The 10 Scariest Things About Bedside Sleeper Cot

best bedside cot for newborn Sleeper Cot

A bedside sleeper cot (also known as 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 bed. Our mothers appreciate that they are simple to reach and can also rotate or drop the sides to get closer.

Safety

A bedside sleeper cot allows babies to be within reach of their parents sleeping in their beds for nighttime feeding, comforting and monitoring without increasing the risks associated with bed-sharing (which could 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 Mother-Baby Behavioural Sleep Laboratory.

They also provide immediate breastfeeding support and help babies feel more secure by keeping them close, promoting healthy attachment that can help with developmental milestones. Parents should look for bassinets which are easy to clean, safe to use, and are certified by a respected organization such as JPMA.

In 2023, ASTM updated their version of the voluntary standard F2906 for bedside sleepers to respond to the latest products that convert from a bassinet for babies to a bedside sleeping device by the side rails being lower in front of a bed for adults. This allows certain areas of lower side to be elevated above the mattress and presents an increased risk of entrapment. 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 in use for longer than 180 days and is expected to reduce the risk of injury.

Be aware that a bedside rocking crib or bassinet is not recommended to be used with blankets, pillows, or other bedding. This could pose an obstructing risk since young babies cannot lift their heads sufficiently to pull them away from soft objects and a reclined position can cause the head to slide forward blocking their airway. Always put your child on their back when using a crib, bassinet or play yard. Use a fitted sheet that meets the federal requirements.

Convenience

Being close to your baby you during the night helps build a bond between newborns and parents. Bassinets that sleep in bed are securely attached 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 that had mesh sides that were transparent enough to be able to see through so you could monitor your baby without having to get out of bed.

It is essential to ensure that the bassinet you purchase meets the US Consumer Product Safety Commission's (CPSC) specifications and is safe for babies. You should choose an infant bassinet that has a large base and a sturdy attachment system. A comfortable mattress is crucial as well.

Look for the model that comes with a manual rocking feature. This will be gentle on your baby's skin and help them fall asleep. Some models also have tilt options that can be helpful for infants suffering from reflux or colic but should only be used with the supervision of your doctor or health professional.

Some bassinets come with a mattress however, others require you to buy one separately. Make sure you purchase one that is made to fit the small bedside cot bassinet, since second-hand mattresses could be too soft and carry the risk of SIDS. Also, you will need to purchase a breathable fitted sheet for your bed and a muslin baby blanket. Check the fabric lining and foam mattress are machine washable for ease of cleaning. A storage shelf or a basket is a useful feature for storing necessities such as nappies, clothing and muslins. There are many models with wheels to enable it to be moved around the home.

Breastfeeding Support

If you plan to feed your baby in the night sleeping in a cot beside your bed can help you get the most from your feedings. Attached to your bed you can reach across to feed your baby once you wake up. The cot's side can drop down to create a shallow bassinet to ensure safe sleeping side-by-side. Some models also tilt to accommodate reflux.

The curving sides allow you to see and raise your baby to feed. They won't roll off the side. Some bedside cribs come with an automatic rocking feature which can calm your child and encourage them to fall asleep faster after a feeding.

A cozy fabric and removable and machine-washable bedding can be useful in keeping your baby clean. Some models have gentle rocking or vibration features that can help aid in calming your baby. Ample storage space is another bonus for breastfeeding mums.

Bed-sharing is very popular for breastfeeding mothers as it is easy and allows them to have the mother with a close relationship with her baby during their sleep. Research has proven that infants who breastfeed and sleep together have much better outcomes than infants who are fed through bottles. It is vital to be aware of the hazards and practices that come with bed-sharing with a newborn baby and pick a suitable mattress for your infant.

Some in-bed sleepers have soft surfaces or padding on their edges, which may cause your baby to become trapped. Also, you must be cautious not to allow the sleeper in bed slide backwards, creating an opening that your child may crawl into or roll over.

If you're concerned about the safety of a baby or mother sleeping next to you, attend a LLL meeting. Or talk with a Sleep Leader about your child's sleeping habits of your child. They can provide guidance on how to create a safe and secure sleeping environment for your baby and help to understand the dangers of SIDS. They can also educate you about the "sweet sleep" of nursing mothers, which includes many of the same protective factors as breastfeeding.