A Step-By-Step Instruction For Newborn Bedside Cot
Newborn Bedside Cot
A newborn bedside sleeper cot cot is a small sleeper that allows new babies to share a room as their parents without the dangers of co-sleeping (which the AAP recommends against due to SIDS and suffocation). It makes it easier to take care of your baby and give them a bottle in the middle of the night.
This sleeper comes with an extremely firm mattress that can support babies' backs, reducing the chance of SIDS. It can be swiveled over your adult bed to make it easier for you to carry your baby for nighttime nursing or sunrise cuddles.
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 bed. This lets you reach your baby comfortably and safely for a mid-night feed or comforting cuddle. These are perfect for mothers and new parents recovering after a c section because they allow the baby to be easily accessible without needing to get out of bed.
There are lots of different designs on the market, from basic models with just a drop-down side to more advanced ones that can be adjusted in several ways including height and incline options. Most convert to an independent crib for daytime naps or when your baby is about months old and is sleeping more at night.
One of our top picks is the Maxi-Cosi Lora, that was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby awards, including the categories of Best Cot Crib, Best Cot, or Moses Basket. MFM home tester Emily said she was impressed by how chic and modern the design and she was impressed by the possibility of using it as a regular bassinet, or clip it to your existing bed to ensure that you can sleep side-by-side. She also admired the soft mattress, which passed our firmness test, and the fact that it comes with a manual rocking feature that can be set to a slight incline for reflux sufferers.
She didn't like the fact that it had a mesh panel on the bottom and she thought it was too heavy to move around from room to room. She also found it to be a bit heavy to carry up and down the stairs when it was folded up into its bag for travel.
Size
A bedside cot is basically a bassinet-style cot that fixes to the side of your bed. You can easily reach your baby to feed them, change nappies, or to comfort them during the night. It's great for mothers recovering from an o-section.
The NHS and Lullaby Trust advise that you keep your baby in the same space as you, but separated from you for the first six months, since this will help decrease the risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). A crib that is placed near your bed is a safe way to achieve this because it has low sides and lets you easily access your newborn at night.
It is important that your baby is sleeping on a firm, not an extremely soft mattress. Babies don't have motor control to rotate and a mattress that is soft could increase the chance of drowning. The soft, breathable fabric and skin-friendly materials make this mattress a comfortable one for your baby, but sufficient to ensure safety.
Mum home test Jasmin loved that the crib does not take up a lot of space in her bedroom. Also, she found the size to be perfect for a baby. She also noted that the mattress was of good quality, unlike others which feel thin and flimsy. She also likes that it has a storage area underneath for clothes and blankets - something she says many bassinets don't have.
Mehack Mehack, an MFM mum who tested the product at home, likes that you can remove the wall on the side to allow for easier access to your baby. She also loves that legs fold under the bed so that it doesn't appear heavy or take up too much floor space. She is also impressed by how easy it was to move around her home in the event of checks and feedings in the middle of the night.
The CoZee Air crib is a favourite among parents. It was awarded a Gold Award in the 2021 Mother and Baby Awards. It features a smart design with four pulleys built-in to raise or lower the crib. It also comes with a large storage bin for your baby's blankets, toys and other essentials. It's also easy to assemble and lightweight that is great to travel with your baby.
Safety
It is important to think about the safety aspect when selecting a newborn bedside crib. The official safe sleep guidelines from both the Lullaby Trust and NHS recommends that babies should not sleep in their parents' beds due to the risk of suffocation, overheating and a higher chance of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Bedside bassinets allow parents to keep their newborns close, which allows for nighttime feedings, comforting, and monitoring without having to get out of bed.
This close proximity can also help breastfeeding mothers as it allows them to attend to the needs of their baby while also sleeping. This can help to maintain the supply of milk and encourage breastfeeding. Some bedside cot wooden cots have adjustable height features that will help ensure that the bassinet is at an appropriate height for mother and baby, allowing ease of access during feedings or for care.
Many bassinets come with a firm mattress that is designed to decrease the chance of suffocation and conforms to industry standards. It is important to provide support for the bones of a newborn, because they are still squishy and are not fully formed. The mattress should be covered with a fitted sheet in order to minimize the chance that dust mites, as well as other allergens, could choke a child. It should be kept free of allergens and clean.
Some cribs for bedside use can be tilted. This is helpful for babies with digestive or reflux issues. However, it should be done slowly and with care. Avoid adding pillows, duvets, or padded crib bumpers to the bassinet. These can pose the risk of suffocation your baby.
It's also worth considering an adjustable bassinet with an attachment system that is secure and can be easily fixed to your bed without the need for tools. This feature is especially beneficial for parents who find it difficult to carry their child into and out of the crib or are worried about their child accidentally rolling over during sleep. If your bassinet is equipped with secured attachments, it's an excellent idea to periodically ensure that it's securely secured and that there aren't any gaps or loose components that could cause danger.
Comfort
If you're expecting a child, the comfort of your baby is surely one of your top priorities. Thankfully, there's an innovative sleep solution that lets you keep your baby close to you throughout the night - without any of the dangers that come with bed-sharing. 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 soothing. It's also a great choice for mums recovering from a csection, as it reduces the need to bend over too much or even get out of bed.
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. The bedding should be kept simple with just the cot sheet and a blanket tucked in tightly at the bottom. Avoid bumpers, toys or pillows since they can be thrown over your baby and create a danger of suffocation. If your baby bedside crib has been used to being swaddled for a few weeks, you can use either a swaddle, or a baby sleep bag. However, it is recommended that this be removed once they have the strength to unwrap them.
Some cribs with a bedside crib and travel cot feature a removable or drop-down side that gives you easy access to your baby for feeding and comfort in the middle of the night. This feature is perfect for parents who wish to keep a close relationship with their child while adhering to NHS guidelines on sleep. If you plan to co-sleep with your child, it is crucial to be aware that this practice could increase the risk of SIDS. This is especially true if a parent accidentally rolls on their infant during sleep.
A fabric that breathes will keep your baby comfortable and cool throughout the night. This is particularly important if you plan to sleep with your newborn because the risk of overheating increases when you sleep. The SnuzPod4 has a unique side panel made of breathable mesh that helps improve the airflow and keeps your baby snug in their bed.