The 10 Scariest Things About Bedside Sleeper Cot

Bedside Sleeper Cot

A bedside sleeper cot (also known as a bassinet) can be attached to the side of your bed so that your baby is close enough to be able to enjoy nighttime feeding, but in their own space to sleep. Our mums love how they are easy to reach and also rotate the sides or lower them to be closer.

Safety

The small bedside cot sleeper lets parents supervise, comfort and feed their babies at night without having to worry about the dangers of bed-sharing. This 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 Mother-Baby Behavioural Sleep Laboratory.

They also provide instant breastfeeding support and help babies feel more secure by keeping them close to their parents, promoting healthy attachment that can assist with milestones in development. Parents should search for bassinets that are simple to clean, safe to use, and have been certified by a reputable organization like JPMA.

In 2023, ASTM updated its version of the bedside crib with changing table sleeper's voluntary standard F2906 to respond to newer products that convert a bassinet into the bedside sleeper by lowering one side rail adjacent to an adult bed, and allowing some areas of the lower side to be at an elevated level above the mattress, which poses an increased risk of trapping. CPSC's direct final rule incorporates in its reference this 2023 revision to the current mandatory standard under section 104 of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA) for products for toddlers and infants that have been in use for more than 180 days. It is expected to reduce the chance of injuries.

Keep in mind that the bassinet or best bedside cot sleeper should not be used in conjunction with blankets, pillows or other bedding. This can be an entrapment risk since infants aren't able to lift their heads high enough to remove them from soft objects. A reclining position can result in the head tipping to tilt forward, which can block their airway. Always place your child on their back in a crib, bassinet or play yard, or a bedside sleeper. Make certain to use a fitted sheet that meets the federal requirements.

Convenience

Having your baby close to you throughout the night can help to strengthen the bond between infants and their 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, as well as comforting. We looked for models that had mesh sides that were translucent enough to allow for visibility, so you could keep an eye on your child without having to get out of bed.

It is essential to ensure that the bassinet is in compliance with the American Consumer Product Safety Commission's (CPSC) specifications and is certified safe for infants. Make sure you choose a large base, a strong attachment mechanism, and a sturdy structure that prevents the bassinet from tipping over. A mattress that is breathable should be included.

Look for the model that comes with an option for manual rocking. It will be gentle on the skin of your baby and help them fall asleep. Certain models also have tilting options which can be beneficial for infants suffering from reflux or colic but should only be used with the guidance of your doctor or health professional.

Some bassinets include a mattress however, others require you to purchase a mattress separately. Buy a mattress designed to be a perfect fit for the bedside sleeper. Mattresses that are second-hand can be too soft, and may be a risk for SIDS. Also, you will need to buy a breathable fitted sheet for your bed and a blanket for your baby. Make sure the fabric lining and foam mattress can be machine washed to make it easier to clean. A storage shelf or basket is a useful feature to store things like nappies, clothing and muslins. There are also models with wheels for mobility around the house.

Breastfeeding support

If you choose to feed your baby at night sleeping in a cot beside your bed will help you get the most benefit from your feedings. Attached to your bed it allows you to reach over to feed your baby once they wake up. The side of the cot can be adjusted to create a bed to sleep side-by-side. Certain models tilt to help with reflux.

The curved sides of the cot mean that it's easy to see your baby and they won't roll out of the side when you pick them up to feed. Some bedside cribs come with an automatic rocking feature which can calm your child and help them to fall back asleep quicker after a meal.

A cozy fabric and removable and machine-washable bedding can be helpful when it comes to keeping your baby clean. Some models have gentle rocking and vibration functions that can help soothe your baby to sleep. Breastfeeding mothers will also appreciate having lots of storage.

Bed-sharing is extremely popular with breastfeeding mothers due to it being convenient and provides a close bond with their baby during their sleep. Research has proven that infants who are breastfed and sleep together have much better outcomes than infants fed by bottles. However, it is important to be aware of the risks and practices involved in bed-sharing with a newborn baby and pick a suitable mattress for your infant.

Some sleeping bags for babies have soft surfaces on the edges that can trap your baby. You should also be careful to ensure that the mattress slide backwards. This could result in an opening in which your baby can crawl or roll.

If you're concerned about the safety of a baby who sleeps at the bedside travel crib take a look at attending an LLL meeting or speaking to a Sleep Leader to learn more about the sleep habits of breastfeeding mothers and their babies. They can explain how to create a safe and secure sleeping environment for your baby and help you 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.