14 Misconceptions Commonly Held About Newborn Bedside Cot
Newborn Bedside Cot
A newborn bedside crib is a tiny sleeping device that allows babies to sleep in the same room as their parents without the risks of co-sleeping. (The AAP warns against this because of the dangers of SIDS and the risk of suffocation.) It makes it easier to take care of your baby and give them a bottle during the night.
This sleeper comes with an extremely firm mattress that can support babies backs, which reduces the risk of SIDS. It can slide over your bed to allow you to carry your baby for nighttime nursing or cuddles at sunrise.
Budget
A bedside crib, also called a co-sleeper or bassinet, is a bassinet style crib that can be attached to your bed. This allows you to reach your baby easily and safely for a mid-night feed, comforting, or cuddles. They are a great choice for new parents or mums recovering from a c-section because they offer easy access to baby and do not require you to get up.
There are a variety of styles available, ranging from simple ones with an upside-down side to more sophisticated models that have numerous adjustment options, like incline or height. The majority of them can be converted to a standalone crib when your baby gets older and is sleeping longer at night.
One of our top picks is the Maxi-Cosi Lora which was nominated for the 2021 Mother&Baby awards, including Best Cot Crib, Best Cot or Moses Basket. MFM home tester Emily commented how stylish and modern the design was. She also liked the fact that it could be used as a bassinet or a clip to your existing bed, to ensure safe side-by-side sleeping. She also liked the plush mattress, which was able to pass our test of firmness and the fact that it has a manual rocking feature that can be adjusted to a slight slope for reflux sufferers.
But she wasn't thrilled with the feature of a non-mesh panel at its foot end and thought it was a bit heavy to move from room room frequently. It also felt a little heavy to carry up and down the stairs once it was folded up into its travel bag.
Size
A bedside cot is essentially the bassinet style cot that can be fixed to your side of the bed. It's easy to reach your baby's side for feedings, changing nappies or just to soothe them in the middle of the night. It's also great for moms recovering from C-sections.
The NHS and Lullaby Trust recommend that you keep your baby separate from you during the first six months, to decrease the chance of SIDS. A bedside crib is a safe method to accomplish this since it is low-sided and lets you easily access your newborn throughout the night.
It is essential that your baby sleeps on a firm bed as it is safer than a mattress that is soft. Babies don't have motor control to rotate and a mattress that is soft can increase the risk of drowning. The breathable fabric and skin-friendly materials make this mattress comfortable for your baby but also firm enough for safety.
Mum home tester Jasmin loved that the crib doesn't take up too much space in her bedroom and she found the size perfect for a baby. The mattress she rated as also of good quality, as opposed to some that feel flimsy and thin. She also likes the fact that it has a storage space underneath for bedding and clothes - something many other bassinets do not have.
MFM mum home test Mehack is a fan of the side wall with a removable design that lets you drop it down for easy access to your newborn. She also likes the fact that the legs can be tucked under the bed to make it appear less bulky and occupy less space on the floor. She's also impressed by how easy it is to move around the house as you'd like for ease during late-night meals and check-ins.
The CoZee Air crib is a popular choice for parents. It won the Gold Award in the 2021 Mother and Baby Awards. It has a clever design that has four pulleys that can be used to raise or lower your crib. It also comes with an ample basket for blankets, toys, and other essentials. It's also easy to put together and light in weight that is great for traveling with your baby.
Safety
It is crucial to think about the safety of a newborn bedside crib. The Lullaby Trust, as well as the NHS, recommend that babies don't be placed in parents' beds because of the risk of suffocation and sudden infant death syndrome. Bassinets that are placed in bed allow parents to keep their baby close, facilitating feeding at night as well as monitoring and comforting without the need to get out of bed.
This close proximity also supports breastfeeding mothers by allowing them to attend to the needs of their infant without having to get up completely, which can help to keep milk supply steady and enhance the breastfeeding experience. Some cots for bedside have adjustable height features that will help ensure that the bassinet is at an appropriate height for mother and baby for easy access for middle-of-the-night feedings or other care.
Many bassinets come with mattresses that are firm and designed to decrease the risk of suffocation and conforms to industry standards. This is crucial because a baby's bones are fragile and aren't fully developed. They require support to prevent damage. The mattress should be covered with an appropriate sheet to reduce the risk that dust mites, or other allergens, will cause a child to be suffocated. It should be kept clean and free of irritants.
Some bedside cots can be tilted, which can be beneficial for babies with reflux or digestive issues, however this should always be done with extreme caution and at a moderate angle. Avoid adding pillows, duvets, or padded crib bumpers in the bassinet. These could create the risk of suffocation your baby.
You should also consider an infant bassinet with an attachment system that is secure. This can be attached to your existing bed easily without the need of tools. This feature can be particularly useful for parents who struggle to lift their child in and out of the cot or who are worried about accidentally falling asleep. If your bassinet has an attachment that is secure, it is a good idea to check it regularly. Check to ensure there are no gaps, and that the system is securely attached.
If you're a soon-to-be parent, your baby's comfort is among your top concerns. Thankfully, there's an innovative sleep solution that lets you keep your baby close throughout the night without taking on any of the risks that come with bed-sharing. The newborn bedside cot is essentially a bassinet-style cot that is attached to the bed's side and allows you to lift them out towards you for night feeding and soothing. It's also a great choice for mothers recovering from a C-section as it will not require you to stand up or bend over.
Modern bedside cots for newborns should include a firm, flat mattress to promote safe sleeping habits and lower the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Bedding should be easy with just a cot sheet and a blanket that is tightly tucked at the bottom. Avoid co sleeper bedside cot , toys and pillows that may fall onto your baby posing a suffocation risk. If your baby is used to being swaddled you can use a swaddle or a baby sleep bag for the initial few weeks, but it should be removed when possible after they've developed the strength to pull themselves out of the wrap.
Some cribs for bedside use an option to remove or drop down the side that gives you easy access to your baby for comforting and feeding in the middle of the night. This is a great feature for parents looking to keep a strong bond with their child, but still adhere to NHS safe sleep advice. However, if you're planning to sleep in the same bed as your child it's important to recognize that this practice has been linked to a higher risk of SIDS, particularly in the event that a parent rolls onto their child during sleep.
A fabric that is breathable is an important safety feature, as it's designed to keep your baby cool and comfortable throughout the night. This is especially crucial if you intend to sleep with your newborn, as the risk of overheating is higher when you sleep. The SnuzPod4 comes with an exclusive breathable side panel that helps improve the airflow and keeps your baby cool.