Bedside Sleeper Cot
A bedside sleeper cot (also called bassinet) is attached to the side of your bed so that your baby is close enough for night feeding but safe within their own sleeping area. Our moms love that they are easy to reach and that they can also swivel or lower the sides to be closer.
Safety
The bedside sleeper allows parents to supervise, comfort and feed their infants at night without worrying about the dangers of sharing a bed. This could lead to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. The cots are made to conform to NHS guidelines on co-sleeping and are recommended by childcare experts like director of the Mother-Baby Behavioural Sleep Laboratory Dr McKenna.
They also help encourage healthy attachment and breastfeeding by keeping babies close. This helps them to reach developmental milestones. Parents should look for bassinets that are simple to clean and safe to use and are certified by a respected organization such as JPMA.
In 2023, ASTM updated its version of the bedside sleeping voluntary standard F2906 in response to newer products that convert a bassinet into the bedside sleeper by dropping one side rail to an adult bed, and allowing some areas of the lower side to be elevated height above the mattress, which presents an increased risk of trapping. The CPSC direct final rule incorporates this 2023 revision by reference to the existing mandatory standards under section 104 of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008(CPSIA) for infant or toddler products which are in use for longer than 180 days and is expected to reduce the chance of injury.
It is important to remember that a bassinet or bedside sleeper, should never be used in conjunction with pillows or blankets. This can pose a suffocation risk as many young babies cannot lift their heads enough to pull them away from soft objects. Additionally, a reclined position can cause the head to slide forward blocking their airway. Always place bedside crib with changing table on their backs when using a bassinet, a crib or play yard. Use an appropriate fitted sheet that meets the federal requirements.
Convenience
Having your baby close to you during the night helps create a bond between newborns and their parents. Bassets for bedside sleepers are firmly attached to the sides of your mattress and allow you to easily reach your baby for feedings, diaper changes and comforting in the middle of the night. We looked for models that had mesh sides that were transparent enough to be able to see through so you could watch your child 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 safe for babies. You should choose a bassinet that has a wide base and a strong attachment system. A comfortable mattress is crucial also.
Look for a model that has a manual rocking feature. It will be gentle on your baby's skin and will help them sleep. Some models come with a tilt feature that is beneficial for infants suffering from reflux or colic. However it should only be used under the advice of a doctor or health care professional.
Some bassinets include a mattress and some require you to purchase a mattress separately. Be sure to purchase a mattress that is designed to fit the bedside bassinet, since second-hand mattresses can be too soft and could pose the risk of SIDS. You will also need to buy a breathable fitted sheet for your bed and a muslin baby blanket. Check the fabric lining and foam mattress, which can be washed by machine for ease of cleaning. A storage shelf or basket is a useful feature for storing necessities such as nappies, clothes and muslins. You can also find models with wheels that allow for easy movement around your home.
Support for Breastfeeding
If you decide to breastfeed, a bedside sleeper cot can help you to make the most of your feedings at night. Attached to your bed you can reach across to feed your baby once they wake up. The cot's side can be raised to create a shallow bed for sleeping side-by-side. Certain models can tilt for reflux support.
The curved sides make it easy to see and lift your baby up for a feeding. They won't fall off the side. Some cribs with a bedside sleeper feature an automatic rocking feature that can calm your child and encourage them to go back to sleep quicker after a meal.
When it comes to keeping your baby clean, a cosy fabric and removable bedding which can be washed by a machine are a great option. Some models come with gentle rocking or vibration features that can help calm your baby into sleep. Breastfeeding mothers will also appreciate having plenty of storage.
Bed-sharing is very popular for breastfeeding mothers as it is practical and helps them to form a close bond with their baby during sleep. Research has proven that infants who breastfeed and sleep together have much better outcomes than infants fed by bottles. It is essential to be aware of the dangers and practices that come with sharing a bed with a newborn and to select an appropriate mattress for your baby.
Some sleepers in the bed have soft surfaces or padding along their edges, which may cause your baby to become trapped. Also, you must be cautious not to allow the sleeper in bed slide backwards, creating a gap that your baby could crawl or roll into.
If you are worried about the safety of a baby who sleeps at the bedside, consider attending an LLL meeting or speaking to a Sleep Leader to learn more about the sleep habits of breastfeeding mothers and infants. They can help you create a safe and secure sleeping environment for your baby and help recognize the risks of SIDS. They will also inform you about the "sweet sleep" of nursing mothers, which has many of the same protective factors as breastfeeding.