The 10 Scariest Things About Bedside Sleeper Cot
Bedside Sleeper Cot
A bedside sleeper cot (also called bassinet) can be attached to the bed's side so baby is close enough for night feeding but safe within their own space to sleep. Our mums appreciate that they are simple to reach and that they can also swivel or drop the sides to get closer.
Safety
The bedside sleeper lets parents monitor, comfort and feed their infants at night without having to worry about the dangers of bed-sharing. This could lead to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. The cots are made to conform to NHS guidelines on co-sleeping and are endorsed by childcare experts like director of Mother-Baby Behavioural Sleep Laboratory Dr McKenna.
These bassinets also help to promote healthy attachment and breastfeeding by keeping babies close. This will help them reach their milestones in their development. It is essential that parents search for bassinets that are easy to clean and safe to use and ensure they have been tested and certified by a reputable agency like JPMA.
In 2023, ASTM updated their version of the voluntary standard F2906 for large bedside crib sleepers in response to the latest products that convert from a bassinet for babies to a bedside cot 6 months plus sleeper by dropping a side rail in front of a bed for adults. This allows some portions of lower side to be elevated over the mattress and poses an increased risk of getting trapped. The CPSC's direct rule incorporates this 2023 revision to the current 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.
Remember that a bassinet or bedside sleeper is not recommended to be used with blankets, pillows or other bedding. This could be a risk of suffocation since young babies are unable to raise their heads high enough to remove them from soft objects. A reclining position may cause the head tip to move forward, thereby blocking their airway. Always put your child on their back when using a bassinet, a crib or play yard. Use a fitted sheet that meets the federal requirements.
Convenience
It is essential to keep your baby close to you during the night. This creates an emotional bond between newborns and parents. bedside crib to cot sleeper bassets are secured to the side of your mattress, allowing you to easily reach your baby for feedings, diaper changes and comforting in the middle of the night. We looked for models with mesh sides that were transparent and easy to see through to allow you to keep an eye on your child without having to get up from bed.
You should make sure that the bassinet is in compliance with the requirements of the US Consumer Product Safety Commission's (CPSC) specifications and is certified safe for infants. You should look for a broad base, a sturdy attachment mechanism, and a solid construction that prevents the bassinet from falling over. A breathable mattress should also be considered.
Choose a model that has a manual rocking feature. This will be gentle on your baby's skin and can help them sleep. Some models also come with tilt options that can be helpful for infants suffering from colic or reflux, but should only be used with the advice of your GP or health care professional.
Some bassinets come with mattresses, while others require you to purchase one separately. Make sure you buy one that is made to fit the bedside bassinet. Second-hand mattresses can be too soft and pose the risk of SIDS. You'll also need to invest in an air-tight fitted sheet and muslin blanket to your baby. Be sure to check the fabric lining. The foam mattress are machine washable for ease of cleaning. A storage shelf or basket is a great option to store essentials such as nappies, clothes and muslins. There are models with wheels to help you move it around the house.
Support for breastfeeding
If you decide to breastfeed, a bedside cot wooden sleeper cot can help you maximize your night-time feedings. Attached to your bed you can reach across to feed your baby when they wake up. The side of the cot can be lowered to create a bed that is shallow for sleeping side-by-side. Certain models tilt to accommodate reflux.
The curved sides make it easy to see and lift your baby up to feed. They won't roll off the side. Some cots with a bedside sleeper have an automatic rocking feature which can calm your baby and help them to return to sleep faster after a meal.
A soft fabric, as well as machine washable and removable bedding are beneficial in keeping your baby clean. Some models have gentle rocking and vibration functions that can help soothe your baby to sleep. Ample storage space is also a benefit for breastfeeding mothers.
It is beneficial for breastfeeding mothers to share a bed with their babies. This also helps them form bonds of friendship during their sleep. Research has shown that infants who are breastfed and sleep together have better outcomes than infants fed by bottles. It is vital that you know the safety dangers and procedures involved in sharing a crib with a newborn and pick a suitable mattress for your infant.
Some beds have soft surfaces or padding around their edges, which can cause your baby to get trapped. Also, be aware not to allow the sleeper in bed slide backwards, forming an opening that your child could crawl or roll into.
If you are worried about the safety of a bedside baby bed sleeper you should consider attending an LLL meeting or talking with an experienced Sleep Leader to know more about the sleep habits of breastfeeding mothers and infants. They can explain how to create a safe and secure sleeping environment for your baby and help recognize the risks of SIDS. They will also inform you about the "sweet sleep" of nursing mothers, which has many of the same protection factors as breastfeeding.