Bedside Sleeper Cot
A bedside sleeper cot (also known as a bassinet) fixes to the side of your bed so baby is close enough for night feeding but safe within their own bed. Our mothers appreciate that they are simple to reach and can also swivel or drop the sides to make them more accessible.
Safety
A bedside sleeper cot allows babies to be close to parents in their beds for feeding at night, providing comfort and monitoring, without increasing the risks associated with bed-sharing (which could lead to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). The cots are made to conform to NHS guidelines for co-sleeping and are recommended by childcare experts such as director of Mother-Baby Behavioural Sleep Laboratory Dr McKenna.
They also encourage healthy attachment and breastfeeding by keeping babies close. This can help them achieve developmental milestones. It's important that parents look for bassinets that are simple to clean and safe to use and make sure they've been tested and certified by a reputable agency like JPMA.
In 2023, ASTM updated its version of the bedside sleeper's voluntary standard F2906 in response to newer products that convert the bassinet into a bedside sleeper by dropping one side rail to an adult bed, which allows certain areas of the lower portion to be elevated height above the mattress, presenting an increased risk of entrapment. CPSC's direct final 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 in use for more than 180 days. It is expected to lower the risk of injury.
Remember that the bassinet or bedside sleeper is not recommended to be used with pillows, blankets or other bedding. This could be an entrapment risk since young babies are unable to raise their heads high enough to remove them from soft objects. A reclining position may cause the head tip to tilt forward, which can block their airway. Always put your child on their backs in a crib, bassinet, play yard or bedside sleeper. Make sure to use an appropriate fitted sheet that meets the requirements of the federal government.
Convenience
It is crucial to keep your baby close to you during the night. This creates bonds between parents and newborns. foldable bedside crib that sleep in bed are securely attached to the sides of your bed and allow you to easily reach your baby for middle-of-the-night diaper changes feedings, as well as comforting. We searched for models with mesh sides that were transparent and visible through, allowing you to keep an eye on your child without having to get up from the bed.
It's important that the bassinet you pick is deemed safe for infants by an independent testing organization and that it meets the requirements of the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Make sure you choose a large base, a sturdy attachment mechanism, and a solid construction that prevents the bassinet from slipping over. A breathable mattress should be considered.
Choose models that have a manual rocking feature. It will be gentle on your baby's skin and can help them sleep. Certain models have tilt features which can be beneficial for newborns who suffer from colic or reflux. However, this is only recommended on the advice of a doctor or health care professional.
Some bassinets come with mattresses, while others require that you purchase a mattress separately. Buy a mattress designed to fit the sleeper that is placed on the bedside. Second-hand mattresses are often too soft and cause SIDS. Also, you will need to purchase a breathable fitted bed sheet and the muslin baby blanket. Make sure the fabric lining and foam mattress can be machine washed to make cleaning easier. A basket or shelf for storage is a useful feature to store things like nappies, clothes and muslins. You can also find models that have wheels for easy movement around your home.
Support for Breastfeeding
If you decide to nurse your infant at night the sleeper cot that is placed next to your bed will assist you in getting the most benefit from your feedings. Attached to your bed it allows you to reach over to feed your baby once you wake up. The cot's side can then drop down to create a shallow bassinet for a secure side-by-side sleep. Certain models can tilt to provide support for reflux.
The curved sides of the cot mean that it's easy for you to see your baby, and they won't fall off the side as you lift them up for a feed. Some bedside sleeper cots also feature an automatic rocking function which can soothe your baby and help them to go to sleep faster after a meal.
If you want to keep your baby clean, a cosy bedding and a removable material that can be washed in the machine can be very beneficial. Certain models come with gentle rocking and vibration features that can help soothe your baby into sleep. Breastfeeding mothers will also be happy with the storage space.
Bed-sharing is very popular for breastfeeding mothers due to it being practical and helps them to form the mother with a close relationship with her baby while they sleep. Research has proven that babies who are breastfed who sleep with their mothers have better outcomes 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 sleeping bags in the bed have soft surfaces on the edges that can keep your baby in the bag. You should also be careful to not let the bedside sleeping device slide backwards. This could cause an opening through which your baby could crawl or roll.
If you're concerned about the safety of a bedside sleeper take a look at attending an LLL meeting or talking with a Sleep Leader to find out more about the sleep habits of breastfeeding mothers and their babies. They can help you create an environment that is safe for your baby and help you understand the dangers of SIDS. They will also inform you about the "sweet sleep" of nursing mothers, which has many of the same protective factors as breastfeeding.