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 feed at night while remaining secure in their own sleeping space. Our mums love how they are easy to reach, and they can also rotate the sides or drop them to reach closer.
Safety
A bedside sleeper cot allows infants to stay close to parents sleeping in their beds for nighttime feeding, providing comfort and monitoring, without putting them at risk with bed-sharing (which can lead to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). The cots are in line with NHS guidelines for co-sleeping, and are recommended by childcare experts like Dr McKenna director of the Mother-Baby Behavioural Sleep Laboratory.
best bedside cot for newborn offer instant breastfeeding support and can help babies feel more secure by keeping them close to their parents, creating healthy attachments that assist with milestones in development. Parents should look for bassinets that are easy to clean, safe to use, and are certified by a reputable organization like JPMA.
In 2023, ASTM updated its version of the bedside sleeper voluntary standard F2906 in response to newer products that convert from an infant bassinet to the bedside sleeper by lowering one side rail adjacent to an adult bed, allowing some areas of the lower part to be at an elevated level above the mattress, which poses an increased risk for trapping. 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 durable baby or toddler products that have been in use more than 180days and is expected to reduce the risk of injuries.
Remember that a bassinet, or bedside sleeper, should not be used in combination with blankets or pillows. This can pose the risk of suffocation since many young babies cannot lift their heads sufficiently to keep them from soft objects and a reclining position can cause the head to tilt forward, blocking their airway. Always put your baby on their backs in a bassinet, crib, play yard or bedside sleeper. Make sure to use sheets that are fitted to meet the federal requirements.
Convenience
It is crucial to keep your baby close during the night. This helps create bonds between parents and newborns. Bassets for bedside sleepers are firmly attached to the side of your mattress, allowing you to easily reach your baby for feedings, diaper changes and comforting in the middle of the night. We searched for models with mesh sides that were translucent enough to see through, so you could monitor your baby without having to get out of bed.
It is essential to ensure that the bassinet is in compliance with the US Consumer Product Safety Commission's (CPSC) requirements and is certified safe for babies. You should choose a bassinet with a wide base and a strong attachment system. A breathable mattress should be included.
Find 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 have tilt functions that can be useful for infants suffering from colic or reflux. However, this should only be used on the advice of a doctor or health care professional.
Some bassinets include mattresses, while others require that you purchase a mattress separately. Be sure to purchase the right mattress to fit your bedside sleeper bassinet. Second-hand mattresses may be too soft and pose the risk of SIDS. You'll also have to invest in an air-tight fitted sheet and muslin blanket to your baby. Check the fabric lining and foam mattress can be machine washed for ease of cleaning. A storage shelf or a basket is a great option to store things like nappies, clothes and muslins. You can also find models with wheels that allow for ease of movement around your house.
Support for breastfeeding
If you decide to breastfeed the baby, a cot with a bedside position can help you to make the most of your feedings at night. By securing to your bed, it permits you to easily reach across when your baby wakes up for a feed. The side of the cot can be lowered to create a shallow bed for sleeping side-by-side. Some models also tilt to accommodate reflux.
The curved sides make it easy to see and help lift your baby to feed. They won't fall off the side. Some cribs with a bedside sleeper feature an automatic rocking feature which can help your child relax and encourage them to fall back asleep quicker after a meal.
A cosy fabric and removable and machine-washable bedding can be useful in keeping your baby clean. Some models feature gentle vibration and rocking functions which can help soothe your baby to sleep. Breastfeeding mothers will also appreciate having plenty of storage.
Bed-sharing is a popular choice for breastfeeding mothers as it is practical and helps them to form the mother with a close relationship with her baby during sleep. Research has proven that babies who are breastfed who share a bed with their mothers are more successful than babies who are bottle-fed. It is important to be aware of the dangers and pitfalls of sharing an infant's bed and to select a mattress that is safe for your baby.

Some beds have soft surfaces or padding along their edges, which may cause your baby to get trapped. Be sure to ensure that the bedside device slide backwards. This could cause 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 with a Sleep Leader to learn more about the sleeping habits of breastfeeding mothers and babies. They can help you create a safe sleeping 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 love and includes a variety of safeguards that are similar to breastfeeding.