Bedside Sleeper Cot
A bedside sleeper cot (also known as a bassinet) fixes to the side of your bed so that your baby can be close enough for feeding at night, but is safe in their own bed. Our mothers love that they are simple to reach, and they can also pivot the sides and drop them to get closer.
Safety
The bedside sleeper allows parents to supervise, comfort and feed their babies at night without having to worry about the dangers of bed-sharing. This can result in Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. The cots comply with NHS guidelines for co-sleeping, and are recommended by childcare experts, such as Dr McKenna director of Mother-Baby Behavioural Sleep Laboratory.
These bassinets also help to encourage healthy attachment and breastfeeding by keeping babies close. This helps them to reach developmental milestones. Parents should search for bassinets that are simple to clean and safe to use and have been certified by a trusted organization 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, allowing some portions of the lower portion to be at an elevated level above the mattress, which presents an increased risk of entrapment. The CPSC's direct rule incorporates this 2023 revision to the existing mandatory standard under section 104 of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA) for products for toddlers and infants that have been in use for longer than 180 days and is expected to decrease the risk of injury.
Be aware that a bedside or bassinet should never be used with pillows, blankets or other bedding. This could pose a suffocation hazard as babies are unable to lift their heads high enough to remove them from soft objects. A reclining position could cause the head tip forward, blocking their airway. Always put your child on their backs in a bassinet, crib, play yard or bedside sleeper. Be sure to use only a fitted sheet that meets the federal requirements.
Convenience
It is important to keep your baby close to you during the night. This creates an emotional bond between newborns and parents. Bedside sleeper bassinets attach securely to the sides of your bed and let you easily reach your little one for middle-of-the-night diaper changes feedings, as well as comforting. We looked for models with mesh sides that were transparent and easy to see through to allow you to keep an eye on your child without stepping up from the bed.
It's important that the bassinet you select is certified as safe for infants by an independent testing organisation, and meets all the specifications of the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). You should look for an infant bassinet that has a large base and a strong attachment mechanism. A breathable mattress is essential also.
Find a model that has a manual rocking feature that's gentle on your baby and can help them sleep. Some models come with tilt features which can be beneficial for babies suffering from reflux or colic. However, this is only recommended on the advice of a GP or health care professional.
Some bassinets come with mattresses, while others require you to purchase one separately. Be sure to purchase a mattress that is designed to fit the bedside bassinet. Second-hand mattresses may be too soft and pose a risk of SIDS. You will also need to buy a breathable fitted bed sheet and the muslin baby blanket. For ease of cleaning, check that the lining fabric or mattress can be cleaned in the machine. A storage shelf or basket can be a useful feature to store necessities like nappies, clothes, and muslins. There are also models with wheels that allow for ease of movement around your house.
Breastfeeding Support
If you plan to feed your baby at night the sleeper cot that is placed next to your bed can help you get the most from your feedings. Attached to your bed it allows you to reach over to feed your baby once you wake up. The side of the cot can be lowered to create a shallow bed for sleeping side-by-side. Certain models can also tilt for reflux support.
The curved sides of the cot mean that it's easy to see your baby, and they won't roll out of the side when you pick them up for a feed. large bedside crib have an automatic rocking feature that can help your child relax and encourage them to go back to sleep faster after eating.
When it comes to keeping your baby clean, a soft bedding and fabric that can be machine-washed are helpful. Some models have gentle rocking and vibration functions that can help soothe your baby into sleep. Having plenty of storage space is a an advantage for breastfeeding moms.
It is beneficial for nursing mothers to share their bed with their babies. This allows them to form an intimate bond as they sleep. Research has shown that babies who are breastfed who share a bed with their mothers are more successful 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 a mattress that is safe for your baby.
Some beds have soft surfaces or padding along their edges, which could cause your baby to become entrapped. Be sure to not let the bedside device slide backwards. This could result in an opening in which your baby could crawl or roll.
If you're concerned about the safety a mother or baby who sleeps close to you, go to a LLL meeting. Or talk with an experienced Sleep Leader about sleeping habits of your child. They can help you create an environment for sleep that is safe for your baby, and also explain the dangers of SIDS. They can also teach you how to get the'sweet sleep' that nursing mothers enjoy that includes many protection factors that are similar to breastfeeding.