Bedside Sleeper Cot
A bedside sleeper (also called a bassinet) is connected to the side of a bed so that your baby can be close enough to eat at night while remaining secure in their own space to sleep. Our mums love that they are easy to reach and can also swivel or drop the sides to be closer.
Safety
A bedside sleeper cot lets babies to be within reach of parents' beds for nighttime feeding, providing comfort and monitoring, without exposing them to the dangers associated with sharing beds (which could lead to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). The cots are designed to adhere to NHS guidelines for co-sleeping and are endorsed by childcare experts, such as the director of Mother-Baby Behavioural Sleep Laboratory Dr McKenna.
They also provide immediate breastfeeding support and help babies feel more secure by keeping them close to their parents, promoting healthy attachment that can aid in the development of milestones. Parents should look for bassinets which are easy 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 in response to the newer products which convert from a bassinet for babies to a bedside sleeping product by the side rails being lower adjacent to an adult bed. This allows a portion of the lower side to be elevated above the mattress, which poses an increased chance of being entangled. The CPSC direct final rule incorporates this revision based on the current mandatory standards under section 104 of 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 reduce the risk of injuries.
Keep in mind that the bassinet or bedside sleeper should not be used in conjunction with blankets, pillows, or other bedding. This can be a risk of suffocation since young babies are unable to lift their heads up enough to keep them away from soft objects. A reclining position may cause the head tip to tilt forward, which can block their airway. Always place your baby on their back in a crib, bassinet or play yard or bedside sleeper and be certain to use a fitted sheet that meets the federal requirements.
Convenience
It is essential to keep your baby close to you during the night. This creates a bond between the parents and their infants. Bedside sleeper bassets are secured to the sides of your mattress, allowing you to reach your baby easily for diaper changes, feedings, and comforting in the middle of the night. We looked for models with mesh sides that were translucent enough to see through, so you could monitor your baby without needing to leave the bed.
It is essential to ensure that the bassinet meets the US Consumer Product Safety Commission's (CPSC) requirements and is safe for babies. It is recommended to choose a bassinet with a wide base and a sturdy attachment system. A breathable mattress should also be included.
Look for the model that comes with a manual rocking feature. This will be gentle on your baby's skin and help them fall asleep. Certain models have a tilt feature that can be useful for babies suffering from colic or reflux. However this is only recommended on the advice of a doctor or health care professional.
Some bassinets come with a mattress, while others require you to purchase one separately. Find a mattress made to be suitable for the sleeper that is placed on the bedside. Mattresses that are second-hand can be too soft, and may cause SIDS. You should also buy a breathable fitted bed sheet and blanket for your baby. Check the fabric lining and foam mattress are machine washable to make cleaning easier. A storage shelf or basket is a great option to store things like nappies, clothes and muslins. There are models that have wheels that help you move it around the house.
Breastfeeding Support
If you decide to breastfeed, a cot that sleeps at your bedside can help you maximize your evening feedings. By securing it to your bed, it permits you to reach over easily when your baby wakes up to feed. The side of the cot can be adjusted to create a bed to sleep side-by-side. Certain models can also tilt to provide support for reflux.
The curving sides make it easy to see and lift your baby to feed. They won't slide off the side. Some bedside cribs come with an automatic rocking feature which can help your child relax and encourage them to fall back asleep faster after eating.
When it comes to keeping baby clean, a soft fabric and removable bedding which can be washed by a machine are a great option. Some models have gentle rocking and vibration features which can help soothe your baby to sleep. Breastfeeding mothers will also be happy with the storage space.
It is convenient for breastfeeding mothers to share their bed with their babies. This lets them develop bonds of friendship while they sleep. Research has proven that babies who are breastfed and have a shared space to sleep have higher outcomes than infants fed by bottles. However, bedside cots is important to be aware of the dangers and procedures involved in sharing a bed with a newborn and select a mattress that is safe for your baby.
Some sleeping bags in the bed have soft edges that could keep your baby in the bag. You should also be careful to not let the bedside sleeping device slide backwards. This could create an opening in which your baby could crawl or roll.
If you are worried about the security of a sleeper in bed, consider attending an LLL meeting or talking with a Sleep Leader to learn more about the sleeping habits of breastfeeding mothers and babies. They can help you create a safe sleeping environment for your baby and help recognize the risks of SIDS. They will also inform you about the "sweet sleep" of nursing mothers, which has many of the same protective factors as breastfeeding.