The 10 Scariest Things About Bedside Sleeper Cot

bedside cots Sleeper Cot

A bedside sleeper cot (also called bassinet) is attached to the bed's side so that your baby is close enough to be able to enjoy feeding at night, but is safe in their own sleeping area. Our mums love how they are easy to reach and also swivel the sides or drop them to reach closer.

Safety

A bedside sleeper cot lets infants to stay close to parents sleeping in their beds for nighttime feeding, comforting and monitoring without putting them at risk with bed-sharing (which can lead to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). The cribs are designed to conform to NHS guidelines on co-sleeping. They are endorsed by childcare experts such as director of Mother-Baby Behavioural Sleep Laboratory Dr McKenna.

They also provide immediate breastfeeding support and help babies feel more secure by keeping them close, promoting healthy attachment that can assist with milestones in development. Parents should seek out bassinets that are easy to clean and safe to use and have been endorsed by a reputable organization like JPMA.

In 2023, ASTM updated its version of the bedside baby bed sleeper's voluntary standard F2906 to respond to newer models that convert a bassinet into a large bedside crib sleeper by lowering one side rail to an adult bed, allowing some areas of the lower part to be at an elevated height above the mattress, presenting an increased risk of entrapment. CPSC's direct final rule incorporates this 2023 revision to the existing mandatory standard set under section 104 of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA) for products for toddlers and infants that have been used for more than 180 days and is expected to reduce the chance of injuries.

Remember that a bassinet, or bedside sleeper, should never be used in conjunction with pillows or blankets. This can be a risk of suffocation since infants aren't able to raise their heads high enough to keep them away from soft objects. A reclining position can result in the head tipping to tilt forward, which can block their airway. Always put your child on their backs while using a crib, bassinet or play yard. Use an appropriate fitted sheet that meets the federal requirements.

Convenience

It is important to keep your baby close to you during the night. This can help create a bond between the parents and their infants. Bassets for bedside sleepers are firmly attached to the sides of your mattress which allows you to easily reach your baby for diaper changes, feedings and comforting in the middle of the night. We looked for models with mesh sides that were transparent enough to see through, so you could monitor your baby without needing to leave the bed.

You should make sure that the bassinet you purchase meets the US Consumer Product Safety Commission's (CPSC) requirements and is deemed safe for babies. You should choose a bassinet with a wide base and a sturdy attachment system. A breathable mattress should be included.

Choose the model that comes with the option of manual rocking. It will be gentle on the skin of your baby and will help them sleep. Some models have tilt features that can be useful for newborns who suffer from reflux or colic. However it is only recommended on the advice of a doctor or health care professional.

Some bassinets include a mattress, while others require you to purchase one separately. Purchase a mattress that is designed to be suitable for the bedside sleeper. Second-hand mattresses 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. To make cleaning easier, check that the fabric lining or mattress can be cleaned in the machine. A basket or shelf for storage is a convenient feature for storing necessities such as nappies, clothes and muslins. There are also models that have wheels for ease of movement around your house.

Breastfeeding Support

If you decide to breastfeed, a cot that sleeps at your bedside will help you make the most of your night-time feedings. By attaching to your bed, it permits you to reach easily when your baby is awake to feed. The side of the cot for bedside can be lowered to create a bed to sleep side-by-side. Some models also tilt to help with reflux.

The curving sides of the cot means that it's easy for you to see your baby, and they won't fall off the side when you lift them up for feeding. Some bedside sleeper cots also have an automatic rocking feature which can soothe your baby and encourage them to fall asleep more quickly after a feed.

If you want to keep your baby clean, a soft fabric and removable bedding that can be machine-washed are a great option. Some models come with gentle rocking or vibration functions which can aid in calming your baby. Breastfeeding mothers will also appreciate having plenty of storage.

It is convenient for nursing mothers to share a bed with their babies. This lets them develop bonds of friendship during their sleep. Research has shown that babies who are breastfed who share a sleeping space with their mothers have better outcomes than those who are bottle-fed. But, it is crucial that you know the safety hazards and practices that come with 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. You should also be careful to ensure that the bedside sleeping device slide backwards. This could result in a gap into which your child can crawl or roll.

If you're worried about the safety of a baby or mother who sleeps next to you, attend an LLL meeting. Talk to a Sleep Leader about the sleeping habits of your child. They can help you create a safe and secure sleeping environment for your baby and help understand the risks of SIDS. They will also inform you about the "sweet sleep" of nursing mothers, which has many of the same protection factors as breastfeeding.