Bedside Sleeper Cot
A bedside sleeper cot (also called a bassinet) fixes to the bed's side to ensure that your baby can be close enough for feeding at night, but is safe in their own space to sleep. Our mums love how they are easy to reach, and can also swivel the sides or drop them to get closer.
Safety
The bedside sleeper allows parents to monitor, soothe and feed their newborns at the night without worrying about the dangers of sharing a bed. This can result in Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. The cots adhere to 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 foster healthy attachment and breastfeeding by keeping babies close. This helps them to reach milestones in their development. Parents should seek out bassinets that are easy to clean, safe to use, and are certified by a reputable organization like JPMA.
In 2023, ASTM updated their version of the voluntary standard F2906 for bedside sleepers in response to the latest products that transform from a baby bassinet to a bedside sleeping product by lowering a side rail next to a adult bed. This allows a portion of the lower side to be elevated over the mattress, which poses an increased chance of getting trapped. The CPSC direct final rule incorporates the 2023 revision with reference to the existing mandatory standards under section 104 of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008(CPSIA) for infant or toddler products which have been used for longer than 180 days and is expected reduce the chance of injury.
Keep in mind that a bassinet or bedside sleeper should not be used in conjunction with blankets, pillows, or other bedding. This can pose a suffocation risk as many infants are unable to lift their heads sufficiently to keep them from soft objects. Additionally, a reclined position can cause the head to tilt forward, obstructing their airway. Always put your child on their backs when using a bassinet, a crib or play yard. Use a fitted sheet that is in compliance with the federal requirements.
Convenience
It is essential to keep your baby close during the night. This creates bonds between parents and newborns. Bedside sleeper bassets attach securely on the side of your mattress and allow you to reach your baby easily for feedings, diaper changes and comforting in middle of the night. bedside cot wooden looked for models that had mesh sides that were transparent enough to allow for visibility, so you could monitor your baby without having to leave your bed.
It is crucial that the bassinet you choose is deemed safe for infants by an independent testing agency and that it meets the requirements of the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Look for a wide base, a sturdy attachment mechanism, and a sturdy structure that prevents the bassinet from tipping over. A breathable mattress should also be included.
Choose a model that has a manual rocking feature. This will be gentle on the skin of your baby and help them fall asleep. Some models also have tilt options that can be helpful for newborns with reflux or colic but should only be used with the supervision of your doctor or health visitor.
Some bassinets include a mattress and some require you to purchase one separately. Make sure you purchase the right mattress to fit the bedside bassinet, as second-hand mattresses can be too soft and could pose a risk of SIDS. You'll also need to invest in a breathable fitted sheet and muslin blanket for your baby. For easy cleaning, check that the fabric lining or foam mattress can be washed in a machine. A storage shelf or a basket is a great option to store necessities like nappies clothing, muslins, and clothes. There are also models with wheels for easy movement around your home.
Support for Breastfeeding
If you decide to breastfeed the baby, a cot with a bedside position will help you maximize your feedings at night. 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 for sleeping side-by-side. Certain models can also tilt for reflux support.
The curving sides make it easy to see and lift your baby up to feed. They won't roll off the side. Some cots for bedside sleepers include an automatic rocking function which can calm your baby and help them to go to sleep quicker after feeding.
A cozy fabric and machine washable and removable bedding are beneficial in keeping your baby clean. Certain models come with gentle rocking and vibration functions that can ease your baby to sleep. Breastfeeding mothers will also be happy with the storage space.
Bed-sharing is a popular choice for breastfeeding mothers because it is practical and helps them to form a close bond with their baby while they sleep. Research has proven that babies who are breastfed who sleep with their mothers have better outcomes than those who are bottle-fed. 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 in-bed sleepers have soft surfaces or padding on their edges, which may cause your baby to become entrapped. You should also be careful to ensure that the bedside device slide backwards. This could create a gap into which your baby can crawl or roll.

If you are 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 sleeping habits of breastfeeding mothers and their babies. They can help you create a safe and secure sleeping environment for your baby and help you understand the risks of SIDS. They can also help you understand how to get the'sweet sleep' that nursing mothers enjoy and includes a variety of protection factors that are similar to breastfeeding.