Bedside Sleeper Cot
A bedside sleeper cot (also known as a bassinet) fixes to the side of your bed so baby can be close enough for night feeding but safe within their own space to sleep. Our mums love how they are simple to reach and also rotate the sides or drop them to get closer.
Safety
The bedside sleeper lets parents monitor, comfort and feed their newborns at night without worrying about the risks of sharing a bed. This could lead to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. The cribs are designed to conform to NHS guidelines for co-sleeping and are recommended by childcare experts, such as the director of Mother-Baby Behavioural Sleep Laboratory Dr McKenna.
They also help foster healthy attachment and breastfeeding by keeping babies close. This will help them reach their developmental milestones. Parents should look for bassinets that are easy to clean, safe to use, and have been 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 sleeper by the side rails being lower next to a adult bed. This allows a portion of the lower part to be elevated above the mattress and presents an increased chance of getting trapped. travel bedside crib incorporates this 2023 revision to the current 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 reduce the risk of injury.
Keep in mind that the bassinet or bedside sleeper is not recommended to be used with pillows, blankets or other bedding. This could create a suffocation risk as many young babies cannot lift their heads high enough to keep them from soft objects. A reclining position can cause the head to tilt forward blocking their airway. Always place 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 throughout the night. This helps create bonds between the parents and their infants. Bassinets for sleepers that are attached to the side of your bed, allowing you to easily reach your baby for middle-of-the-night diaper changes feedings, and comforting. We searched for models that had mesh sides that were transparent and easy to see through, allowing you to monitor your child without having to get up from the bed.
It is crucial that the bassinet you choose is deemed safe for infants by an independent testing organisation and that it meets all requirements of the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). It is recommended to choose a bassinet that has a wide base and a strong attachment system. A mattress that is breathable is important, too.
Look for a model with an option for manual rocking that is gentle on your baby and can help settle them to sleep. Certain models have tilt features which can be beneficial for newborns who suffer from reflux or colic. However, this is only recommended on the advice of a doctor or health professional.
Some bassinets include a mattress however, others require you to buy one separately. Be sure to purchase a mattress that is designed to fit in your bedside bassinet, as second-hand mattresses may be too soft and carry the risk of SIDS. It is also necessary to purchase a comfortable fitted sheet and muslin blanket for your baby. For easy cleaning ensure that the lining fabric or foam mattress can be washed in the machine. A basket or shelf for storage can be a useful feature to store things like nappies, clothes, and muslins. You can also find models with wheels that allow for ease of movement around your house.
Breastfeeding Support
If you decide to breastfeed the baby, a cot with a bedside position can help you to maximize your feedings at night. Attached to your bed, you can reach over to feed your baby when you wake up. The cot's side can then lower to create a shallow bassinet to ensure safe sleeping side-by-side. Certain models can tilt to provide support for reflux.
The curving sides make it easy to see and raise your baby up for a feeding. They won't fall off the side. Some cribs with a bedside sleeper feature an automatic rocking feature which can calm your child and encourage them to go back to sleep faster after a feeding.
A cosy fabric and removable and machine-washable bedding can be beneficial in keeping your baby clean. Some models have gentle vibration and rocking functions that can help soothe your baby into sleep. Breastfeeding mothers will also appreciate having lots of storage.
Bed-sharing is extremely popular with breastfeeding mothers because it is easy and allows them to have an intimate bond with their baby during their sleep. Research has revealed that infants who are breastfed and have a shared space to sleep have much better outcomes than infants fed by bottles. It is important to be aware of the dangers and practices that come with sharing the bed with a baby and to select a mattress that is safe for your baby.
Some sleeping bags for babies have soft surfaces on the edges, which could keep your baby in the bag. You must also be cautious to not let the bedside device slide backwards. This could cause an opening through which your child can crawl or roll.
If you're concerned about the safety a mother or baby who sleeps close to you, go to an LLL meeting. Talk to a Sleep Leader about the sleeping habits. They can help you create a safe sleeping environment for your baby and help understand the risks of SIDS. They can also teach you how to get the "sweet sleep' that nursing mothers enjoy that includes many safeguards that are similar to breastfeeding.