Bedside Sleeper Cot
A bedside sleeper (also known by the name bassinet) is connected to the bed's side, so that your baby can be close enough to eat at night while remaining secure in their own sleeping space. Our mothers love that they are easy to reach and that they can also rotate or drop the sides to make them more accessible.
Safety
The bedside sleeper lets parents monitor, soothe and feed their infants at night without worrying 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. small bedside cot of the Mother-Baby Behavioural Sleep Laboratory.
They also help encourage healthy attachment and breastfeeding by keeping babies close. This will help them reach their milestones in their development. It is crucial that parents look for bassinets that are easy to clean and safe to use and make sure that they've been tested and approved by a reputable agency like JPMA.
In 2023, ASTM updated their version of the voluntary standard F2906 for bedside sleepers in response to the latest products that transform from a baby bassinet to a bedside sleeping product by lowering a side rail next to a adult bed. This allows certain areas of the lower side to be elevated over the mattress and presents an increased risk of entrapment. The CPSC's direct final rule incorporates in its reference 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 decrease the chance of injury.
Keep in mind that a bedside or bassinet is not recommended to be used with blankets, pillows, or other bedding. This can pose the risk of suffocation since many young children aren't able to raise their heads sufficiently to remove them from soft objects and a reclined position can cause the head to tip forward, blocking their airway. Always put your child on their back when using a bassinet, crib or play yard. Use a fitted sheet that is in compliance with the federal requirements.
Convenience
It is essential to keep your baby close throughout the night. This can help create an emotional bond between the parents and their infants. Bassinets that sleep in bed are securely attached to the sides of your bed and let you easily reach your baby to change diapers, feedings and comforting. We looked for models that had mesh sides that were transparent and able to be seen through, allowing you to monitor your child without having to get up from bed.
It is essential to ensure that the bassinet you purchase meets the US Consumer Product Safety Commission's (CPSC) requirements and is deemed safe for babies. It is recommended to choose an infant bassinet that has a large base and a sturdy attachment system. A mattress that is breathable should be included.
Choose models that have an option for manual rocking. This will be gentle on your baby's skin and will help them sleep. Some models also have tilt options that can be helpful for newborns with colic or reflux, but should only be used with the guidance of your doctor or health care professional.
Some bassinets come with a mattress however, others require you to purchase one separately. Find a mattress made to fit the bedside sleeper. Mattresses that are second-hand can be too soft, and could cause SIDS. You should also purchase a breathable fitted sheet for your bed and a blanket for your baby. For ease of cleaning ensure that the fabric lining or foam mattress can be washed in the machine. A basket or shelf for storage can be a useful feature to store essentials such as nappies clothing, muslins, and clothes. There are also bedside travel cot with wheels for ease of movement around your house.
Breastfeeding Support
If you plan to feed 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 when they 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 to support reflux.
The curved sides of the cot ensure that it's easy to spot your baby, and they won't roll out of the side as you lift them up to feed. Some bedside sleeper cots also feature an automatic rocking function which can calm your baby and help them to fall asleep faster after a meal.
When it comes to keeping your baby clean, a soft bedding and a removable material that can be washed in the machine are helpful. Some models feature gentle rocking and vibration features that can ease your baby to sleep. Breastfeeding mothers will also appreciate having plenty of storage.
Bed-sharing is extremely popular with breastfeeding mothers due to it being convenient and provides a close bond with their baby during their sleep. Research has shown that babies who are breastfed who share a sleeping space with their mothers have better outcomes than those who are bottle-fed. It is vital that you know the safety risks and practices involved in sharing a crib with a newborn and pick a suitable mattress for your baby.
Some in-bed sleeping bags have soft surfaces on the edges that can keep your baby in the bag. You should also be careful to ensure that the mattress slide backwards. This could create a gap into which your baby can crawl or roll.
If you're concerned about the security of a sleeper in bed you should consider attending an LLL meeting or talking with a Sleep Leader to find out more about the sleeping habits of breastfeeding mothers and their babies. They can explain how to create a safe and secure sleeping environment for your baby and help understand the risks of SIDS. They can also help you understand how to get the "sweet sleep' that nursing mothers enjoy that includes many protection factors that are similar to breastfeeding.