The 10 Scariest Things About Bedside Sleeper Cot

Bedside Sleeper cot for bedside

A bedside sleeper cot (also known as a bassinet) fixes to the bed's side to ensure that your baby can be close enough for feeding at night, but is safe in their own space to sleep. Our moms love that they are easy to reach and can also rotate or lower the sides to be closer.

Safety

The bedside sleeper lets parents monitor, soothe and feed their newborns at the night without worrying about the dangers of sharing a bed. This could lead to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. The cots are designed to adhere to NHS guidelines on co-sleeping. They are recommended by childcare experts, such as the director of Mother-Baby Behavioural Sleep Laboratory Dr McKenna.

They also offer instant breastfeeding support and can help babies feel more secure by keeping them close, encouraging healthy attachment that can aid in the development of milestones. It is crucial that parents look for bassinets that are simple to clean and safe to use. ensure they have been tested and approved by a reputable agency like JPMA.

In 2023, ASTM updated their version of the standard F2906 that is voluntary for bedside sleepers to respond to the latest products that convert from a bassinet for babies to a bedside sleeping device by dropping a side rail adjacent to an adult bed. This allows a portion of the lower side to be elevated over the mattress and presents an increased chance of getting trapped. The CPSC's direct final 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 products for toddlers and infants that have been in use for more than 180 days and is expected to reduce the risk of injury.

Keep in mind that a bassinet or bedside sleeper is not recommended to be used with blankets, pillows or other bedding. This can be a suffocation hazard as infants aren't able to lift their heads high enough to free them from soft objects. A reclining position may result in the head tipping to move forward, thereby blocking their airway. Always put your child on their backs in a bassinet, crib, play yard or bedside sleeper and be sure to use sheets that are fitted to meet the federal requirements.

Convenience

It is important to keep your baby close during the night. This helps create a bond between newborns and parents. Bassinets that sleep in bed are securely attached to the side of your bed and let you easily reach your little one to change diapers feedings, and comforting. We looked for models that had mesh sides that were transparent enough to see through, so you could keep an eye on your baby without needing to leave the bed.

It is important to ensure that the bassinet meets the requirements of the US Consumer Product Safety Commission's (CPSC) specifications and is certified safe for infants. You should look for a broad base, a strong attachment mechanism, and a solid construction that will stop the bassinet from falling over. A mattress that is breathable should be considered.

Find a model that has a manual rocking function that's gentle on your baby and can help settle them to sleep. Some models also have a tilt option which can be beneficial for infants suffering from colic or reflux, but should only be used on the supervision of your doctor or health visitor.

Some bassinets come with a mattress, while others require you to buy one separately. Purchase a mattress that is designed to fit the sleeper that is placed on the bedside. Mattresses that are second-hand can be too soft and pose a SIDS risk. You'll also need to purchase a breathable fitted sheet and muslin blanket for your baby. For easy cleaning ensure that the lining of the fabric or mattress can be washed using the machine. A storage shelf or basket is a great option to store essentials such as nappies clothing, muslins, and clothes. There are also models with wheels that allow for ease of movement around your house.

Breastfeeding support

If you decide to breastfeed, a bedside sleeper travel cot bedside can help you to get the most out of your feedings at night. Attached to your bed it allows you to reach over to feed your baby once they wake up. The travel cot bedside crib's side can be lowered to create a bassinet that is shallow to ensure safe sleeping side-by-side. Certain models tilt to support reflux.

The curving sides allow you to see and lift your baby to feed. They won't slide off the side. Some cribs with a bedside sleeper feature an automatic rocking feature which can help your child relax and encourage them to fall asleep quicker after a meal.

A soft fabric, as well as removable and machine-washable bedding can be useful in keeping your baby clean. Some models feature gentle rocking and vibration features which can help soothe your baby to sleep. Breastfeeding mothers will also appreciate having plenty of storage.

It is a good idea for nursing mothers to share their bed with their babies. This also allows them to form an intimate bond while they sleep. Research has shown that infants who are breastfed and share a sleep space have better outcomes than infants fed by bottles. It is vital to be aware of the risks and practices involved in bed-sharing with a newborn baby and choose a safe mattress for your baby.

Some sleepers in the bed have soft surfaces or padding around their edges, which can cause your baby to get trapped. You also need to be aware not to let your bed-side sleeper slide backwards, forming an opening that your baby could crawl into or roll into.

If you're concerned about the safety of a baby who sleeps at the bedside, consider attending an LLL meeting or talking with a Sleep Leader to find out more about the sleeping habits of breastfeeding mothers and infants. 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' that nursing mothers enjoy and includes a variety of protective factors similar to breastfeeding.