Bedside Sleeper Cot: 11 Thing That You're Failing To Do
Bedside Sleeper Cot
A bedside sleeper cot (also known as bassinet) is 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 sleeping area. Our mums love that they are easy to reach and can also rotate or drop the sides to be closer.
Safety
The bedside sleeper allows parents to monitor, comfort and feed their infants at the night without worrying about the risks of sharing a bed. This can result in Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. The cots are made to conform to NHS guidelines on co-sleeping and are recommended by childcare experts, such as the director of Mother-Baby Behavioural Sleep Laboratory Dr McKenna.
They also provide immediate nursing support and help babies feel more secure by keeping them close to their parents, promoting healthy attachment that can help with developmental milestones. It is essential that parents search for bassinets that are simple to clean and safe to use. Also, make sure they've been tested and certified by a reliable agency such as JPMA.
In 2023, ASTM updated their version of the voluntary standard F2906 for bedside sleepers due to the latest products that transform from a baby bassinet to a bedside sleeping product by lowering a side rail next to a adult bed. This allows some portions of the lower side to be elevated above the mattress and presents an increased chance of getting trapped. The CPSC's direct rule incorporates in its reference this 2023 revision to the existing 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 more than 180 days. It is expected to lower the risk of injury.
cots4tots.co.uk is important to remember that a bassinet or bedside sleeper, should never be used in combination with blankets or pillows. This could create the risk of suffocation since many young babies cannot lift their heads high enough to keep them from soft objects and a reclining position can cause the head to slide forward, obstructing their airway. Always put your child on their backs while using a bassinet, crib or play yard. Use a fitted sheet that is in compliance with the federal requirements.
Convenience
Being close to your baby you at night can help to strengthen the bond between infants and parents. Bedside sleeper bassets are secured to the side of your mattress, allowing you to easily reach your baby to change diapers, feeds, and comforting in the middle of the night. We looked for models with mesh sides that were transparent and able to be seen through to allow you to monitor your child without having to get up from the bed.
It is important to ensure that the bassinet you purchase meets the American Consumer Product Safety Commission's (CPSC) specifications and is certified safe for babies. You should look for an infant bassinet that has a large base and a sturdy attachment system. A breathable mattress should also be considered.
Choose a model that has a manual rocking feature. This will be gentle on the skin of your baby and can help them sleep. Some models have tilt functions that is beneficial for newborns who suffer from colic or reflux. However it is only recommended on the advice of a GP or health care professional.
Some bassinets include a mattress however, others require you to purchase one separately. Make sure you buy a mattress that is designed to fit your bedside sleeper bassinet, since second-hand mattresses can be too soft and could pose the risk of SIDS. It is also necessary to purchase an air-tight fitted sheet and muslin blanket to your baby. To make cleaning easier ensure that the fabric lining or foam mattress can be washed in the machine. A storage shelf or a basket is a useful feature for storing necessities such as nappies, clothes and muslins. You can find models that have wheels to help you move it around the house.
Breastfeeding Support
If you plan to feed your baby in the night the sleeper cot that is placed next to your bed will assist you in getting the most from your feedings. Attached to your bed, you can reach over to feed your baby when they wake up. The cot's side can drop down to create a bassinet that is shallow for a secure side-by-side sleep. Certain models can tilt to provide support for reflux.
The curved sides make it easy to see and raise your baby up for a feeding. They won't roll off the side. Some bedside sleeper cots also have an automatic rocking feature that can help calm your baby and encourage them to fall asleep faster after a meal.
A cozy fabric and machine washable and removable bedding are helpful when it comes to keeping your baby clean. Certain models come with gentle vibration and rocking functions that can ease 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 also lets them develop a close bond as they sleep. Research shows that breastfed babies who sleep with their mothers have better outcomes than babies who are bottle-fed. It is essential to be aware of the risks and pitfalls of sharing a bed with a newborn and to choose a mattress that is safe for your baby.
Some sleeping bags for babies have soft surfaces on the edges, which could trap your baby. You also need to be aware not to let your bed-side sleeper slide backwards, forming an opening that your baby could crawl or roll into.

If you are concerned about the security of a sleeper in bed take a look at attending an LLL meeting or speaking with a Sleep Leader to find out more about the sleep habits of breastfeeding mothers and babies. They can help you create a safe sleeping environment for your baby and help recognize the risks of SIDS. They can also show you how to enjoy the'sweet sleep' that nursing mothers enjoy and includes a variety of protection factors that are similar to breastfeeding.