The 10 Most Scariest Things About Bedside Sleeper Cot

Bedside Sleeper Cot

A bedside sleeper cot (also called a bassinet) can be attached to the bed's side so baby is close enough to be able to enjoy nighttime feeding, but in their own space to sleep. Our mums love how they are simple to reach, and can also swivel the sides or lower them to be 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 putting them at risk with bed-sharing (which can lead to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). The cots are designed to adhere to NHS guidelines for co-sleeping and are recommended by childcare experts like director of the Mother-Baby Behavioural Sleep Laboratory Dr McKenna.

They also foster healthy attachment and breastfeeding by keeping babies close. This helps them to reach developmental milestones. Parents should look for bassinets which are easy to clean, safe to use, and have been endorsed by a trusted organization like JPMA.

In 2023, ASTM updated its version of the bedside crib travel sleeper voluntary standard F2906 to respond to newer products that convert from the bassinet into the bedside sleeper by dropping one side rail to an adult bed, and allowing some portions of the lower side to be elevated height above the mattress, presenting an increased risk for trapping. The CPSC's direct rule incorporates by reference this 2023 revision of the mandatory standard in section 104 of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA) for sturdy toddler or infant products that have been in use for longer than 180 days and is expected to reduce the chance of injuries.

Keep in mind that a bedside or bassinet is not recommended to be used with pillows, blankets or other bedding. This could create an obstructing risk since young babies cannot lift their heads high enough to pull them away from soft objects. Additionally, a reclined position can cause the head to slide forward, blocking their airway. Always place your child on their backs in a bassinet, crib or play yard, or a bedside crib and travel cot sleeper. Make sure to use sheets that are fitted to meet federal requirements.

Convenience

A baby who is close to you throughout the night can help to strengthen the bond between infants and parents. Bedside sleeper bassinets attach securely to the side of your bed and allow you to easily reach your little one for middle-of-the-night diaper changes, feedings and comforting. We looked for models that had 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 is in compliance with the US Consumer Product Safety Commission's (CPSC) specifications and is deemed safe for babies. You should choose a bassinet that has a wide base and a strong attachment mechanism. A breathable mattress should be included.

Look for models that have a manual rocking feature. This will be gentle on the skin of your baby and will help them sleep. Some models come with a tilt feature that can be useful for infants suffering from colic or reflux. However it should only be used under the advice of your doctor or health care professional.

Some bassinets come with mattresses, while others require you to purchase a mattress separately. Make sure you purchase the right mattress to fit the bedside bassinet. Second-hand mattresses can be too soft and could pose the risk of SIDS. Also, you will need to buy a breathable fitted bed sheet and blanket for your baby. Be sure to check the fabric lining. The foam mattress are machine washable to make cleaning easier. A basket or shelf for storage is a useful feature to store essentials 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 nurse your infant at night the sleeper cot that is placed next to your bed will aid you in getting the most out of your feedings. Attached to your bed you can reach across to feed your baby whenever they wake up. The cot's side can drop down to create a shallow bassinet for a secure side-by-side sleep. Certain models can tilt for reflux support.

The curved sides of the cot means that it's easy to spot your baby, and they won't fall off the side when you lift them up for a feed. Some cots for bedside crib to cot sleepers feature an automatic rocking function which can soothe your baby and help them to return to sleep faster after a meal.

When it comes to keeping your baby clean, a soft bedding and a removable material which can be washed by a machine are helpful. Some models come with gentle vibration or rocking functions which can calm your baby into sleep. Breastfeeding mothers will also appreciate having lots of storage.

It is beneficial for nursing mothers to share their bed with their babies. This also lets them develop an intimate bond while they sleep. Research has shown that babies who are breastfed who share a bed with their mothers have better outcomes than babies who are bottle-fed. However, it is important to be aware of the hazards and practices that come with bed-sharing with a newborn bedside cot baby and pick a suitable 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. You must also be cautious to not let the bedside device slide backwards. This could create a gap into which your baby could crawl or roll.

If you are concerned about the security of a sleeper in bed take a look at attending an LLL meeting or speaking to an experienced Sleep Leader to know more about the sleep habits of breastfeeding mothers and infants. They can explain how to create a safe sleeping environment for your baby and help you understand the risks of SIDS. They can also teach you how to get the "sweet sleep the nursing mothers get that includes many safeguards that are similar to breastfeeding.