A bedside sleeper cot (also known as a bassinet) can be attached to the side of your bed so that your baby is close enough to be able to enjoy feeding at night, but is safe in their own sleeping area. Our mums love that they are easy to reach and can also rotate or lower the sides to get closer.
Safety
The bedside sleeper lets parents supervise, comfort and feed their infants at the night without worrying about the dangers of bed-sharing. This can lead to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. The cots are in line with NHS guidelines for co-sleeping, and are recommended by childcare experts like Dr. McKenna, director of Mother-Baby Behavioural Sleep Laboratory.
They also provide instant breastfeeding support and help babies feel more secure by keeping them close to their parents, encouraging healthy attachment that can aid in the development of milestones. Parents should seek out bassinets which are easy to clean, safe to use, and have been endorsed by a trusted organization like JPMA.
In 2023, ASTM updated their version of the voluntary standard F2906 for bedside sleepers due to the latest products that convert from a bassinet for babies to a large bedside crib sleeping device by dropping a side rail adjacent to an adult bed. This allows some portions of lower side to be elevated above the mattress and presents an increased risk of entrapment. The CPSC’s direct 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 products for toddlers and infants that have been in use for longer than 180 days and is expected to decrease the risk of injuries.
Be aware that a bassinet or bedside cot for twins sleeper, should not be used in combination with blankets or pillows. This could pose an entrapment risk since babies are unable to lift their heads up enough to free them from soft objects. A reclining position could result in the head tipping to tilt forward, which can block their airway. Always put your child on their backs while using a bassinet, crib or play yard. Use a fitted sheet that is in compliance with the federal requirements.
Convenience
It is important to keep your baby close during the night. This helps create bonds between parents and newborns. Bassinets for sleepers that are attached to the sides of your bed, allowing you to easily reach your little one for middle-of-the-night diaper changes feedings, and comforting. We searched for models that had mesh sides that were translucent and visible through so you can keep an eye on your child without having to get up from bed.
It is crucial that the bassinet you select is deemed safe for babies by an independent testing organization and that it meets the requirements of the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Look for a wide base, a sturdy attachment mechanism and sturdy construction that will stop the bassinet from slipping over. A breathable mattress should be included.
Look for the model that comes with the option of manual rocking. This will be gentle on your baby bedside crib‘s skin and can help them sleep. Some models come with tilt features that can be useful for babies suffering from colic or reflux. However this is only recommended on the advice of your doctor or health care professional.
Some bassinets come with a mattress, while others require that you purchase one separately. Make sure you buy the right mattress to fit in your bedside bassinet, since second-hand mattresses can be too soft and carry the risk of SIDS. Also, you will need to buy a breathable fitted sheet for your bed and a blanket for your baby. For ease of cleaning make sure that the lining of the fabric or mattress can be washed in the machine. A basket or shelf for storage is a useful feature for storing necessities such as nappies, clothes and muslins. You can also find models with wheels that allow for ease of movement around your house.
Support for breastfeeding
If you decide to breastfeed, a bedside sleeper cot for bedside can help you get the most out of your night-time feedings. By securing it to your bed, it permits you to easily reach across when your baby is awake to feed. The travel cot bedside‘s side can then be lowered to create a shallow bassinet to ensure safe sleeping side-by-side. Some models also tilt to accommodate reflux.
The curved sides of the cot mean that it’s easy to spot your baby, and they won’t slide off of the side as you lift them up for a feed. Some bedside cribs come with an automatic rocking feature that can calm your child and encourage them to fall back asleep faster after eating.
When it comes to keeping your baby clean, a cosy bedding and fabric that can be washed in the machine can be very beneficial. Some models have gentle rocking or vibration features that can help aid in calming your baby. Breastfeeding mothers will also appreciate having lots of storage.
Bed-sharing is a popular choice for breastfeeding mothers due to it being practical and helps them to form a close bond with their baby during sleep. Research shows that breastfed babies who share a bed with their mothers have better outcomes than those who are bottle-fed. It is crucial to be aware of the dangers and practices associated with sharing the bed with a baby and to select a mattress that is safe for your baby.
Some in-bed sleepers have soft surfaces or padding on their edges, which may cause your baby to become entrapped. You also need to be cautious not to allow the sleeper in bed slide backwards, creating a gap that your baby may crawl into or roll over.
If you’re concerned about the safety of a bedside sleeper you should 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 sleep environment for your baby and explain the risks of SIDS. They can also teach you how to get the’sweet sleep the nursing mothers get, which includes many safeguards that are similar to breastfeeding.