Bedside Sleeper Cot
A bedside sleeper (also known by the name bassinet) is attached to the side of a bed, so that your baby can be close enough to eat at night while remaining secure in their own space to sleep. Our moms appreciate that they are simple to reach and can also rotate or drop the sides to get closer.
Safety

A bedside sleeper cot allows newborns to be safely 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 such as Dr. McKenna director of Mother-Baby Behavioural Sleep Laboratory.
They also help foster healthy attachment and breastfeeding by keeping babies close. This can help them achieve developmental milestones. It's important that parents look for bassinets that are easy to clean and safe to use. ensure they have been tested and approved by a trusted agency such as JPMA.
In 2023, ASTM updated their version of the standard F2906 that is voluntary for bedside sleepers to respond to the newer products which convert from a bassinet for babies to a bedside sleeping product by the side rails being lower adjacent to an adult bed. This allows certain areas of lower side to be elevated above the mattress and presents an increased chance of getting trapped. The CPSC direct final rule incorporates this revision with reference to the mandatory standards in place under section 104 of Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008(CPSIA) for sturdy baby or toddler products that are in use for longer than 180 days and is expected to lower the risk of injuries.
Be aware that the bassinet or bedside sleeper should not be used in conjunction with pillows, blankets or other bedding. This could pose a suffocation hazard as young babies are unable to lift their heads up enough to remove them from soft objects. A reclining position can cause the head to tip to tilt forward, which can block their airway. Always put your child on their back in a bassinet, crib or play yard, or a bedside sleeper and be certain to use an appropriate fitted sheet that meets the requirements of the federal government.
Convenience
It is crucial to keep your baby close during the night. This helps create bonds between parents and newborns. Bedside sleeper bassets are secured to the sides of your mattress, allowing you to easily reach your baby for feedings, diaper changes and comforting in middle of the night. We looked for models with mesh sides that were transparent and easy to see through, allowing you to keep an eye on your child without stepping up from the bed.
It is essential that the bassinet you select is tested as safe for babies by an independent testing organisation and that it meets all requirements of the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Make sure you choose a large base, a strong attachment mechanism, and a sturdy structure that prevents the bassinet from slipping over. A breathable mattress is essential, too.
Find a model that has an option for manual rocking that is gentle on your baby and can help settle them to sleep. Some models also have a tilt option, which can be helpful for newborns with colic or reflux, but should only be used with the guidance of your doctor or health professional.
Some bassinets include a mattress and some require you to buy one separately. Find a mattress made to be a perfect fit for the bedside sleeper. Second-hand mattresses are often too soft and cause SIDS. You'll also have to purchase a breathable fitted sheet and muslin blanket for your baby. Be foldable bedside crib to check the fabric lining. The foam mattress, which can be washed by machine to make it easier to clean. A storage shelf or a basket is a great option to store things like nappies, clothes and muslins. There are many models that have wheels that help you move it around the home.
Breastfeeding support
If you decide to breastfeed, a bedside sleeper cot can help you get the most out of your feedings at night. By securing it to your bed, it allows you to reach over easily when your baby wakes up to feed. The side of the cot can be lowered to create a shallow bed for sleeping side-by-side. Certain models tilt to accommodate reflux.
The curved sides of the cot ensure that it's easy to see your baby and they won't roll out of the side when you lift them up for a feed. Some bedside cribs come with an automatic rocking feature that can help your child relax and encourage them to go back to sleep faster after a feeding.
When it comes to keeping baby clean, a soft bedding and fabric which can be washed by a machine can be very beneficial. Some models feature gentle vibration and rocking functions that can ease your baby into sleep. Breastfeeding mothers will also appreciate having lots of storage.
Bed-sharing is very popular for breastfeeding mothers because it is convenient and provides the mother with a close relationship with her baby during their sleep. Research has revealed that infants who breastfeed and sleep together have better outcomes than bottle-feeding infants. However, it is important that you know the safety dangers and procedures involved in sharing a crib with a newborn and pick a suitable mattress for your infant.
Some in-bed sleeping bags have soft surfaces on the edges that can trap your baby. You should also be careful to not let your bedside sleeping device slide backwards. This could result in an opening through which your baby could crawl or roll.
If you are concerned about the safety of a bedside sleeper take a look at attending an LLL meeting or talking with an experienced Sleep Leader to know 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 to understand the dangers of SIDS. They can also educate you about the "sweet sleep" of nursing mothers, which has many of the same protective factors as breastfeeding.