Bedside Sleeper Cot: It's Not As Difficult As You Think

· 4 min read
Bedside Sleeper Cot: It's Not As Difficult As You Think

Bedside Sleeper Cot

A bedside sleeper cot (also known as a bassinet) can be attached to the bed's side to ensure that your baby can be close enough for nighttime feeding, but in their own bed. Our mothers love that they are easy to reach, and they can also rotate the sides or drop them to get closer.

Safety

The bedside sleeper allows parents to supervise, comfort and feed their babies at the night without worrying about the risks of sharing a bed. This can lead to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. The cots comply with NHS guidelines for co-sleeping, and are recommended by childcare experts like Dr McKenna, director of Mother-Baby Behavioural Sleep Laboratory.

They also foster healthy attachment and breastfeeding by keeping babies close. This can help them achieve developmental milestones. Parents should look for bassinets which are easy to clean and safe to use and are certified by a trusted organization like JPMA.

In 2023, ASTM updated its version of the bedside sleeping voluntary standard F2906 in response to newer models that convert an infant bassinet to a bedside sleeper by lowering one side rail next to an adult bed, and allowing certain areas of the lower side to be at an elevated height above the mattress, presenting an increased risk for trapping. The CPSC's direct rule incorporates in its reference this 2023 revision of the mandatory standard in section 104 of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA) for durable infant or toddler products that have been in use for more than 180 days and is expected to lower the risk of injury.

Keep in mind that the bassinet or bedside sleeper is not recommended to be used with blankets, pillows or other bedding. This could pose an obstructing risk since infants are unable to lift their heads enough to keep them from soft objects and a reclined position can cause the head to tilt forward, obstructing their airway. Always put your child on their backs in a crib, bassinet or play yard, or a bedside sleeper. Be certain to use a fitted sheet that meets federal requirements.

Convenience

It is important to keep your baby close to you during the night. This can help create an emotional bond between parents and newborns. Bassinets for sleepers that are attached to the sides of your bed and let you easily reach your little one for diaper changes in the middle of the night feedings, as well as comforting. We looked for models with mesh sides that were transparent enough to be able to see through so you could keep an eye on your child without having to get out of bed.

It is crucial that the bassinet you select is deemed safe for infants by an independent testing agency and that it meets the requirements of the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). You should look for a bassinet that has a wide base and a strong attachment mechanism.  bedside cots for newborns  that is breathable should be included.

Choose a model that has an option for manual rocking. It will be gentle on your baby's skin and can help them sleep. Some models have a tilt feature that is beneficial for babies suffering from reflux or colic. However it should only be used on the advice of your doctor or health professional.

Some bassinets include a mattress, while others require that you purchase one separately. Purchase a mattress that is designed to be suitable for the bedside sleeper. Second-hand mattresses can be too soft and cause SIDS. Also, you will need to purchase a breathable fitted sheet for your bed and a the muslin baby blanket. Check the fabric lining and foam mattress can be machine washed for ease of cleaning. A basket or shelf for storage is a convenient feature to store things like nappies, clothing and muslins. There are models that have wheels that help you move it around the house.


Support for breastfeeding

If you choose to feed your baby in the night the sleeper cot that is placed next to your bed will help you get the most from your feedings. By securing to your bed, it permits you to easily reach across when your baby is awake to feed. The cot's side can drop down to create a bassinet that is shallow for safe side-by-side sleeping. Certain models tilt to support reflux.

The curved sides of the cot means that it's easy to see your baby, and they won't slide off of the side when you pick them up for a feed. Some cots with a bedside sleeper feature an automatic rocking function that can help calm your baby and encourage them to return to sleep quicker after feeding.

When it comes to keeping your baby clean, a cosy bedding and fabric which can be washed by a machine can be very beneficial. Some models have gentle rocking or vibration features which can aid in calming your baby. Breastfeeding mothers will also appreciate having plenty of storage.

It is convenient for nursing mothers to share their bed with their babies. This lets them develop a close bond while they sleep. Research has proven that infants who are breastfed and share a sleep space have much better outcomes than infants fed by bottles. It is crucial to be aware of the dangers and practices associated with sharing a bed with a newborn and to select an appropriate mattress for your baby.

Some in-bed sleepers have soft surfaces or padding along their edges, which may cause your baby to become entrapped. Also, be careful not to let the bedside sleeper slide backwards, creating a gap that your baby could crawl or roll into.

If you are concerned about the security of a sleeper in bed, consider attending an LLL meeting or speaking 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 for sleep that is safe for your baby and explain the risks of SIDS. They will also inform you about the'sweet sleep' of nursing mothers, which has many of the same protection factors as breastfeeding.