baby bedside cot (also called a bassinet) is attached to the side of a bed, so that your baby can be close enough to eat at night while still being safe in their own sleeping space. Our mothers love that they are simple to reach and also swivel the sides or lower them to be closer.
Safety
A bedside sleeper cot allows infants to stay within reach of their parents' beds for nighttime feeding, providing comfort and monitoring, without putting them at risk with bed-sharing (which could 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 provide instant nursing support and help babies feel more secure by keeping them close to their parents, creating healthy attachments that help with developmental milestones. Parents should look for bassinets that are easy to clean, safe to use, and have been certified 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 from a bassinet into the bedside sleeper by dropping one side rail to an adult bed, which allows certain areas of the lower side to be at an elevated height above the mattress, which poses an increased risk for trapping. The CPSC's direct final rule incorporates in its reference this 2023 revision of the mandatory standard under section 104 of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA) for products for toddlers and infants that have been in use for more than 180 days. It is expected to decrease the chance of injuries.
Remember that the bassinet or bedside sleeper is not recommended to be used with blankets, pillows, or other bedding. This could pose a risk of suffocation since young babies are unable to raise 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 put your child on their back when using a bassinet, crib or play yard. Use an appropriate fitted sheet that meets the federal requirements.
Convenience
It is important to keep your baby close throughout the night. This creates bonds between parents and newborns. Bassets for bedside sleepers are firmly attached on the side of your mattress which allows you to easily reach your baby to change diapers, feeds and comforting in middle of the night. We looked for models with mesh sides that were translucent enough to see through, so you could keep an eye on your child without needing to leave the bed.
It's important that the bassinet you select is tested as safe for infants by an independent testing agency and that it meets the specifications of the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). You should choose an infant bassinet that has a large base and a strong attachment system. A mattress that is breathable is important as well.
Find a model that has an option for manual rocking. This will be gentle on the skin of your baby and can help them sleep. Some models also have a tilt option, which can be helpful for infants suffering from reflux or colic, but should only be used with the advice of your GP or health visitor.
Some bassinets include mattresses, while others require that you purchase one separately. Make sure you buy a mattress that is designed to fit the bedside bassinet, as second-hand mattresses can be too soft and could pose the risk of SIDS. You'll also have to invest in an air-tight fitted sheet and muslin blanket for your baby. To make cleaning easier make sure that the lining fabric or foam mattress can be washed in the 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 to enable it to be moved around the home.
Support for Breastfeeding
If you plan to feed your baby in the night sleeping in a cot beside your bed will assist you in getting the most benefit from your feedings. Attached to your bed, you can reach over to feed your baby once you wake up. The cot's side can be lowered to create a bed that is shallow for sleeping side-by-side. Certain models can also tilt to provide support for reflux.
The curved sides of the cot ensure that it's easy to see your baby and they won't slide off of the side as you lift them up for a feed. Some cots for bedside sleepers have an automatic rocking feature which can calm your baby and encourage them to fall asleep more quickly after a feed.
A cosy fabric and machine washable and removable bedding are helpful when it comes to keeping your baby clean. Some models have gentle rocking or vibration functions that can help calm your baby into sleep. Breastfeeding mothers will also be happy with the storage space.
baby bedside cot is a good idea for nursing mothers to share the bed with their infants. This also allows them to form bonds of friendship while they sleep. Research has shown that babies who are breastfed and have a shared space to sleep have better outcomes than bottle-feeding infants. It is vital that you know the safety risks and practices involved in bed-sharing with a newborn baby and choose a safe mattress for your infant.
Some beds have soft surfaces or padding along their edges, which can cause your baby to get entrapped. Also, be careful not to let your bed-side sleeper slide backwards, creating an opening that your baby may crawl into or roll over.
If you're concerned about the safety of a mother or baby who sleeps next to you, attend an LLL meeting. Or talk with a Sleep Leader about your child's sleeping habits. They can assist you in creating a safe sleep environment for your baby and also explain the dangers of SIDS. They can also teach you how to get the'sweet sleep the nursing mothers get and includes a variety of safeguards that are similar to breastfeeding.