Bedside Sleeper Cot
A bedside sleeper cot (also known as a bassinet) fixes to the bed's side so that your baby can be close enough for night feeding but safe within their own sleeping area. Our mums love how they are easy to reach, and they can also swivel the sides or drop them to reach closer.
Safety
The bedside sleeper lets parents supervise, comfort and feed their infants at the night without worrying about the risks of sharing a bed. This could lead to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. The cots adhere to NHS guidelines for co-sleeping and are recommended by childcare experts such as Dr McKenna director of the Mother-Baby Behavioural Sleep Laboratory.
They also provide immediate breastfeeding support and help babies feel more secure by keeping them close, creating healthy attachments that aid in the development of milestones. It is crucial that parents look for bassinets that are easy to clean and safe to use and make sure they've been tested and approved by a trusted agency 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 device by dropping a side rail next to a adult bed. This allows a portion of the lower side to be elevated over the mattress, which poses an increased chance of getting trapped. The CPSC direct final rule incorporates the 2023 revision based on the current mandatory standards under section 104 of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008(CPSIA) for durable baby or toddler products which have been in use longer than 180 days and is expected to lower the risk of injuries.
Be aware that a bassinet or bedside sleeper, should never be used in combination with blankets or pillows. This could pose an obstructing risk since infants are unable to lift their heads high enough to keep them from soft objects and a reclined position can cause the head to tilt forward blocking their airway. Always place your child on their back in a bassinet, crib or play yard or bedside sleeper. Make bedside cot used to use sheets that are fitted to meet the requirements of the federal government.
Convenience
It is crucial to keep your baby close to you during the night. This creates bonds between newborns and parents. Bassinets that sleep in bed are securely attached to the side of your bed and let you easily reach your child for middle-of-the-night diaper changes feedings, and comforting. We looked for models that had mesh sides that were translucent and able to be seen through, allowing you to keep an eye on your child without having to get up from the bed.
It is essential to ensure that the bassinet you purchase meets the US Consumer Product Safety Commission's (CPSC) specifications and is deemed safe for infants. You should look for a bassinet that has a wide base and a sturdy attachment system. A breathable mattress should be considered.
Look for a model with a manual rocking feature that's gentle on your baby and will aid in settling them down. Some models also have tilting options that can be helpful for newborns with reflux or colic, but should only be used on the supervision of your doctor or health care professional.
Some bassinets come with mattresses, while others require that you purchase a mattress separately. Find a mattress made to be suitable for the sleeper that is placed on the bedside. Second-hand mattresses can be too soft and pose a SIDS risk. You will also need to buy a breathable fitted bed sheet and the muslin baby blanket. Be sure to check the fabric lining. The foam mattress can be machine washed for ease of cleaning. A basket or shelf for storage can be a useful option to store necessities like nappies, clothes, and muslins. You can find models that have wheels that enable it to be moved around the home.
Support for Breastfeeding
If you decide to breastfeed, a bedside sleeper cot can help you maximize your night-time feedings. Attached to your bed you can reach across to feed your baby when you wake up. The cot's side can be adjusted to create a bed that is shallow to sleep side-by-side. Certain models can also tilt for reflux support.
The curved sides of the cot mean that it's easy to spot your baby and they won't roll out of the side when you lift them up to feed. Some cribs with a bedside sleeper feature an automatic rocking feature that can calm your child and help them to fall asleep faster after a feeding.
When it comes to keeping your baby clean, a cosy bedding and a removable material which can be washed by a machine are a great option. Some models have gentle vibration or rocking functions that can help calm your baby into sleep. Ample storage space is another bonus for breastfeeding mums.
It is convenient for nursing mothers to share their bed with their babies. This helps them form bonds of friendship during their sleep. Research has shown that infants who are breastfed and sleep together have better outcomes than bottle-feeding infants. But, it is crucial to be aware of the dangers and procedures involved in sharing a crib with a newborn and choose a safe mattress for your baby.
Some in-bed sleeping bags have soft surfaces on the edges that could keep your baby in the bag. You should also be careful to ensure that the mattress slide backwards. This could result in a gap into which your baby can crawl or roll.
If you are concerned about the security of a sleeper in bed take a look at attending an LLL meeting or talking with a Sleep Leader to learn more about the sleeping habits of breastfeeding mothers and babies. They can assist you in creating a safe sleep environment 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.