Bedside Sleeper Cot
A bedside sleeper cot (also called bassinet) can be attached to the side of your bed so that your baby is close enough to be able to enjoy feeding at night, but is safe in their own space to sleep. Our moms love how they are simple to reach and also rotate the sides or drop them to reach closer.
Safety
The bedside sleeper lets parents monitor, comfort and feed their newborns at the night without worrying about the risks of sharing a bed. This can result in Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. The cribs are designed to conform to NHS guidelines on co-sleeping and are recommended by childcare experts, such as the director of the Mother-Baby Behavioural Sleep Laboratory Dr McKenna.
They also provide 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. It is crucial that parents look for bassinets that are easy to clean and safe to use and make sure that they've been tested and approved by a reliable agency such as JPMA.
In 2023, ASTM updated its version of the bedside sleeping voluntary standard F2906 to respond to newer products that convert from an infant bassinet to the bedside sleeper by lowering one side rail next to an adult bed, and allowing some portions of the lower portion to be at an elevated level above the mattress, presenting an increased risk of the entrapment of. The CPSC's direct rule incorporates this 2023 revision to the current mandatory standard in section 104 of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA) for sturdy toddler or infant products that have been in use for longer than 180 days and is expected to decrease the risk of injury.
Remember that a bedside or bassinet is not recommended to be used with blankets, pillows, or other bedding. This could pose a suffocation risk as many young children aren't able to raise their heads enough to remove them from soft objects and a reclined position could cause the head to slide forward, blocking their airway. Always put your child on their back in a bassinet, crib or play yard, or a bedside sleeper. Make My Source to use only sheets that are fitted to meet the requirements of the federal government.
Convenience
It is essential to keep your baby close to you during the night. This helps create a bond between the parents and their infants. Bassets for bedside sleepers are firmly attached to the side 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 transparent and visible through to allow you to keep an eye on your child without having to get up from bed.
It is important to ensure that the bassinet meets the US Consumer Product Safety Commission's (CPSC) specifications and is safe for babies. You should look for a broad base, a sturdy attachment mechanism, and a solid construction that prevents the bassinet from slipping over. A breathable mattress should also be included.
Choose a model that has the option of manual rocking. This will be gentle on the skin of your baby and can help them sleep. Some models come with a tilt feature that is beneficial for babies suffering from reflux or colic. However, this should only be used under the advice of your doctor or health care professional.
Some bassinets include a mattress however, others require you to purchase one separately. Be sure to purchase the right mattress to fit your bedside sleeper bassinet, since second-hand mattresses can be too soft and pose a risk of SIDS. You'll also need to purchase a breathable fitted sheet and muslin blanket to your baby. Check the fabric lining and foam mattress are machine washable for ease of cleaning. A storage shelf or basket is a great option to store necessities like nappies, clothes, and muslins. You can find models with wheels to enable it to be moved around the house.
Breastfeeding support
If you decide to breastfeed, a cot that sleeps at your bedside can help you to get the most out of your feedings at night. By securing to your bed, it allows you to reach easily when your baby is awake for a feed. The cot's side can be raised to create a shallow bed for sleeping side-by-side. Certain models can tilt for reflux support.
The curving sides of the cot ensure that it's easy to see your baby, and they won't roll out of the side as you lift them up for a feed. Some cribs with a bedside sleeper feature an automatic rocking feature which can calm your child and help them to fall back asleep faster after eating.
A cozy fabric and machine washable and removable bedding are useful in keeping your baby clean. Some models have gentle vibration or rocking functions that can help soothe your baby to sleep. Ample storage space is a bonus for breastfeeding mums.
Bed-sharing is extremely popular with breastfeeding mothers as it is practical and helps them to form an intimate bond with their baby during their sleep. Research has shown that infants who are breastfed and sleep together have higher outcomes than bottle-feeding infants. It is crucial to be aware of the risks and practices associated with sharing an infant's bed and to choose a mattress that is safe for your baby.
Some beds have soft surfaces or padding along their edges, which can cause your baby to get trapped. You should also be careful to not let your bedside sleeping device slide backwards. This could result in an opening through which your baby could crawl or roll.

If you're worried about the safety of a baby or mother who sleeps next to you, consider attending an LLL meeting. Or talk with a Sleep Leader about the sleeping habits. They can help you create a safe sleep environment for your baby and help understand the risks of SIDS. They can also show you how to enjoy the'sweet sleep' that nursing mothers enjoy and includes a variety of safeguards that are similar to breastfeeding.