had mesh sides that were translucent and able to be seen through, allowing you to monitor your child without having to get up from bed.
It's important that the bassinet you choose is tested as safe for babies by an independent testing agency and that it meets the requirements of the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Look for a wide base, a sturdy attachment mechanism, and a sturdy structure that prevents the bassinet from falling over. A comfortable mattress is crucial as well.
Find models that have a manual rocking feature. This will be gentle on your baby's skin and can help them sleep. Some models have tilt features that can be useful for babies suffering from reflux or colic. However, this is only recommended on the advice of a GP or health professional.
Some bassinets include a mattress while others require you to purchase one separately. Make sure you buy one that is made to fit in your bedside bassinet, as second-hand mattresses could be too soft and could pose the risk of SIDS. Also, you will need to purchase a breathable fitted sheet for your bed and a muslin baby blanket. Check the fabric lining and foam mattress, which can be washed by machine to make cleaning easier. A storage shelf or a basket can be a useful option to store things like nappies, clothes, and muslins. There are also co sleeper bedside cot that have wheels for easy movement around your home.
Breastfeeding support
If you plan to feed your infant at night sleeping in a cot beside your bed will aid you in getting the most from your feedings. By attaching to your bed, it allows you to easily reach across when your baby wakes up for a feed. The side of the cot can be lowered to create a bed to sleep side-by-side. Some models also tilt to support reflux.
The curving sides make it easy to see and help lift your baby up to feed. They won't fall off the side. Some bedside cribs come with an automatic rocking feature that can help your child relax and encourage them to fall back asleep quicker after a meal.
A cosy fabric and removable and machine-washable bedding can be beneficial in keeping your baby clean. Certain models are equipped with gentle vibration or rocking functions that can help calm your baby into sleep. Breastfeeding mothers will also appreciate having lots of storage.
Bed-sharing is extremely popular with breastfeeding mothers due to it being convenient and provides the mother with a close relationship with her baby during sleep. Research has proven that infants who breastfeed and sleep together have higher outcomes than bottle-feeding infants. However, it is important that you know the safety dangers and procedures involved in bed-sharing with a newborn baby and select a mattress that is safe for your infant.
Some in-bed sleeping bags have soft surfaces on the edges that can trap your baby. Also, you must be cautious not to allow the sleeper in bed slide backwards, creating an opening that your child could crawl into or roll into.
If you are concerned about the safety of a baby who sleeps at the bedside you should consider attending an LLL meeting or speaking to a Sleep Leader to find out 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 recognize the risks of SIDS. They can also help you understand how to get the'sweet sleep the nursing mothers get, which includes many safeguards that are similar to breastfeeding.