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 still being safe in their own space to sleep. Our mothers love that they are simple to reach and also rotate the sides or drop them to get closer. Safety The bedside sleeper allows parents to monitor, comfort and feed their infants at night without having to worry about the risks of sharing a bed. This can 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 Mother-Baby Behavioural Sleep Laboratory. They also help encourage healthy attachment and breastfeeding by keeping babies close. This will help them reach their developmental milestones. It is essential that parents search for bassinets that are simple to clean and safe to use. Also, ensure they have been tested and certified by a reliable agency such as 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 next to a adult bed. This allows certain areas of lower side to be elevated over the mattress and poses an increased chance of getting trapped. The CPSC's direct final rule incorporates in its reference this 2023 revision to the existing mandatory standard in section 104 of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA) for durable infant or toddler products that have been used for more than 180 days. It is expected to decrease the risk of injury. Be aware that a bassinet or bedside sleeper, should not be used in conjunction with pillows or blankets. This could pose an entrapment risk since babies are unable to lift their heads up enough to free them from soft objects. A reclining position can cause the head tip to tilt forward, which can block their airway. Always place your child on their backs in a bassinet, crib or play yard, or a bedside sleeper. Make certain to use a fitted sheet that meets federal requirements. Convenience It is important to keep your baby close throughout the night. This can help create a bond between newborns and parents. Bedside sleeper bassets are secured to the sides of your mattress, allowing you to reach your baby easily for feedings, diaper changes and comforting in middle of the night. We looked for models that had mesh sides that were translucent enough to allow for visibility, so you could keep an eye on your child without needing to leave the bed. It's important that the bassinet you pick is tested as safe for infants by an independent testing agency, and meets all the requirements of the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Look for a wide base, a sturdy attachment mechanism, and a solid construction that prevents the bassinet from tipping over. A breathable mattress should be considered. Look for a model that has the option of manual rocking. It will be gentle on the skin of your baby and can help them sleep. Some models come with tilt features that can be useful for infants suffering from reflux or colic. However it is only recommended on the advice of a doctor or health care professional. Some bassinets include a mattress, while others require you to purchase a mattress separately. Find a mattress made to fit the sleeper that is placed on the bedside. Second-hand mattresses are often too soft, and could be a risk for SIDS. It is also necessary to invest in a comfortable fitted sheet and muslin blanket to your baby. Make sure the fabric lining and foam mattress are machine washable to make it easier to clean. A basket or shelf for storage is a useful feature to store things like nappies, clothes and muslins. There are many models that have wheels that help you move it around the home. Support for Breastfeeding If you plan to feed your baby in the night sleeping in a cot beside your bed can help you get the most out of your feedings. Attached to your bed it allows you to reach over to feed your baby once he wakes up. The side of the cot can be raised to create a bed that is shallow to sleep side-by-side. Certain models can also tilt to provide support for reflux. The curving sides of the cot mean that it's easy for you to see your baby and they won't roll out of the side when you lift them up for feeding. Some cots for bedside sleepers feature an automatic rocking function which can calm your baby and encourage them to fall asleep quicker after feeding. If you want to keep your baby clean, a cosy bedding and fabric that can be washed in the machine are helpful. Some models come with gentle rocking or vibration features which can aid in calming your baby. Breastfeeding mothers will also appreciate having lots of storage. It is a good idea for nursing mothers to share the bed with their infants. This lets them develop an intimate bond as they sleep. twin bedside cot has revealed that infants who breastfeed and share a sleep space have better outcomes than infants fed by bottles. It is vital that you know the safety risks and practices involved in bed-sharing with a newborn baby and pick a suitable mattress for your infant. Some in-bed sleeping bags have soft edges that could trap your baby. Also, be aware not to let the bedside sleeper slide backwards, forming an opening that your baby could crawl into or roll into. If you're concerned about the safety of your mother or baby who sleeps next to you, consider attending an LLL meeting. Or talk with an experienced Sleep Leader about sleeping habits of your child. They can help you 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 and includes a variety of protection factors that are similar to breastfeeding.