Bedside Sleeper Cot

A bedside sleeper cot (also called a bassinet) fixes to the side of your bed so 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 can also swivel the sides or drop them to reach closer.

Safety

A bedside sleeper cot lets babies to be within reach of their parents in their beds for feeding at night, as well as monitoring and comfort, without increasing the risks associated with bed-sharing (which can lead to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). The cribs are designed to conform to NHS guidelines for co-sleeping and are recommended by childcare experts such as director of the Mother-Baby Behavioural Sleep Laboratory Dr McKenna.

They also encourage healthy attachment and breastfeeding by keeping babies close. This will help them reach their milestones in their development. Parents should search for bassinets that are easy to clean and safe to use and have been endorsed by a trusted organization like JPMA.

In 2023, ASTM updated their version of the voluntary standard F2906 for bedside sleepers to respond to the newer products which transform from a baby bedside sleeper bassinet to a bedside sleeping device by lowering a side rail in front of a bed for adults. This allows a portion of the lower part to be elevated over the mattress and presents an increased risk of being entangled. The CPSC's direct final rule incorporates in its reference this 2023 revision to the existing mandatory standard under section 104 of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA) for durable infant or toddler products that have been in use for more than 180 days and is expected to reduce the chance of injuries.

Be aware that a bedside or bassinet should not be used in conjunction with blankets, pillows, or other bedding. This can pose the risk of suffocation since many infants are unable to lift their heads enough to keep them from soft objects. A reclined position could cause the head to slide forward, blocking their airway. Always place your child on their back when using a bassinet, a crib or play yard. Use an appropriate fitted sheet that meets the federal requirements.

Convenience

A baby who is close to you throughout the night can help build a bond between newborns and parents. Bassinets that sleep in bed are securely attached to the sides of your bed and let you easily reach your little one for diaper changes in the middle of the night, feedings and comforting. We searched for models with mesh sides that were translucent and visible through so you can monitor your child without stepping up from bed.

It's important that the bassinet you choose is deemed safe for infants by an independent testing agency and that it meets all specifications of the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). You should look for an infant bassinet that has a large base and a sturdy attachment system. A breathable mattress is essential, too.

Find the model that comes with an option for manual rocking. It will be gentle on your baby's skin and can help them sleep. Some models also have tilt options, which can be helpful for infants suffering from reflux or colic but should only be used under the guidance of your doctor or health professional.

Some bassinets include a mattress and some require you to purchase one separately. Make sure you buy a mattress that is designed to fit in your bedside crib with changing table bassinet, as second-hand mattresses may be too soft and pose the risk of SIDS. You'll also have to invest in an air-tight fitted sheet and muslin blanket to your baby. For ease of cleaning make sure that the fabric lining or foam mattress can be washed in a machine. A storage shelf or a basket is a convenient feature to store essentials such as nappies, clothing and muslins. There are many models with wheels that make it easier to move around the home.

Breastfeeding support

If you decide to breastfeed the baby, a cot with a bedside position can help you make the most of your evening feedings. By securing to your bed, it allows you to reach easily when your baby wakes up to feed. The cot's side can be lowered to create a bed that is shallow for side-by side sleeping. Some models also tilt to support reflux.

The curving sides of the cot ensure that it's easy to spot your baby, and they won't roll out of the side as you lift them up for feeding. Some cribs with a bedside cot used sleeper feature an automatic rocking feature that can calm your child and encourage them to go back to sleep quicker after a meal.

When it comes to keeping baby clean, a soft bedding and fabric that can be machine-washed are helpful. Some models have gentle rocking or vibration features which can aid in calming your baby. The storage space is a benefit for breastfeeding mothers.

Bed-sharing is extremely popular with breastfeeding mothers due to it being practical and helps them to form the mother with a close relationship with her baby during their sleep. Research has revealed that infants who are breastfed and have a shared space to sleep have much better outcomes than infants who are fed through bottles. However, it is important 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 sleeping bags for babies have soft edges that can trap your baby. You should also be careful to ensure that the mattress slide backwards. This could cause a gap into 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 speaking to a Sleep Leader to find out more about the sleeping habits of breastfeeding mothers and their babies. They can explain how to create a safe and secure sleeping environment for your baby and help you recognize 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.