Bedside Sleeper Cot
A bedside sleeper (also known by the name bassinet) is attached to the side of a bed to ensure that your child can be close enough to eat at night while still being safe in their own space to sleep. Our mothers appreciate that they are simple to reach and can also pivot or drop the sides to make them more accessible.
Safety
A bedside sleeper cot allows infants to stay within reach of parents sleeping in their beds for nighttime feeding, providing comfort and monitoring, without exposing them to the dangers associated with sharing beds (which could lead to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). The cots adhere to NHS guidelines for co-sleeping, and are recommended by childcare experts like Dr. McKenna director of the Mother-Baby Behavioural Sleep Laboratory.
These bassinets also help to promote healthy attachment and breastfeeding by keeping babies close. This helps them to reach milestones in their development. Parents should search for bassinets which are easy to clean and 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 newer products which transform from a baby bassinet to a bedside sleeper by lowering a side rail in front of a bed for adults. This allows certain areas of the lower side to be elevated over the mattress and poses an increased chance of being entangled. The CPSC direct final rule incorporates the 2023 revision by reference to the mandatory standards in place under section 104 of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008(CPSIA) for sturdy baby or toddler products which have been used for more than 180days and is expected to reduce the chance of injury.
Remember that a bassinet or bedside sleeper should never be used with blankets, pillows or other bedding. This can pose an obstructing risk since young babies cannot lift their heads enough to remove them from soft objects and a reclined position could cause the head to tilt forward, obstructing their airway. Always put your child on their backs while using a bassinet, a crib or play yard. Use Recommended Reading fitted sheet that meets the federal requirements.
Convenience
A baby who is close to you at night can help build a bond between newborns and their parents. Bassets for bedside sleepers are firmly attached to the sides of your mattress, allowing you to easily reach your baby for diaper changes, feedings, and comforting in the middle of the night. We looked for models that had mesh sides that were translucent and easy to see through to allow you to monitor your child without having to get up from the bed.
It is important to ensure that the bassinet meets the American Consumer Product Safety Commission's (CPSC) requirements and is safe for babies. It is recommended to choose a bassinet with a wide base and a strong attachment mechanism. A comfortable mattress is crucial as well.
Find a model that has a manual rocking feature that's gentle on your baby and will help them sleep. Certain models have tilt features that is beneficial for babies suffering from colic or reflux. However this should only be used under the advice of your doctor or health professional.
Some bassinets include a mattress, while others require that you purchase one separately. Be sure to purchase a mattress that is designed to fit your bedside sleeper bassinet, since second-hand mattresses may be too soft and could pose the risk of SIDS. You should also purchase a breathable fitted bed sheet and the muslin baby blanket. Make sure the fabric lining and foam mattress can be machine washed for ease of cleaning. A basket or shelf for storage is a great option to store necessities like nappies or muslins, clothing, and nappies. There are models that have wheels to help you move it around the home.
Support for Breastfeeding
If you plan to feed your baby in the night sleeping in a cot beside your bed can aid you in getting the most benefit from your feedings. By attaching to your bed, it allows you to reach over easily when baby wakes for a feed. The side of the cot can be adjusted to create a bed to sleep side-by-side. Some models can also tilt to provide support for reflux.
The curving sides allow you to see and help lift your baby up for a feeding. They won't slide off the side. Some cribs with a bedside sleeper feature an automatic rocking feature that can calm your child and help them to go back to sleep faster after a feeding.
When it comes to keeping baby clean, a soft bedding and fabric that can be machine-washed can be very beneficial. Some models have gentle rocking and vibration functions that can help soothe your baby into sleep. The storage space is another benefit for breastfeeding mothers.
Bed-sharing is very popular for breastfeeding mothers due to it being easy and allows them to have an intimate bond with their baby while they sleep. Research has shown that infants who are breastfed and sleep together have better outcomes than infants fed by bottles. It is vital that you know the safety dangers and procedures involved in bed-sharing with a newborn baby and select a mattress that is safe for your baby.
Some sleeping bags in the bed have soft edges, which could keep your baby in the bag. Also, be cautious not to let your bed-side sleeper slide backwards, forming an opening that your child may crawl into or roll over.
If you are concerned about the safety of a bedside sleeper take a look at attending an LLL meeting or talking with a Sleep Leader to learn more about the sleep habits of breastfeeding mothers and infants. They can assist you in creating an environment for sleep that is safe for your baby, and help you understand the dangers of SIDS. They can also help you understand how to get the "sweet sleep the nursing mothers get and includes a variety of protection factors that are similar to breastfeeding.