The 10 Scariest Things About Bedside Sleeper Cot

Bedside Sleeper Cot

A bedside sleeper cot (also called bassinet) can be attached to the side of your bed to ensure that your baby can be close enough for nighttime feeding, but in their own sleeping area. Our mums appreciate that they are simple to reach and that they can also rotate or drop the sides to be closer.

Safety

A bedside travel crib sleeper cot (click through the next page) permits babies to be within reach of parents in their beds for feeding at night, comforting and monitoring without putting them at risk with bed-sharing (which could lead to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). The cots are designed to adhere 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 help promote healthy attachment and breastfeeding by keeping babies close. This will help them reach their milestones in their development. It's important that parents look for bassinets that are simple to clean and safe to use and make sure they've been tested and certified by a reliable agency such as JPMA.

In 2023, ASTM updated its version of the small bedside cot sleeper's voluntary standard F2906 to respond to newer products that convert from a bassinet into the bedside rocking crib sleeper by dropping one side rail to an adult bed, and allowing some areas of the lower portion to be at an elevated level above the mattress, which presents an increased risk for trapping. The CPSC's direct rule incorporates by reference this 2023 revision to the current mandatory standard set under section 104 of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA) for sturdy toddler or infant products that have been used for longer than 180 days and is expected to decrease the chance of injuries.

It is important to remember that a bassinet or bedside sleeper, should not be used in conjunction with pillows or blankets. This could be a risk of suffocation since babies are unable to lift their heads high enough to free them from soft objects. A reclining position can cause the head tip to move forward, thereby blocking their airway. Always put your child on their back when using a bassinet, crib or play yard. Use an appropriate fitted sheet that meets the federal requirements.

Convenience

A baby who is close to you at night can help build a bond between newborns and parents. Bedside sleeper bassets attach securely to the sides of your mattress, allowing you to reach your baby easily for diaper changes, feedings and comforting in the middle of the night. We searched for models that had mesh sides that were transparent and able to be seen through, allowing you to monitor your child without having to get up from bed.

It is crucial that the bassinet you pick is tested as safe for babies by an independent testing organisation, and meets all the requirements of the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). You should choose an infant bassinet that has a large base and a strong attachment mechanism. A mattress that is breathable should be considered.

Choose a model that has a manual rocking feature. It will be gentle on the skin of your baby and can help them sleep. Some models also come with tilt options that can be helpful for babies suffering from reflux or colic but should only be used under the guidance of your doctor or health care professional.

Some bassinets include mattresses, while others require that you purchase one separately. Find a mattress made to fit the sleeper that is placed on the travel bedside crib. Second-hand mattresses are often too soft and pose a SIDS risk. Also, you will need to buy a breathable fitted bed sheet and the muslin baby blanket. For ease of cleaning ensure that the lining fabric or mattress can be cleaned in the machine. A storage shelf or a basket is a great option to store necessities like nappies clothing, muslins, and clothes. There are models with wheels to make it easier to move around the home.

Breastfeeding support

If you decide to breastfeed, a cot that sleeps at your bedside crib or cot can help you to maximize your evening feedings. By securing to your bed, it permits you to easily reach across when your baby is awake for a feed. The cot's sides can lower to create a bassinet that is shallow for safe side-by-side sleeping. Some models also tilt to accommodate reflux.

The curving sides of the cot means that it's easy to see your baby and they won't fall off the side when you pick them up for a feed. Some cots with a bedside sleeper feature an automatic rocking function that can help calm your baby and encourage them to return to sleep quicker after feeding.

When it comes to keeping baby clean, a cosy bedding and a removable material that can be machine-washed are helpful. Some models come with gentle rocking or vibration functions which can soothe your baby to sleep. Breastfeeding mothers will also be happy with the storage space.

It is a good idea for breastfeeding mothers to share the bed with their infants. This lets them develop bonds of friendship as they sleep. Research has shown that babies who are breastfed and have a shared space to sleep have better outcomes than infants who are fed through bottles. It is vital to be aware of the dangers and procedures involved in sharing a bed with a newborn and pick a suitable mattress for your baby.

Some sleeping bags for babies have soft edges that could trap your baby. Also, be cautious not to let the bedside 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 speaking to an experienced Sleep Leader to know more about the sleeping habits of breastfeeding mothers and their babies. They can help you create an environment that is safe for your baby, and explain the risks of SIDS. They can also teach you how to get the "sweet sleep' that nursing mothers enjoy, which includes many protective factors similar to breastfeeding.