The 10 Scariest Things About Bedside Sleeper Cot

Bedside Sleeper Cot

A bedside sleeper cot (also known as a bassinet) is attached to the side of your bed to ensure that your baby is close enough to be able to enjoy night feeding but safe within their own space to sleep. Our mothers love that they are easy to reach and can also swivel or lower the sides to get closer.

Safety

A bedside sleeper cot lets babies to be within reach of their parents sleeping in their beds for nighttime feeding, providing comfort and monitoring, without putting them at risk with bed-sharing (which could result in Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). The cots are made to conform to NHS guidelines on co-sleeping. They are recommended by childcare experts, such as the director of the Mother-Baby Behavioural Sleep Laboratory Dr McKenna.

They also promote 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 have been certified by a trusted organization like JPMA.

In 2023, ASTM updated their version of the voluntary standard F2906 for bedside cosleeper sleepers to respond to the latest products that convert from a bassinet for babies to a bedside crib and travel cot sleeper by the side rails being lower next to a adult bed. This allows some portions of the lower part to be elevated above the mattress and presents an increased risk of being entangled. The CPSC direct final rule incorporates the 2023 revision by reference to the existing mandatory standards in section 104 of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008(CPSIA) for sturdy baby or toddler products that have been used for more than 180days and is expected reduce the risk of injuries.

It is important to remember that a bassinet or bedside sleeper, should not be used in combination with blankets or pillows. This could create the risk of suffocation since many young children aren't able to raise their heads high enough to keep them from soft objects. A reclined position can cause the head to tilt forward, obstructing their airway. Always put your baby on their back in a crib, bassinet or play yard or bedside sleeper and be sure to use only an appropriate fitted sheet that meets federal requirements.

Convenience

Having your baby close to you throughout the night can help create a bond between newborns and parents. Bedside sleeper bassinets attach securely to the sides 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 transparent enough to see through, so you could watch your baby without having to get out of bed.

It is important to ensure that the bassinet you purchase meets the US Consumer Product Safety Commission's (CPSC) requirements and is deemed safe for babies. Look for a wide base, a sturdy attachment mechanism, and a solid construction that will stop the bassinet from slipping over. A comfortable mattress is crucial, too.

Look for models that have a manual rocking feature. It will be gentle on your baby's skin and will help them sleep. Some models also have tilt options that can be helpful for babies suffering from reflux or colic but should only be used on the guidance of your doctor or health visitor.

Some bassinets come with mattresses, while others require you to purchase a mattress separately. Be sure to purchase a mattress that is designed to fit in your bedside crib travel cot bassinet, since second-hand mattresses can be too soft and carry a risk of SIDS. You'll also need to invest in an air-tight fitted sheet and muslin blanket for your baby. 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 things like nappies, clothes, and muslins. There are also models with wheels for mobility around the house.

Breastfeeding support

If you plan to feed your baby at night sleeping in a cot beside your bed will help you get the most out of your feedings. By securing to your bed, it permits you to reach over easily when baby wakes for a feed. The side of the cot can be raised to create a bed that is shallow for side-by side sleeping. Certain models can also tilt to support reflux.

The curved sides of the cot mean that it's easy to spot your baby, and they won't roll out of the side as you lift them up for feeding. Some cots for bedside sleepers have an automatic rocking feature which can calm your baby and encourage them to return to sleep more quickly after a feed.

A cosy fabric and machine washable and removable bedding are beneficial in keeping your baby clean. Some models have gentle vibration or rocking functions which can aid in calming your baby. Breastfeeding mothers will also appreciate having plenty of storage.

It is a good idea for breastfeeding mothers to share the bed with their infants. This also helps them form bonds of friendship during their sleep. Research has shown that babies who are breastfed and sleep together have higher outcomes than infants who are fed through bottles. However, it is important to be aware of the dangers and procedures involved in bed-sharing with a newborn baby and choose a safe mattress for your infant.

Some sleepers in the bed have soft surfaces or padding on their edges, which may cause your baby to become trapped. You also need to be cautious not to allow the sleeper in bed slide backwards, forming an opening that your child could crawl or roll into.

If you're worried about the safety of a mother or baby who sleeps next to you, consider attending a LLL meeting. Talk to a Sleep Leader about the sleeping habits. 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 includes many of the same protective factors as breastfeeding.