The Biggest Problem With Newborn Bedside Cot, And How You Can Solve It
Newborn Bedside Cot
A newborn crib with a bedside is a tiny sleeping device that lets babies sleep in the same space as their parents, without the dangers of co-sleeping. (The AAP warns against this because of the dangers of SIDS and inhalation.) It also makes nursing sessions and baby care simpler.
This sleeper comes with an extremely firm mattress that can support babies backs, which reduces the chance of SIDS. It can be rotated over your adult bed to allow you to carry your baby to the top to snuggle them at sunrise or for late night nursing.
Budget
A bedside cot, also referred to as a co-sleeper, is an infant cot with a bassinet design that clips or attaches to your existing bed. This lets you reach your baby easily and safely for a nighttime feed, comforting, or cuddles. These are great for new parents and mums recovering after a c section as they allow easy access to the baby without needing to get out of bed.
There are a variety of designs available, from basic models with just a drop-down option to more sophisticated ones that can be adjusted in multiple ways with incline and height options. The majority of them can be converted to a separate crib when your baby gets older and sleeps longer at night.
Maxi-Cosi Lora is one of our top picks. It was shortlisted in the Best Cot category for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. MFM home tester Emily said she was impressed by how chic and contemporary the design is as well as the feature that you can use it as a regular bassinet or connect it to your existing bed for safe side-by-side sleeping. She also liked the plush mattress that has passed our test for firmness and also the fact that it features a manual rocking feature that can be adjusted to a slight slope for those suffering from reflux.
However, she didn't like the fact that it had a non-mesh panel at its foot end and felt it was a bit heavy to move from room room regularly. She also found it to be a little heavy to carry up and down the stairs once folded into a travel bag.
Size
A bedside cot resembles a bassinet that is connected to the bed's side. It lets you easily reach your newborn for middle-of-the-night feeding nappies, comforting and feeding. It's great for mothers who are recovering from the c-section.
The NHS and Lullaby Trust advise that you place your baby in the same room as you, but separated from you for the first six months because this will reduce the risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). The bedside crib with its low sides, is a great option to do this. It lets you be able to easily access your baby throughout the night.
It is crucial that your infant sleeps on a firm mattress as this is safer than a soft one. Infants don't have the motor control to rotate and a mattress that is soft could increase the risk of suffocation. The breathable fabric and skin-friendly materials make this mattress a comfortable one for your baby but also sufficient to ensure safety.
Mum home test Jasmin was pleased with the fact that the crib does not take up much space in her bedroom and she found the size perfect for a baby. She also said that the mattress was excellent quality, in contrast to those that feel cheap and thin. She also appreciates that it has a storage compartment beneath for blankets and clothes which she claims many other bassinets lack.
MFM mom home test Mehack is a huge fan of the removable side wall that lets you drop it down to give easy access to your newborn. She also likes the fact that legs slide into the bed so it does not look big or take up too much floor space. She's also impressed with how easy it was to move around her home when she needed to do check-ins and feedings during the night.
The CoZee Air crib is a favourite among parents. It won the Gold Award in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It features a unique design with four pulleys that can be used to raise or lower your crib. There's also an enormous basket that can be used to store blankets, toys and other necessities. It's also easy to assemble and light in weight and portable, which is ideal for traveling with your baby.
Safety
When choosing a baby's bedside cot it's important to keep safety in mind. Official safe sleep advice from both the Lullaby Trust and NHS recommends that babies should not sleep in parent's beds due to the dangers of suffocation, overheating and a higher chance of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Bedside bassinets allow parents to keep their infants close, facilitating night time feedings, comforting, and monitoring without the need to get out of bed.
This close proximity also supports breastfeeding mothers as they can take care of their infant's needs without having to wake up completely and help keep milk supply steady and enhance the breastfeeding experience. Some bedside cots come with adjustable height features that help the mother and child to reach the bassinet for feedings or other activities at night.
Many bassinets have a firm mattress that is designed to reduce the risk of suffocation and meets industry standards. It is crucial to support the bones of a newborn, because they are still squishy and are not fully formed. The mattress should be covered with an appropriate sheet to reduce the risk that dust mites, as well as other allergens, could cause a child to be suffocated. It should also be kept free of allergens and clean.
Some cots for bedside use can be tilted. This can be beneficial for babies with reflux or digestive issues, however it should be done with a lot of care and at a gentle angle. It is also important to stay clear of adding pillows, duvets or crib bumpers to the bassinet, as they can create a suffocation risk for your baby and should only be used when the cot is on a flat surface.
You should also think about a bassinet that has an attachment system that is secure. This can be connected to your existing bed easily without the need of tools. This can be especially helpful for parents who may struggle to get their child into and out of the crib or concerned about the possibility of rolling over during sleep. If your bassinet is equipped with an attachment system that is secure it's a good idea to regularly ensure that it's securely secured and that there aren't gaps or loose parts that could cause danger.
Comfort
If you're expecting your first child and you're worried about the safety of your child is definitely 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 infant bedside crib is a bassinet-style cot that can be attached to the side of the bed. It lets you safely lift your baby out to you for night feedings and calming. wooden bedside cot makes an excellent choice for mothers recovering from a c-section because it eliminates the need to bend too much or even to get out of the bed.
A modern cot for infants should have a sturdy and flat mattress that can ensure a safe sleep and reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Bedding should be simple comprising a cot sheets and a blanket tightly tucked on the bottom. Avoid bedside rocking crib , toys, and pillows that can fall onto your baby posing an obstructive risk. If your baby is used to being swaddled, you can use a swaddle or baby sleep bag for the first few weeks, although this should be removed when possible after they've developed the strength to take off their wraps.
Some cribs with a bedside have a drop-down or removable side that allows easy access to your newborn for middle-of-the-night feeds and comforting. This feature is perfect for parents who wish to keep a close relationship with their child, but still adhere to NHS guidelines on sleep. However, if you're planning to sleep in the same bed as your child, it's important to understand that this practice has been linked to an increased risk of SIDS, particularly in the event that a parent is able to roll onto their infant during sleep.
A fabric that is breathable is an important safety factor, since it's designed to keep your baby cool and comfortable throughout the night. This is particularly important if you plan to co-sleep your newborn as the risk of overheating when sleeping increases. The SnuzPod4 has a unique breathable side panel, which helps increase the flow of air, keeping your baby warm.