Bedside Sleeper Cot
A bedside sleeper (also called a bassinet) is attached to the side of a bed to ensure that your child can be close enough to feed them at night while still being safe in their own bed. Our mothers love that they are easy to reach and can also pivot or drop the sides to get closer.
Safety
The bedside sleeper allows parents to monitor, comfort and feed their infants at night without worrying about the risks of sharing a bed. This can result in Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. The cots are designed to adhere to NHS guidelines for co-sleeping and are recommended by childcare experts, such as the director of the Mother-Baby Behavioural Sleep Laboratory Dr McKenna.
These bassinets also help to encourage healthy attachment and breastfeeding by keeping babies close. This helps them to reach milestones in their development. Parents should seek out bassinets that are simple to clean, safe to use, and have been endorsed by a respected organization such as JPMA.
In 2023, ASTM updated their version of the voluntary standard F2906 for bedside sleepers due to the latest products that convert from a bassinet for babies to a bedside sleeper by dropping a side rail in front of a bed for adults. This allows some portions of lower side to be elevated over the mattress and presents an increased risk of entrapment. The CPSC's direct rule incorporates by reference this 2023 revision to the existing mandatory standard under section 104 of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA) for durable infant or toddler products that have been in use for more than 180 days. It is expected to reduce the chance of injury.
Remember that a bassinet, or bedside sleeper, should not be used in conjunction with pillows or blankets. This could create a suffocation risk as many infants are unable to lift their heads high enough to remove them from soft objects. Additionally, a reclined position could cause the head to slide forward, obstructing their airway. Always place your child on their backs when using a crib, bassinet or play yard. Use bedside co sleeper fitted sheet that meets the federal requirements.
Convenience
Having your baby close to you throughout the night can help create a bond between newborns and their parents. Bedside sleeper bassinets attach securely to the sides of your bed, allowing you to easily reach your little one for diaper changes in the middle of the night feedings, and comforting. We looked for models with mesh sides that were transparent enough to be able to see through so you could monitor your baby without needing to leave the bed.
It is important to ensure that the bassinet meets the US Consumer Product Safety Commission's (CPSC) specifications and is safe for babies. You should look for a broad base, a strong attachment mechanism, and a solid construction that will stop the bassinet from falling over. A breathable mattress is essential, too.
Find a model that has a manual rocking feature. It will be gentle on the skin of your baby and can help them sleep. Certain models have a tilt feature which can be beneficial for infants suffering from colic or reflux. However it should only be used under the advice of a GP or health professional.
Some bassinets include a mattress, while others require you to purchase a mattress separately. Be sure to purchase the right mattress to fit the bedside bassinet. Second-hand mattresses could be too soft and could pose the risk of SIDS. You should also purchase a breathable fitted sheet for your bed and a blanket for your baby. For easy cleaning ensure that the lining of the fabric or mattress can be cleaned in the machine. A storage shelf or a basket is a great option to store essentials such as nappies, clothes, and muslins. There are also models with wheels for mobility around the house.
Breastfeeding Support
If you decide to breastfeed, a cot that sleeps at your bedside can help you make the most of your night-time feedings. By securing it to your bed, it permits you to easily reach across when baby wakes to feed. The side of the cot can be raised to create a bed to sleep side-by-side. Certain models tilt to support reflux.
The curving sides of the cot ensure that it's easy for you to see your baby, and they won't slide off of the side when you lift them up for feeding. Some bedside sleeper cribs have an automatic rocking feature which can help your child relax and encourage them to fall asleep quicker after a meal.
When it comes to keeping your baby clean, a cosy fabric and removable bedding that can be washed in the machine are a great option. Some models have gentle rocking and vibration functions which can help soothe your baby to sleep. Breastfeeding mothers will also appreciate having lots of storage.
Bed-sharing is extremely popular with breastfeeding mothers as it is easy and allows them to have a close bond with their baby during sleep. Research has shown that babies who are breastfed who share a sleeping space with their mothers have better outcomes than babies who are bottle-fed. It is essential to be aware of the risks and pitfalls of sharing an infant's bed and to choose an appropriate mattress for your baby.
Some beds have soft surfaces or padding around their edges, which may cause your baby to get trapped. Also, you must be careful not to let the bedside sleeper slide backwards, forming an opening that your baby could crawl into or roll into.
If you are concerned about the safety of a bedside sleeper take a look at attending an LLL meeting or talking with an experienced Sleep Leader to know more about the sleeping habits of breastfeeding mothers and infants. They can assist you in creating an environment for sleep that is safe for your baby and explain the risks of SIDS. They can also educate you about the'sweet sleep' of nursing mothers, which includes many of the same protective factors as breastfeeding.