15 Reasons You Shouldn t Ignore Newborn Bedside Cot
Newborn Bedside Cot
A newborn bedside crib is a small bedside cot sleeping device that allows babies to 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 the risk of suffocation.) It also makes nursing sessions and child care simpler.
This sleeper features a firm mattress that is designed to support the backs of babies and reduce the risk of SIDS. It can swivel over your adult bed to allow you to lift your child out for midnight cuddles or a sunrise kiss.
Budget
A bedside baby bed cot, also referred to as a co-sleeper, is an infant cot with a bassinet design that can be attached to your existing bed. This allows you to comfortably and safely reach your baby during the night for feeding or cuddles. They are a great option for mothers or new parents recovering from a csection as they provide easy access to baby and do not require you to get out of bed.
There are lots of different designs on the market, from basic models with just a drop-down option to more sophisticated models that can be adjusted in a variety of ways, including incline and height options. Most can be converted into a separate crib when your baby grows older and has a longer sleep time in the night.
One of our favourites is the Maxi-Cosi Lora, which was nominated 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 appreciated the fact that it could be used as a bassinet, or attached to your bed for a safe side-by-side sleep. She also appreciated the soft mattress that has passed our test for firmness and the fact that it has a manual rocking function that can be adjusted to a slight slope for reflux sufferers.
She didn't like the fact that it had a non mesh panel at the bottom, and she thought it was too heavy to move from room to room. When folded into its travel bag she found it somewhat heavy to carry up the stairs.
Size
A bedside cot is essentially the bassinet style cot that can be fixed to the side of your bed. It allows you to easily reach your baby for mid-night feeding nappies, comforting and feeding. It's also great for mothers recovering from a C-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 chance of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). A bedside crib is a safe way to achieve this because it is low-sided and allows you to easily reach your baby during the night.
It is crucial that your infant sleeps on a firm bed as it is safer than a soft one. Newborns don't have the motor control needed to turn and a mattress that is soft could increase the chance of drowning. The mattress is made of skin-friendly and air-tight materials. It is a comfortable fit for your baby, but firm enough to be safe.
Mum Jasmin was pleased that the crib didn't occupy too the entire space in her room and found it to be the perfect size for a newborn. She also stated that the mattress was of high-quality and not like other mattresses that are thin and fragile. She also likes the fact that it has a storage space beneath for bedding and clothes - something many other bassinets don't have.
Mehack is an MFM mother who has tested the product at home, is thrilled that you can remove the wall on the side to make it easier to access your baby. She also likes that the legs tuck under 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 the house when she needed to do feeds and check-ins during the night.
A winner of an Gold award at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards The CoZee Air is a popular choice amongst parents. It is 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 is also lightweight and easy to put together which makes it perfect for traveling with your baby.
Safety
When choosing a new baby's bedside cot, you must keep safety in mind. Official safe sleep advice from both the Lullaby Trust and NHS recommends that babies do not sleep in their parents' beds due to the dangers of suffocation, overheating and a higher risk of suffering from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Bassinets for bedside use allow parents to keep their babies close to them, facilitating nighttime feedings as well as comforting and monitoring without having to get out of bed.
This close proximity also supports breastfeeding mothers as they can attend to their baby's needs without having to wake up completely and can help keep milk supply steady and enhance the breastfeeding experience. Some bedside cots have adjustable height features, which will help ensure that the bassinet is an appropriate height for mother and baby for ease of access during feedings or other care.
A lot of bassinets have a firm mattress, which is designed to minimize suffocation risk and meets the standards of the industry. This is essential because newborn's bones are soft and aren't fully developed. They must be supported to prevent injury. The mattress should be encased in a fitted sheet to reduce the risk of suffocation from dust mites or other allergens. It should also be kept clean and free of irritants.
Some bedside cots can be tilted, which is beneficial for babies with reflux or digestive issues, but it should be done with great caution and at a gentle angle. It is also essential to stay clear of adding pillows, duvets, or padded crib bumpers to the bassinet, as they could pose an obstructing risk to your baby. They should only be used when the cot is placed on an even surface.
It is also recommended to consider a bassinet that has a secure attachment system. This can be attached to your existing bed easily without the need for tools. This feature is especially beneficial for parents who find it difficult to lift their child into and out of the crib or are concerned about their baby accidentally rolling over during sleep. If your bassinet is equipped with an attachment that is secure it is a good idea to check it frequently. Make sure there are no gaps and that the system is securely attached.
Comfort
If you're a soon-to-be parent, your baby's comfort is one of your primary concerns. There's a great sleep solution that lets you keep your baby close during the night - without any of the risks that come with sharing a bed. The infant bedside cot essentially a bassinet-style cot that fixes to the side of your bed that allows you to move them towards you for night feeding and soothing. It's also a great option for mothers who are recovering from a C-section as it will not require you to get up or to bend over.
Modern bedside cots for newborns should include a firm, flat mattress to encourage safe sleep habits and reduce the risk Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. The bedding should be kept simple, with only the sheet for the cot and blanket tucked in tightly at the bottom. Avoid bumpers, toys and pillows that may fall onto your baby posing the risk of suffocation. 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 for 4-in-1 bedside crib use an adjustable or drop-down side that gives you an easy access to your baby to feed and comfort them in the middle of the night. This is a good feature for parents looking to keep an intimate relationship with their child, but still adhere to NHS safe sleep advice. If you're planning to co-sleep in the same bed with your baby, it's important to understand that this practice has been associated with an increased risk of SIDS, particularly when a parent accidentally falls on their child during sleep.
A fabric that is breathable will keep your baby comfortable and cool throughout the night. This is especially important if you intend to sleep with your baby as the risk of overheating in the night increases. The SnuzPod4 has a unique mesh side panel that is breathable that aids in improving the flow of air and keep your baby warm in their bed.