Bedside Sleeper Cot

A bedside sleeper cot (also known as bassinet) is attached to the bed's side so baby is close enough to be able to enjoy nighttime feeding, but in their own space to sleep. Our mothers love that they are easy to reach and can also rotate or lower the sides to be closer.

Safety

The bedside sleeper allows parents to monitor, soothe and feed their babies at night without worrying about the risks of sharing a bed. This can result in Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. The cots are made to conform to NHS guidelines on co-sleeping and are endorsed by childcare experts such as director of the Mother-Baby Behavioural Sleep Laboratory Dr McKenna.

They also promote healthy attachment and breastfeeding by keeping babies close. This can help them achieve milestones in their development. Parents should search for bassinets which are easy to clean, safe to use, and have been endorsed by a reputable organization like JPMA.

In 2023, ASTM updated its version of the bedside sleeper voluntary standard F2906 in response to newer products that convert from an infant bassinet to a bedside sleeper by dropping one side rail to an adult bed, and allowing certain areas of the lower part to be at an elevated level above the mattress, which presents an increased risk of entrapment. The CPSC direct final rule incorporates this revision by reference to the mandatory standards in place under section 104 of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008(CPSIA) for durable baby or toddler products that are in use for more than 180days and is expected to lower the chance of injury.

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

Convenience

Being close to your baby you throughout the night can help to strengthen the bond between infants and parents. Bedside sleeper bassets are secured to the side of your mattress, allowing you to reach your baby easily to change diapers, feeds, and comforting in the middle of the night. We searched for models with mesh sides that were translucent enough to allow for visibility, so you could watch your child without needing to leave the bed.

It is important to ensure that the bassinet meets the requirements of the US Consumer Product Safety Commission's (CPSC) specifications and is certified safe for infants. Look for a wide base, a sturdy attachment mechanism and sturdy construction that will stop the bassinet from tipping over. A mattress that is breathable should be considered.


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

Some bassinets include mattresses, while others require that you purchase a mattress separately. Buy a mattress designed to be a perfect fit for the bedside sleeper. Mattresses that are second-hand can be too soft, and may cause SIDS. You should also purchase a breathable fitted sheet for your bed and a blanket for your baby. Make sure the fabric lining and foam mattress can be machine washed to make cleaning easier. A basket or shelf for storage is a convenient feature for storing necessities such as nappies, clothing and muslins. There are many models with wheels that enable it to be moved around the house.

Support for breastfeeding

If you decide to nurse your infant at night the sleeper cot that is placed next to your bed can help you get the most out of your feedings. Attached to your bed, you can reach over to feed your baby when you wake up. The cot's side can be raised to create a bed that is shallow to sleep side-by-side. Some models also tilt to help with reflux.

rocking bedside crib curved sides of the cot mean that it's easy to spot your baby and they won't fall off the side when you pick them up for a feed. Some cribs with a bedside sleeper feature an automatic rocking feature that can calm your child and help them to fall back asleep faster after eating.

If you want to keep your baby clean, a cosy fabric and removable bedding that can be washed in the machine are a great option. Certain models are equipped with gentle rocking or vibration functions which can calm your baby into sleep. Ample storage space is also a an advantage for breastfeeding moms.

Bed-sharing is a popular choice for breastfeeding mothers due to it being easy and allows them to have the mother with a close relationship with her baby while they sleep. Research has shown that babies who are breastfed who sleep with their mothers have better outcomes than babies who are bottle-fed. But, it is crucial that you know the safety hazards and practices that come with sharing a crib with a newborn and choose a safe mattress for your infant.

Some beds have soft surfaces or padding along their edges, which could cause your baby to get trapped. Also, be careful not to let your bed-side sleeper slide backwards, forming an opening that your child could crawl or roll into.

If you are concerned about the safety of a bedside sleeper take a look at attending an LLL meeting or speaking to an experienced Sleep Leader to know more about the sleep habits of breastfeeding mothers and infants. They can provide guidance on how to create a safe sleep environment for your baby and help you understand the risks of SIDS. They can also teach you how to get the "sweet sleep the nursing mothers get, which includes many protection factors that are similar to breastfeeding.