10 Things We Hate About Bedside Sleeper Cot
Bedside Sleeper Cot
A bedside sleeper cot (also called a bassinet) is attached to the side of your bed so that your baby is close enough to be able to enjoy night feeding but safe within their own sleeping area. Our moms love that they are easy to reach and that they can also pivot or lower the sides to get closer.
Safety
The bedside sleeper lets parents monitor, comfort and feed their babies at the night without worrying about the dangers of sharing a bed. This can lead to 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 promote healthy attachment and breastfeeding by keeping babies close. This helps them to reach developmental milestones. It's important that parents look for bassinets that are easy to clean and safe to use and 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 in response to newer products that convert the bassinet into a bedside sleeper by dropping one side rail next to an adult bed, allowing some areas of the lower side to be at an elevated height above the mattress, presenting an increased risk of trapping. The CPSC direct final rule incorporates this 2023 revision with 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 which are in use for longer than 180 days and is expected to lower the chance of injury.
It is important to remember that a bassinet or bedside sleeper, should not be used in conjunction with pillows or blankets. This could create a suffocation risk as many young babies cannot lift their heads sufficiently to remove them from soft objects and a reclined position could cause the head to tilt forward blocking their airway. Always place your baby on their backs in a bassinet, crib, play yard or bedside sleeper and be certain to use an appropriate fitted sheet that meets the requirements of the federal government.
Convenience
Having your baby close to you during the night helps to strengthen the bond between infants and their parents. Bassets for bedside sleepers are firmly attached on the side of your mattress, allowing you to easily reach your baby for diaper changes, feedings, and comforting in the middle of the night. We looked for models that had mesh sides that were translucent and visible through to allow you to monitor your child without having to get up from bed.
You should make sure that the bassinet is in compliance with the American Consumer Product Safety Commission's (CPSC) requirements and is deemed safe for infants. Look for bedside cots for newborns , a strong attachment mechanism, and a solid construction that prevents the bassinet from slipping over. A comfortable mattress is crucial as well.
Look for a model with a manual rocking function that's gentle on your baby and will aid in settling them down. Certain models also have tilting options, which can be helpful for newborns with reflux or colic but should only be used under the supervision of your doctor or health visitor.
Some bassinets come with a mattress, while others require that you purchase a mattress separately. Find a mattress made to be suitable for the bedside sleeper. Second-hand mattresses can be too soft and be a risk for SIDS. You will also need to buy a breathable fitted bed sheet and the muslin baby blanket. For easy cleaning make sure that the lining of the fabric or mattress can be washed using a machine. bedside cots for newborns or a basket is a convenient feature to store essentials such as nappies, clothing and muslins. There are also models with wheels that allow for mobility around the house.
Support for breastfeeding
If you plan to feed your baby in the night, a sleeper cot by your bed can assist you in getting the most from your feedings. By attaching to your bed, it permits you to easily reach across when your baby wakes up to feed. bedside crib and cot of the cot can be raised to create a bed that is shallow to sleep side-by-side. Some models can also tilt to support reflux.
The curving sides make it easy to see and lift your baby up for a feeding. They won't roll off the side. Some cots for bedside sleepers include an automatic rocking function which can calm your baby and help them to fall asleep faster after a meal.
A cozy fabric and removable and machine-washable bedding can be helpful when it comes to 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 very popular for breastfeeding mothers as it is easy and allows them to have a close bond with their baby while they sleep. Research has proven that babies who are breastfed and share a sleep space have higher outcomes than infants fed by bottles. It is important to be aware of the risks and practices that come with sharing the bed with a baby and to select an appropriate mattress for your baby.
Some in-bed sleepers have soft surfaces or padding around their edges, which can cause your baby to get trapped. You must also be cautious to ensure that the mattress slide backwards. This could cause an opening in which your child can crawl or roll.
If you are worried about the safety of a baby who sleeps at the bedside you should consider attending an LLL meeting or speaking to a Sleep Leader to learn more about the sleep habits of breastfeeding mothers and babies. They can provide guidance on how to create a safe sleeping environment for your baby and help understand the risks of SIDS. They can also teach you how to get the "sweet sleep' that nursing mothers enjoy that includes many safeguards that are similar to breastfeeding.