The 10 Most Terrifying Things About Bedside Sleeper Cot

Bedside Sleeper Cot

A bedside sleeper cot (read full article) (also called bassinet) is attached to the bed's side to ensure that your baby is close enough to be able to enjoy feeding at night, but is safe in their own space to sleep. Our moms love how they are simple to reach, and can also pivot the sides and drop them to reach closer.

Safety

The bedside crib and cot sleeper lets parents monitor, soothe and feed their babies at the night without worrying about the dangers of bed-sharing. This can result in Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. The cots are designed to adhere to NHS guidelines on co-sleeping. They are recommended by childcare experts, such as the director of Mother-Baby Behavioural Sleep Laboratory Dr McKenna.

They also encourage healthy attachment and breastfeeding by keeping babies close. This can help them achieve milestones in their development. It is crucial that parents look for bassinets that are simple to clean and safe to use and make sure that they've been tested and certified by a reputable agency like JPMA.

In 2023, ASTM updated their version of the voluntary standard F2906 for bedside sleepers due to the latest products that convert from a baby bassinet to a bedside sleeping product by the side rails being lower next to a adult bed. This allows a portion of the lower part to be elevated over the mattress and presents an increased risk of getting trapped. The CPSC direct final rule incorporates this revision based on the current mandatory standards under section 104 of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008(CPSIA) for durable baby or toddler products that have been used for longer than 180 days and is expected to lower the chance of injury.

Be aware that a bedside baby sleeper or bassinet should never be used with blankets, pillows or other bedding. This could pose an entrapment risk since young babies are unable 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 when using a crib, bassinet or play yard. Use a fitted sheet that meets the federal requirements.

Convenience

It is crucial to keep your baby close throughout the night. This helps create bonds between parents and newborns. Bassinets for sleepers that are attached to the sides of your bed and allow you to easily reach your child for diaper changes in the middle of the night feedings, as well as comforting. We searched for models that had mesh sides that were translucent and able to be seen through to allow you to monitor your child without having to get up from the bed.

It's important that the bassinet you choose is certified as safe for infants by an independent testing organisation and that it meets all requirements of the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). You should look for an infant bassinet that has a large base and a strong attachment mechanism. A comfortable mattress is crucial as well.

Choose a model with a manual rocking function that's gentle on your baby and can aid in settling them down. Certain models have a tilt feature which can be beneficial for babies suffering from reflux or colic. However, this is only recommended on the advice of a GP or health care professional.

Some bassinets include mattresses, while others require you to purchase a mattress separately. Make sure you purchase one that is made to fit the bedside bassinet, as second-hand mattresses can be too soft and pose a risk of SIDS. You'll also have to purchase a comfortable fitted sheet and muslin blanket to your baby. Be sure to check the fabric lining. The foam mattress can be machine washed to make cleaning easier. A storage shelf or basket is a great option to store things like nappies, clothing and muslins. There are also models with wheels that allow for mobility around the house.

Breastfeeding Support

If you choose to feed your baby in the night sleeping in a cot beside your bed can help you get the most out of your feedings. By attaching to your bed, it permits you to reach over easily when your baby wakes up to feed. The cot's sides can lower to create a shallow bassinet for a secure side-by-side sleep. Some models also tilt to support reflux.

The curving sides of the cot means that it's easy to see your baby, and they won't fall off the side as you lift them up for feeding. Some bedside sleeper cots also include an automatic rocking function that can help calm your baby and help them to go to sleep more quickly after a feed.

A cozy fabric and machine washable and removable bedding are beneficial in keeping your baby clean. Certain models are equipped with gentle vibration or rocking functions that can help calm your baby into sleep. Breastfeeding mothers will also be happy with the storage space.

It is convenient for nursing mothers to share their bed with their babies. This allows them to form a close bond as they sleep. Research shows that breastfed babies who sleep with their mothers are more successful than babies who are bottle-fed. However, it is important that you know the safety dangers and procedures involved in sharing a crib with a newborn and choose a safe mattress for your infant.

Some beds have soft surfaces or padding on their edges, which can cause your baby to become entrapped. You also need to be aware not to let your bed-side sleeper slide backwards, creating a gap that your baby may crawl into or roll over.

If you are worried about the security of a sleeper in bed take a look at attending an LLL meeting or talking with a Sleep Leader to find out more about the sleep habits of breastfeeding mothers and their babies. They can help you create an environment for sleep that is safe for your baby and also explain the dangers of SIDS. They will also teach you about the'sweet sleep' of nursing mothers, which has many of the same protective factors as breastfeeding.