bedside travel cot Sleeper Cot

A bedside sleeper cot (also called a bassinet) fixes to the bed's side so that your baby is close enough for night feeding but safe within their own space to sleep. Our mums love that they are easy to reach and can also swivel or drop the sides to get closer.

Safety

The bedside sleeper allows parents to supervise, comfort and feed their babies at night without having to worry about the risks of sharing a bed. This could lead to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. The cots adhere to NHS guidelines for co-sleeping, and are recommended by childcare experts like Dr. McKenna, director of Mother-Baby Behavioural Sleep Laboratory.

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

In 2023, ASTM updated their version of the standard F2906 that is voluntary for bedside sleepers in response to the newer products which 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, which poses an increased risk of getting trapped. The CPSC's direct final rule incorporates in its reference this 2023 revision to the current 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. It is expected to lower the risk of injuries.

It is important to remember that a bassinet or bedside crib or cot sleeper, should not be used in combination with blankets or pillows. This can be a suffocation hazard as babies are unable to raise their heads high enough to free them from soft objects. A reclining position can cause the head tip to tilt forward, which can block their airway. Always put your child on their backs in a bassinet, crib, play yard or bedside sleeper. Make sure to use only a fitted sheet that meets federal requirements.

Convenience

It is crucial to keep your baby close to you during the night. This helps create bonds between parents and newborns. bedside co sleeper cot sleeper bassinets attach securely to the sides of your bed, allowing you to easily reach your little one for diaper changes in the middle of the night, feedings and comforting. We looked for models with mesh sides that were translucent and easy to see through so you can keep an eye on your child without stepping up from bed.

It is important to ensure that the bassinet meets the requirements of the US Consumer Product Safety Commission's (CPSC) specifications and is deemed safe for infants. It is recommended to choose a bassinet that has a wide base and a sturdy attachment system. A breathable mattress should also be included.

Look for a model that has a manual rocking feature. It will be gentle on your baby's skin and help them fall asleep. Some models have tilt functions which can be beneficial for infants suffering from colic or reflux. However this is only recommended on the advice of a GP or health care professional.

Some bassinets come with mattresses however, others require you to purchase one separately. Be sure to purchase one that is made to fit in your bedside bassinet, as second-hand mattresses may be too soft and could pose the risk of SIDS. Also, you will need to purchase a comfortable fitted sheet for your bed and a the muslin baby blanket. For ease of cleaning make sure that the lining of the fabric or foam mattress can be cleaned in the machine. A basket or shelf for storage is a convenient feature for storing necessities such as nappies, clothes and muslins. You can find models with wheels to make it easier to move around the home.

Support for breastfeeding

If you plan to feed your baby in the night, a sleeper cot by your bed can aid you in getting the most out of your feedings. By securing it to your bed, it allows you to reach easily when baby wakes to feed. The cot's side can drop down to create a bassinet that is shallow for safe side-by-side sleeping. Certain models tilt to accommodate reflux.

The curved sides of the cot ensure that it's easy to spot your baby and they won't slide off of the side when you pick them up for feeding. Some cots with a bedside sleeper feature an automatic rocking function that can help calm your baby and encourage them to return to sleep quicker after feeding.

When it comes to keeping your baby clean, a soft fabric and removable bedding that can be washed in the machine are a great option. Some models have gentle rocking bedside crib or vibration features which can calm your baby into sleep. Breastfeeding mothers will also appreciate having plenty of storage.

Bed-sharing is extremely popular with breastfeeding mothers because it is convenient and provides a close bond with their baby during their sleep. Research has proven that babies who are breastfed and sleep together have much better outcomes than bottle-feeding infants. But, it is crucial that you know the safety risks and practices involved in sharing a bed with a newborn and pick a suitable mattress for your baby.

Some beds have soft surfaces or padding around their edges, which may cause your baby to get trapped. You should also be careful to not let the bedside device slide backwards. This could cause a gap into which your baby could crawl or roll.

If you're concerned about the security of a sleeper in bed take a look at attending an LLL meeting or speaking to a Sleep Leader to find out more about the sleep habits of breastfeeding mothers and babies. They can help you create an environment for sleep that is safe for your baby and help you understand the dangers of SIDS. They can also show you how to get the "sweet sleep that nursing mothers love and includes a variety of protection factors that are similar to breastfeeding.