Bedside Sleeper Cot
A bedside sleeper cot (also known as a bassinet) is attached to the side of your bed to ensure that your baby is close enough to be able to enjoy night feeding but safe within their own space to sleep. Our mums love how they are simple to reach and also pivot the sides and drop them to get closer.
Safety
The bedside sleeper lets parents monitor, comfort and feed their infants at night without worrying about the dangers of sharing a bed. This can 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 Mother-Baby Behavioural Sleep Laboratory.
They also encourage healthy attachment and breastfeeding by keeping babies close. This helps them to reach developmental milestones. Parents should seek out bassinets which are easy to clean, safe to use, and have been certified by a trusted organization like JPMA.
In 2023, ASTM updated its version of the bedside sleeping voluntary standard F2906 to respond to newer models that convert an infant bassinet to the bedside sleeper by lowering one side rail next to an adult bed, allowing certain areas of the lower side to be elevated height above the mattress, which presents an increased risk for the entrapment of. CPSC's direct final rule incorporates by reference this 2023 revision to the current mandatory standard set under 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 and is expected to decrease the risk of injuries.
Remember that a bassinet, or bedside sleeper, should not be used in conjunction with pillows or blankets. This could create an obstructing risk since infants are unable to 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 backs when using a bassinet, a crib or play yard. Use baby bedside crib fitted sheet that meets the federal requirements.
Convenience
It is important to keep your baby close during the night. This helps create a bond between newborns and parents. Bedside sleeper bassets are secured to the sides of your mattress which allows 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 translucent and visible through, allowing you to keep an eye on your child without stepping up from bed.
It is essential to ensure that the bassinet meets the requirements of the US Consumer Product Safety Commission's (CPSC) requirements and is deemed safe for babies. It is recommended to choose a bassinet with a wide base and a sturdy attachment system. A breathable mattress should be included.
Look for a model with an option for manual rocking that is gentle on your baby and will aid in settling them down. Some models have tilt features that can be useful for infants suffering from reflux or colic. However, this is only recommended on the advice of your doctor or health care professional.
Some bassinets include mattresses, while others require you to purchase a mattress separately. Be sure to purchase a mattress that is designed to fit your bedside sleeper bassinet. Second-hand mattresses could be too soft and could pose the risk of SIDS. You will also need to buy a breathable fitted sheet for your bed and a blanket for your baby. Be sure to check the fabric lining. The foam mattress can be machine washed to make cleaning easier. A storage shelf or a basket is a useful feature for storing necessities such as nappies, clothing and muslins. There are also models with wheels for mobility around the house.
Support for breastfeeding

If you plan to feed your infant at night the sleeper cot that is placed next to your bed can assist you in getting the most from your feedings. By securing to your bed, it allows you to reach easily when your baby wakes up for a feed. The side of the cot can be lowered to create a shallow bed to sleep side-by-side. Some models can also tilt to provide support for reflux.
The curved sides of the cot mean that it's easy to see your baby and they won't roll out of the side when you pick them up for a feed. Some bedside sleeper cots also have an automatic rocking feature that can help calm your baby and help them to fall asleep quicker after feeding.
When it comes to keeping baby clean, a cosy bedding and fabric which can be washed by a machine can be very beneficial. Some models come with gentle rocking or vibration features that can help calm your baby into sleep. The storage space is another an advantage for breastfeeding moms.
Bed-sharing is a popular choice for breastfeeding mothers as it is convenient and provides the mother with a close relationship with her baby during sleep. Research has proven that babies who are breastfed who share a sleeping space with their mothers have better outcomes than those who are bottle-fed. It is essential to be aware of the risks and practices that come with sharing the bed with a baby and to select the right mattress for your baby.
Some sleeping bags for babies have soft edges that could trap your baby. bedside baby sleeper should also be careful to ensure that the bedside device slide backwards. This could result in an opening through which your baby could crawl or roll.
If you are worried about the safety of a bedside sleeper take a look at attending an LLL meeting or talking with 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 and secure sleeping environment for your baby and help recognize the risks of SIDS. They can also educate you about the'sweet sleep' of nursing mothers, which has many of the same protective factors as breastfeeding.