Bedside Sleeper Cot

A travel bedside crib sleeper cot (also called bassinet) is attached to the side of your bed so that your baby is close enough for feeding at night, but is safe in their own bed. Our mothers appreciate that they are simple to reach and can also swivel or lower the sides to make them more accessible.

Safety

A bedside sleeper cot permits newborns to be safely within reach of parents sleeping in their beds for nighttime feeding, as well as monitoring and comfort, without increasing the risks associated with bed-sharing (which could result in Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). The cots comply 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 offer instant breastfeeding support and help babies feel more secure by keeping them close to their parents, promoting healthy attachment that can aid in the development of milestones. Parents should search for bassinets which are easy to clean and safe to use and are certified by a reputable organization like JPMA.

In 2023, ASTM updated their version of the standard F2906 that is voluntary for bedside sleepers to respond to the latest products that convert from a bassinet for babies to a twin bedside cot sleeper by lowering a side rail adjacent to an adult bed. This allows certain areas of lower side to be elevated above the mattress and poses an increased chance of getting trapped. The CPSC direct final rule incorporates this revision based on the mandatory standards in place in section 104 of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008(CPSIA) for infant or toddler products which are in use for longer than 180 days. It is expected to reduce the chance of injury.

Be aware that a bassinet or bedside sleeper should never be used with blankets, pillows or other bedding. This could pose a risk of suffocation since young babies are unable to lift their heads up enough to free them from soft objects. A reclining position can result in the head tipping to tilt forward, which can block their airway. Always put your child on their backs while using a bassinet, crib or play yard. Use a fitted sheet that is in compliance with the federal requirements.

Convenience

It is crucial to keep your baby close to you during the night. This helps create a bond between the parents and their infants. Bedside sleeper bassinets attach securely to the sides of your bed and allow you to easily reach your child for diaper changes in the middle of the night, feedings and comforting. We looked for models that had mesh sides that were transparent enough to allow for visibility, so you could keep an eye on your baby without needing to leave the bed.

It's important that the bassinet you select is deemed safe for babies by an independent testing organisation and that it meets all requirements of the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Look for a wide base, a sturdy attachment mechanism and sturdy construction that will stop the bassinet from tipping over. A breathable mattress should also be included.

Choose the model that comes with an option for manual rocking. It will be gentle on the skin of your baby and will help them sleep. Certain models also have a tilt option which can be beneficial for babies suffering from reflux or colic but should only be used with the guidance of your doctor or health care professional.

Some bassinets come with a mattress however, others require you to purchase a mattress separately. Make sure you purchase one that is made to fit your bedside sleeper bassinet, since second-hand mattresses could be too soft and pose the risk of SIDS. You will also need to purchase a comfortable fitted bed sheet and muslin baby blanket. For easy cleaning ensure that the lining fabric or foam mattress can be cleaned in a machine. A storage shelf or basket can be a useful feature to store things like nappies, clothes, and muslins. You can find models that have wheels to help you move it around the home.

Support for breastfeeding

If you decide to breastfeed, a cot that sleeps at your bedside will help you get the most out of your feedings at night. By securing to your bed, it allows you to reach over easily when your baby is awake to feed. The side of the cot can be adjusted to create a shallow bed to sleep side-by-side. Certain models can also tilt to support reflux.

The curved sides of the cot ensure that it's easy to see your baby and they won't roll out of the side when you pick them up to feed. Some bedside sleeper cots also include an automatic rocking function which can soothe your baby and help them to return to sleep more quickly after a feed.

If you want to keep your baby clean, a soft fabric and removable bedding which can be washed by a machine can be very beneficial. Some models come with gentle rocking or vibration features which can aid in calming your baby. Ample storage space is a an advantage for breastfeeding moms.

Bed-sharing is a popular choice for breastfeeding mothers as it is easy and allows them to have an intimate bond with their baby while they sleep. Research shows that breastfed babies who sleep with their mothers have better outcomes than those who are bottle-fed. However, it is important to be aware of the risks and practices involved in sharing a crib with a newborn and select a mattress that is safe for your baby.

Some beds have soft surfaces or padding on their edges, which can cause your baby to become entrapped. You also need to be careful not to let the bedside sleeper slide backwards, forming a gap that your baby may crawl into or roll over.

If you are worried about the safety of a baby who sleeps at the bedside crib that turns into cot, consider attending an LLL meeting or speaking to an experienced Sleep Leader to know more about the sleeping habits of breastfeeding mothers and their babies. They can help you create a safe sleep environment for your baby and help you understand the risks of SIDS. They will also teach you about the'sweet sleep' of nursing mothers, which includes many of the same protective factors as breastfeeding.