Bedside Sleeper Cot
A bedside sleeper (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 remaining safe in their own bed. Our mums love how they are simple to reach, and they can also rotate the sides or drop them to reach closer.
Safety
A bedside sleeper cot permits newborns to be safely within reach of their parents in their beds for feeding at night, comforting and monitoring without increasing the risks associated with bed-sharing (which could lead to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). The cots are designed to adhere 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.
These bassinets also help to encourage healthy attachment and breastfeeding by keeping babies close. This will help them reach their developmental milestones. Parents should look for bassinets that are simple to clean, safe to use, and are certified by a respected organization such as JPMA.
In 2023, ASTM updated their version of the standard F2906 that is voluntary for bedside sleepers in response to the latest products that convert from a bassinet for babies to a bedside sleeping device by dropping a side rail next to a adult bed. This allows some portions of the lower side to be elevated over the mattress, which poses an increased risk of entrapment. The CPSC direct final rule incorporates this 2023 revision based on the existing mandatory standards in section 104 of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008(CPSIA) for sturdy baby or toddler products that are in use for longer than 180 days and is expected to lower the chance of injury.
Be aware that a bassinet or bedside sleeper, should never be used in combination with blankets or pillows. This can be an entrapment risk since babies are unable to raise their heads high enough to remove them from soft objects. A reclining position can cause the head tip forward, blocking their airway. Always put bedside cot bed on their backs while using a bassinet, crib or play yard. Use an appropriate fitted sheet that meets the federal requirements.
Convenience
Having your baby close to you throughout the night can help create a bond between newborns and their parents. Bassets for bedside sleepers are firmly attached to the sides of your mattress, allowing you to easily reach your baby for diaper changes, feedings and comforting in the middle of the night. We looked for models that had mesh sides that were transparent and easy to see through, allowing you to monitor your child without having to get up from bed.
You should make sure that the bassinet you purchase meets the US Consumer Product Safety Commission's (CPSC) specifications and is safe for infants. You should look for a broad base, a strong attachment mechanism, and a sturdy structure that prevents the bassinet from falling over. A breathable mattress should be considered.
Look for the model that comes with an option for manual rocking. It will be gentle on the skin of your baby and help them fall asleep. Some models come with tilt functions that can be useful for babies suffering from reflux or colic. However this should only be used on the advice of a doctor or health professional.
Some bassinets include a mattress while others require you to purchase one separately. Be sure to purchase a mattress that is designed to fit the bedside bassinet, as second-hand mattresses can be too soft and pose the risk of SIDS. You'll also need to purchase a comfortable fitted sheet and muslin blanket for your baby. To make cleaning easier ensure that the fabric lining or foam mattress can be cleaned in a machine. A storage shelf or basket can be a useful feature to store necessities like nappies, clothes, and muslins. There are also models that have wheels for ease of movement around your house.
Support for Breastfeeding
If you plan to feed your baby in the night sleeping in a cot beside your bed can assist you in getting the most out of your feedings. By attaching to your bed, it allows you to easily reach across when baby wakes to feed. The cot's side can be raised to create a bed that is shallow for side-by side sleeping. Certain models tilt to accommodate reflux.
The curved sides of the cot ensure that it's easy for you to see your baby and they won't roll out of the side when you pick them up for a feed. Some bedside cribs come with an automatic rocking feature that will calm your child and encourage them to go back to sleep quicker after a meal.
If you want to keep your baby clean, a soft fabric and removable bedding that can be machine-washed are a great option. Some models come with gentle rocking or vibration features which can soothe your baby to sleep. Ample storage space is also a bonus for breastfeeding mums.
check out your url is beneficial for nursing mothers to share the bed with their infants. This helps them form an intimate bond during their sleep. Research has shown that babies who are breastfed and have a shared space to sleep have better outcomes than bottle-feeding infants. But, it is crucial 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 infant.
Some sleeping bags for babies have soft surfaces on the edges that could trap your baby. You should also be careful to not let the bedside device slide backwards. This could result in an opening through which your baby could crawl or roll.

If you're concerned about the safety of a bedside sleeper, consider attending an LLL meeting or speaking with a Sleep Leader to learn more about the sleeping habits of breastfeeding mothers and babies. They can assist you in creating a safe sleep environment for your baby and explain the risks of SIDS. They can also help you understand how to get the "sweet sleep' that nursing mothers enjoy that includes many safeguards that are similar to breastfeeding.