Bedside Sleeper Cot

A bedside sleeper cot (also known as bassinet) fixes to the side of your bed to ensure that your baby can be close enough for night feeding but safe within their own sleeping area. Our moms love how they are simple to reach and also rotate the sides or drop them to get closer.

Safety

The bedside travel crib sleeper lets parents monitor, soothe and feed their babies at night without worrying about the risks of sharing a bed. This could lead to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. The cots are made to conform to NHS guidelines for co-sleeping and are endorsed by childcare experts like director of Mother-Baby Behavioural Sleep Laboratory Dr McKenna.

These bassinets also help to encourage healthy attachment and breastfeeding by keeping babies close. This can help them achieve developmental milestones. Parents should seek out bassinets that are easy to clean, safe to use, and are certified by a trusted organization like JPMA.

In 2023, ASTM updated its version of the bedside cot mattress sleeping voluntary standard F2906 in response to newer products that convert from an infant bassinet to the bedside cots sleeper by dropping one side rail to an adult bed, allowing some areas of the lower part to be at an elevated height above the mattress, which presents an increased risk for 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 products for toddlers and infants that have been used for more than 180 days. It is expected to reduce the chance of injury.

Keep in mind that the bassinet or bedside sleeper is not recommended to be used with pillows, blankets or other bedding. This could pose an entrapment risk since babies are unable to raise their heads high enough to remove them from soft objects. A reclining position could cause the head to tip forward, blocking their airway. Always put your baby on their backs in a bassinet, crib, play yard or bedside cot 6 months plus sleeper. Make sure to use a fitted sheet that meets federal requirements.

Convenience

Having your baby close to you at night can help to strengthen the bond between infants and their parents. Bassinets that sleep in bed are securely attached to the side of your bed and allow you to easily reach your baby for middle-of-the-night diaper changes feedings, as well as comforting. We looked for models with mesh sides that were translucent and visible through to allow you to monitor your child without having to get up from the bed.

It is essential that the bassinet you choose is tested as safe for infants by an independent testing organization and that it meets all requirements of the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). It is recommended to choose a bassinet that has a wide base and a strong attachment mechanism. A comfortable mattress is crucial also.

Find a model that has an option for manual rocking that is gentle on your baby and can aid in settling them down. Certain models have tilt functions that can be useful for newborns who suffer from reflux or colic. However this is only recommended on the advice of your doctor or health professional.

Some bassinets include a mattress and some require you to purchase a mattress separately. Be sure to purchase the right mattress to fit in your bedside bassinet, as second-hand mattresses can be too soft and could pose a risk of SIDS. You'll also have to purchase a breathable fitted sheet and muslin blanket to your baby. For easy cleaning make sure that the lining of the fabric or foam mattress can be cleaned in the machine. A storage shelf or a basket can be a useful option to store necessities like nappies or muslins, clothing, and nappies. There are also models with wheels for ease of movement around your house.

Breastfeeding Support

If you decide to nurse your baby in the night sleeping in a cot beside your bed will assist you in getting the most out of your feedings. By securing to your bed, it allows you to reach easily when baby wakes to feed. The cot's sides can drop down to create a bassinet that is shallow for a secure side-by-side sleep. Certain models tilt to support reflux.

The curved sides of the cot mean that it's easy for you to see your baby and they won't fall off the side when you pick them up for a feed. Some cots for bedside sleepers feature an automatic rocking function which can soothe your baby and encourage them to go to sleep faster after a meal.

A cosy fabric and machine washable and removable bedding are useful in keeping your baby clean. Certain models come with gentle rocking and vibration functions which can help soothe your baby into sleep. Breastfeeding mothers will also appreciate having lots of storage.

Bed-sharing is a popular choice for breastfeeding mothers due to it being easy and allows them to have the mother with a close relationship with her baby during their sleep. Research has shown that babies who are breastfed and have a shared space to sleep have higher outcomes than bottle-feeding infants. It is vital that you know the safety hazards and practices that come with sharing a crib with a newborn and pick a suitable mattress for your baby.

Some sleeping bags in the bed have soft surfaces on the edges that can trap your baby. Also, you must be aware not to let your bed-side sleeper slide backwards, creating a gap that your baby could crawl or roll into.

If you're worried about the safety a mother or baby who sleeps next to you, consider attending an LLL meeting. Talk to a Sleep Leader about the sleeping habits of your child. They can explain how to create a safe sleep environment for your baby and help recognize the risks of SIDS. They can also show you how to get the "sweet sleep' that nursing mothers enjoy that includes many protection factors that are similar to breastfeeding.