Bedside Sleeper Cot

A bedside sleeper (also known by the name bassinet) is attached to the bed's side, so that your baby can be close enough to feed them at night, while remaining safe in their own bed. Our mums love how they are easy to reach and also rotate the sides or drop them to reach closer.

Safety

The bedside sleeper lets parents monitor, comfort and feed their babies at night without having to worry about the dangers of sharing a bed. This could lead to 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 the Mother-Baby Behavioural Sleep Laboratory.

They also help 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 and safe to use and have been endorsed by a respected organization such as JPMA.

In 2023, ASTM updated its version of the bedside sleeper's voluntary standard F2906 in response to newer products that convert 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 elevated level above the mattress, which poses an increased risk for entrapment. The CPSC direct final rule incorporates this revision by reference to the existing mandatory standards in section 104 of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008(CPSIA) for infant or toddler products which have been in use longer than 180 days and is expected to lower the chance of injury.

Be aware that a bassinet or bedside sleeper, should never be used in combination with blankets or pillows. baby bedside cot could pose a suffocation hazard as infants aren't able to lift their heads high enough to keep them away from soft objects. A reclining position can cause the head to tip forward, blocking their airway. Always place your child on their backs while using a crib, bassinet 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 to strengthen the bond between infants and their parents. Bassinets for sleepers that are 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, as well as comforting. We looked for models that had mesh sides that were translucent and easy to see through to allow you to monitor your child without stepping up from the bed.

It is essential to ensure that the bassinet meets the requirements of the US Consumer Product Safety Commission's (CPSC) specifications and is deemed safe for babies. Look for a wide base, a strong attachment mechanism, and a solid construction that prevents the bassinet from slipping over. A mattress that is breathable should be considered.

Look for a model with a manual rocking feature that's gentle on your baby and can help settle them to sleep. Some models have tilt functions that can be useful for infants suffering from reflux or colic. However, this should only be used on the advice of a GP or health professional.

Some bassinets come with a mattress and some require you to purchase a mattress separately. Purchase a mattress that is designed to be a perfect fit for the sleeper that is placed on the bedside. Second-hand mattresses are often too soft, and could be a risk for SIDS. Also, you will need to purchase a comfortable fitted bed sheet and muslin baby blanket. Make sure the fabric lining and foam mattress are machine washable to make cleaning easier. A basket or shelf for storage can be a useful feature to store things like nappies clothing, muslins, and clothes. You can also find models with wheels for easy movement around your home.

Breastfeeding Support

If you decide to nurse your baby in the night the sleeper cot that is placed next to your bed can help you get the most from your feedings. By securing it to your bed, it allows you to easily reach across when your baby is awake for a feed. The cot's side can be lowered to create a bed for side-by side sleeping. Certain models can tilt to provide support for reflux.

The curving sides allow you to see and lift your baby to feed. They won't fall off the side. Some bedside sleeper cots also feature an automatic rocking function which can calm your baby and help them to fall asleep more quickly after a feed.

When it comes to keeping baby clean, a soft bedding and fabric which can be washed by a machine are a great option. Some models have gentle rocking or vibration features which can soothe your baby to sleep. Breastfeeding mothers will also be happy with the storage space.

Bed-sharing is very popular for breastfeeding mothers due to it being practical and helps them to form an intimate bond with their baby while they sleep. Research has shown that infants who breastfeed and share a sleep space have much better outcomes than infants fed by bottles. But, it is crucial that you know the safety dangers and procedures involved in sharing a bed with a newborn and pick a suitable mattress for your infant.

Some in-bed sleeping bags have soft surfaces on the edges that can trap your baby. Be sure to not let the bedside sleeping device slide backwards. This could cause an opening through which your baby could crawl or roll.


If you are concerned about the safety of a bedside sleeper you should consider attending an LLL meeting or speaking with an experienced Sleep Leader to know more about the sleeping 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 can also show you how to get the'sweet sleep the nursing mothers get that includes many safeguards that are similar to breastfeeding.