Bedside Sleeper Cot: What No One Is Talking About
Bedside Sleeper Cot
A bedside sleeper (also called a bassinet) is attached to the bed's side so that your baby can be close enough to feed them at night while remaining secure in their own sleeping space. Our mothers love that they are easy to reach and also pivot the sides and lower them to be closer.
Safety
A bedside sleeper cot allows babies to be within reach of parents in their beds for feeding at night, comforting and monitoring without putting them at risk with sharing beds (which could result in Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). The cots are in line with NHS guidelines for co-sleeping and are recommended by childcare experts, such as Dr McKenna director of the Mother-Baby Behavioural Sleep Laboratory.
They also provide instant breastfeeding support and can help babies feel more secure by keeping them close, promoting healthy attachment that can help with developmental milestones. It's important that parents look for bassinets that are easy to clean and safe to use. ensure they have been tested and certified by a trusted agency such as JPMA.
In 2023, ASTM updated its version of the bedside sleeper's voluntary standard F2906 to respond to newer products that convert the bassinet into a bedside sleeper by dropping one side rail adjacent to an adult bed, which allows certain areas of the lower part to be at an elevated height above the mattress, presenting an increased risk for trapping. The CPSC direct final rule incorporates this revision by reference to the mandatory standards in place in section 104 of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008(CPSIA) for sturdy baby or toddler products that have been used for longer than 180 days and is expected to reduce the chance of injury.
Remember that a bedside or bassinet should not be used in conjunction with blankets, pillows, or other bedding. This can be an entrapment risk since infants aren't able to raise their heads high enough to free them from soft objects. A reclining position could cause the head tip to tilt forward, which can block their airway. Always put your child on their backs while using a crib, bassinet or play yard. Use a fitted sheet that is in compliance with the federal requirements.
Convenience
A baby who is close to you throughout the night can help build a bond between newborns and their parents. bedside cot crib attach securely to the side of your bed, allowing you to easily reach your child for middle-of-the-night diaper changes, feedings and comforting. We looked for models with mesh sides that were translucent and easy to see through to allow you to monitor your child without stepping up from the bed.
It is essential to ensure that the bassinet meets the requirements of the US Consumer Product Safety Commission's (CPSC) specifications and is certified safe for babies. You should look for a bassinet with a wide base and a strong attachment system. A comfortable mattress is crucial as well.
Find a model that has an option for manual rocking that is gentle on your baby and can help them sleep. Some models also come with tilt options which can be beneficial for newborns with reflux or colic, but should only be used under the guidance of your doctor or health visitor.
Some bassinets include a mattress, while others require that you purchase a mattress separately. Purchase a mattress that is designed to fit the sleeper that is placed on the bedside. Mattresses that are second-hand can be too soft, and may pose a SIDS risk. You should also buy a breathable fitted sheet for your bed and a blanket for your baby. For ease of cleaning, check that the lining fabric or foam mattress can be washed using a machine. A basket or shelf for storage is a useful feature to store essentials such as nappies, clothes and muslins. You can also find models with wheels for ease of movement around your house.
Breastfeeding Support
If you decide to nurse 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. By attaching to your bed, it allows you to easily reach across when your baby wakes up to feed. The cot's sides can drop down to create a bassinet that is shallow for safe side-by-side sleeping. Some models also tilt to help with reflux.
The curving sides make it easy to see and lift your baby up for a feeding. They won't slide off the side. Some cribs with a bedside sleeper feature an automatic rocking feature that will calm your child and encourage them to fall back asleep faster after eating.
When it comes to keeping your baby clean, a cozy bedding and fabric which can be washed by a machine are a great option. Some models have gentle vibration or rocking functions that can help soothe your baby to sleep. Ample storage space is another an advantage for breastfeeding moms.
It is a good idea for breastfeeding mothers to share the bed with their infants. This also allows them to form an intimate bond during their sleep. Research has proven that babies who are breastfed and sleep together have higher outcomes than bottle-feeding infants. But, it is crucial that you know the safety dangers and procedures involved in sharing a bed with a newborn and choose a safe mattress for your baby.
Some sleeping bags in the bed have soft surfaces on the edges, which could keep your baby in the bag. You must also be cautious to not let the bedside device slide backwards. This could create an opening in which your baby could crawl or roll.
If you are concerned about the safety of a baby who sleeps at the bedside, consider attending an LLL meeting or talking with an experienced Sleep Leader to know more about the sleeping habits of breastfeeding mothers and babies. They can provide guidance on how to create a safe and secure sleeping environment for your baby and help understand the risks of SIDS. They will also teach you about the "sweet sleep" of nursing mothers, which includes many of the same protection factors as breastfeeding.