Are You Getting The Most From Your Newborn Bedside Cot?
Newborn Bedside Cot
A newborn bedside cot is a small sleeper that allows babies to share the same room as their parents, without the dangers of co-sleeping (which the AAP advises against due to suffocation and SIDS). It makes it easier to care for your infant and feed them in the middle of the night.
This sleeper has a mattress that is firm and supports babies' backs, reducing the chance of SIDS. It can be rotated over your adult bed so that you can carry your baby to the top to cuddle them at sunrise or during midnight nursing.
Budget
A bedside crib, also referred to as a bassinet or co-sleeper is a bassinet-style crib that can be attached to your existing bed. This allows you to reach your baby quickly and safely for a mid-night feed, comforting, or cuddles. These are ideal for moms and babies recovering from a csection because they provide easy access to the baby without having to get up from bed.
There are a variety of designs that are available, from the basic ones that have an upside-down side to more sophisticated ones that have various adjustment options, such as the ability to tilt or raise. Most convert to a separate crib for napping during the daytime or when your baby is about months old and sleeping longer at night.
One of our top picks is the Maxi-Cosi Lora, that was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby awards for the categories of 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 can be used as a bassinet or attached to your existing bed, for safe side-byside sleeping. She also appreciated its luxurious mattress that passed our firmness tests and also that it comes with an option to manually tilt it for reflux sufferers.
But she wasn't thrilled with the fact that it had a non-mesh panel at its foot end and thought it was a bit bulky to move from room room frequently. When it was folded into its travel bag, she found it to be somewhat heavy to carry up the stairs.
Size
A bedside cot is an infant bassinet that is connected to the bed's side. It allows you to easily reach your newborn for middle-of-the-night feeding, nappies and comforting. It's also great for moms recovering from a C-section.
The NHS and Lullaby Trust recommend that you keep your baby separated from you in the first six months, to decrease the chance of SIDS. The crib that is placed beside your bed, with its low sides is a great way to accomplish this. It lets you be able to easily access your baby throughout the night.
It is essential that your baby is sleeping on a firm and not an extremely soft mattress. Babies don't have motor control to turn over and a mattress that is soft can increase the risk of suffocation. The soft, breathable fabric and skin-friendly materials make the mattress comfortable for your baby but also sufficient to ensure safety.
Mum home test Jasmin loved that the crib does not take up a lot of space in her bedroom and she found the size to be perfect for a newborn. She also stated that the mattress was of good quality, unlike others which seem thin and flimsy. She also appreciates the fact that it has a storage space beneath to store blankets and clothing which she believes many other bassinets lack.
MFM mum home tester Mehack is a big fan of the side wall with a removable design that lets you drop it to make it easier access to your newborn. She also likes that legs fold into the bed so it does not look big or take up a lot of floor space. She's also impressed with the ease of being able to move around the house whenever you need to in the middle of the night, which is convenient for feedings and check-ins.
A winner of an Gold award in the 2021 Mother and Baby Awards The CoZee Air is a popular choice amongst parents. It features a unique design that has four pulleys that can be used to raise or lower your crib. There's also a large basket for toys, blankets, and other essentials. It's also easy to assemble and light and portable, which is ideal for traveling with your baby.
Safety
When choosing a new baby's bedside cot, you must keep the safety of your baby in your thoughts. The Lullaby Trust, as well as the NHS recommend that babies not be placed in parents bed due to the possibility of suffocation or sudden infant death syndrome. Bassinets for bedside use allow parents to keep their babies close to them, facilitating nighttime feedings as well as comforting and monitoring without needing to leave their bed.
This close proximity can support breastfeeding mothers, as it allows them to attend to the baby's needs while also sleeping. This can help maintain the supply of milk and also encourage breastfeeding. cotsfortots for bedside have adjustable height features, which can help to ensure that the bassinet is an ideal height for mother and baby, allowing easy access to mid-night feedings or for care.
Many bassinets come with mattresses that are firm, which is designed to reduce the risk of suffocation, and also meets industry standards. This is essential because newborn's bones are soft and not fully developed, and need to be supported to prevent damage. The mattress should be covered with a fitted sheet in order to decrease the risk that dust mites or other allergens, could suffocate a child. It must also be kept clean and free of irritants.
Some cribs on the bed can be tilted. This is useful for babies suffering from reflux or digestive problems. However, this should be done slowly and with care. It is also essential to stay clear of adding pillows, duvets or padded crib bumpers to the bassinet since they can create a suffocation risk for your baby. They should only be used when the cot is on an even surface.
It is also recommended to consider a bassinet that has an attachment system that is secure. This can be connected to your existing bed easily without the use of tools. This can be especially beneficial for parents who struggle to lift their baby in and out of the cot, or who are worried about accidentally rolling over in the night. If your bassinet is equipped with an attachment system that is secure it's a good idea to regularly check that it's securely attached and that there aren't any gaps or loose parts which could cause danger.
Comfort
If you're a parent-to-be and you're worried about the safety of your baby is surely one of your main concerns. There's a great sleep solution that lets you keep your baby close during the night - without any of the dangers that come with sharing a bed. The crib for newborns is a bassinet style cot that can be attached to the side of the bed. It allows you to safely lift your baby out to you for feedings at night and soothing. It's also a great choice for mothers who are recovering from a C-section since it removes the need to get up or sit up.
Modern bedside cots for babies should have a flat, firm mattress to encourage safe sleep habits and lower the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. The bedding should be kept simple with just the sheet for the cot and blanket that is tightly tucked into the bottom. Avoid bumpers, toys or pillows because they could fall on your baby and cause suffocation hazard. If your baby is used to being swaddled you can use a swaddle or baby sleep bag for the initial few weeks, but it is best to remove it when possible after they've developed the strength to pull themselves out of the wrap.
Some cribs for bedside use a removable or drop-down side that allows easy access to your baby's feeds and comforting. This is a great feature for parents who wish to keep a close relationship with their child while still following NHS guidelines on sleep. If you plan to co-sleep with your child, it's important to be aware that this practice can increase the risk of SIDS. This is particularly when a parent accidentally rolls on their infant while sleeping.
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 important if you plan to sleep with your baby because the risk of being overheated increases when you sleep. The SnuzPod4 has an exclusive breathable side panel that helps improve airflow, keeping your baby comfortable.