The 10 Most Terrifying Things About Bedside Sleeper Cot
Bedside Sleeper Cot
A bedside sleeper cot (also called bassinet) can be attached to the bed's side so that your baby is close enough for night feeding but safe within their own space to sleep. Our mums love that they are easy to reach and that they can also rotate or drop the sides to make them more accessible.
Safety
A bedside sleeper cot lets newborns to be safely close to parents in their beds for feeding at night, as well as monitoring and comfort, without putting them at risk with bed-sharing (which can lead to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). The cots comply with NHS guidelines for co-sleeping and are recommended by childcare experts like Dr. McKenna director of the Mother-baby bedside sleeper Behavioural Sleep Laboratory.
These bassinets also help to foster healthy attachment and breastfeeding by keeping babies close. This can help them achieve developmental milestones. Parents should seek out bassinets which are easy to clean and safe to use and have been certified by a reputable organization like JPMA.
In 2023, ASTM updated its version of the bedside cot sale sleeping voluntary standard F2906 to respond to newer models that convert the bassinet into a bedside sleeper by lowering one side rail adjacent to an adult bed, allowing some portions of the lower side to be elevated level above the mattress, which poses an increased risk of trapping. The CPSC's direct final rule incorporates this 2023 revision of the mandatory standard set under section 104 of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA) for durable infant or toddler products that have been used for longer than 180 days and is expected to lower the risk of injuries.
Be aware that a bassinet or bedside sleeper, should never be used in combination with blankets or pillows. This can be a suffocation hazard as infants aren't able to raise their heads high enough to free them from soft objects. A reclining position can result in the head tipping forward, blocking their airway. Always place your child on their backs while using a bassinet, crib or play yard. Use a fitted sheet that is in compliance with the federal requirements.
Convenience
It is important to keep your baby close to you during the night. This can help create bonds between parents and newborns. Bedside sleeper bassets attach securely on the side of your mattress and allow you to easily reach your baby to change diapers, feeds and comforting in middle of the night. We searched for models with mesh sides that were transparent and easy to see through to allow you to monitor your child without stepping up from the bed.
You should make sure that the bassinet meets the requirements of the US Consumer Product Safety Commission's (CPSC) specifications and is certified safe for babies. It is recommended to choose an infant bassinet that has a large bedside crib base and a sturdy attachment system. A breathable mattress is essential, too.
Choose a model with a manual rocking feature that's gentle on your baby and will help them sleep. Some models have tilt functions which can be beneficial for newborns who suffer from reflux or colic. However, this is only recommended on the advice of a GP or health professional.
Some bassinets include a mattress, while others require you to purchase a mattress separately. Make sure you purchase a mattress that is designed to fit your bedside sleeper bassinet. Second-hand mattresses can be too soft and could pose a risk of SIDS. Also, you will need to purchase a comfortable fitted bed sheet and muslin baby blanket. For ease of cleaning ensure that the lining fabric or mattress can be cleaned in a machine. A storage shelf or basket can be a useful feature to store things like nappies, clothes, and muslins. There are also models with wheels that allow for mobility around the house.
Breastfeeding support
If you choose to feed your infant at night the sleeper cot that is placed next to your bed can aid you in getting the most out of your feedings. By securing it to your bed, it permits you to easily reach across when your baby is awake to feed. The side of the cot can be adjusted to create a bed that is shallow for side-by side sleeping. Some models also tilt to accommodate reflux.
The curved sides make it easy to see and raise your baby up for a feeding. They won't roll off the side. Some bedside sleeper cribs have an automatic rocking feature which can calm your child and encourage them to go back to sleep faster after a feeding.
A cosy fabric and removable and machine-washable bedding can be beneficial in keeping your baby clean. Certain models are equipped with gentle rocking or vibration features which can calm your baby into sleep. The storage space is a an advantage for breastfeeding moms.
It is a good idea for nursing mothers to share a bed with their babies. This also helps them form a close bond while they sleep. Research shows that breastfed babies who sleep with their mothers are more successful than babies who are bottle-fed. It is essential to be aware of the risks and practices that come with sharing the bed with a baby and to select an appropriate mattress for your baby.
Some beds have soft surfaces or padding along their edges, which can cause your baby to get trapped. Also, you must be aware not to let the bedside sleeper slide backwards, forming an opening that your child could crawl into or roll into.
If you're concerned about the safety a baby or mother sleeping next to you, attend an LLL meeting. Or talk with a Sleep Leader about the sleeping habits. They can provide guidance on how to create a safe sleep environment for your baby and help you understand the risks of SIDS. They can also show you how to get the "sweet sleep that nursing mothers love and includes a variety of protection factors that are similar to breastfeeding.