Are You Making The Most Of Your Newborn Bedside Cot
Newborn Bedside Cot
A newborn bedside cot is a tiny sleeper that allows babies to sleep in the same space as their parents without the dangers of co-sleeping (which the AAP advises against due to SIDS and suffocation). It helps you care for your baby and give them a bottle during the night.
This sleeper has a firm mattress that supports babies backs, reducing the risk of SIDS. It can be swiveled over your adult bed to raise your baby to cuddle them at sunrise or during midnight nursing.
Budget
A bedside crib, also referred to as a bassinet or cosleeper is a bassinet-style baby cot that clips to your bed. This lets you reach your baby easily and safely for a nighttime feed, comforting, or cuddles. They are a great choice for mums or new parents recovering from a csection as they allow the baby with easy access and do not require you to get out of bed.
There are many different designs on the market, from basic models with only a drop-down side, to more sophisticated ones that can be adjusted in multiple ways, including incline and height options. Many convert to a standalone crib for daytime naps or when your baby is a few months old and sleeps longer at night.
One of our favourites is the Maxi-Cosi Lora, which was nominated for the 2021 Mother&Baby awards, including the categories of Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket. MFM home tester Emily expressed her delight at how stylish and modern the design is, while she appreciated the possibility of using it as a regular bassinet or attach it onto your bed to sleep side-by-side in a safe and secure manner. She also adored its soft mattress which was able to pass our tests of firmness and it also has a manual inclining function for those who suffer from reflux.
However, she didn't like the design of the non-mesh panel on the lower end, and felt it was a bit heavy to move from room to room regularly. She also found it a little heavy to carry up and down the stairs, especially when folded away into its bag for travel.
Size
A bedside cot is a bassinet that is attached to the side of your bed. It's easy to reach your baby to feed, change nappies, or to comfort them during the night. It's ideal for mothers recovering from the c-section.
The NHS and Lullaby Trust advise that you place your baby in the same space as you, but keep them separate from you for the first six months because this will reduce the chance of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). A crib for your bed is a safe method to achieve this as it is low-sided and lets you be able to easily access your baby throughout the night.
It is essential that your baby sleeps on a firm mattress since this is safer than a mattress that is soft. Infants don't have the motor control to turn over and a soft mattress could increase the risk of being suffocated. The breathable fabric and skin-friendly materials make the mattress comfortable for your baby but firm enough for safety.
Mum home test Jasmin was pleased with the fact 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 said that the mattress was excellent quality, in contrast to some that feel flimsy and thin. She also appreciates that it has a storage space beneath for bedding and clothes which many bassinets don't have.
MFM mom home test Mehack is a big fan of the side wall that is removable that allows you to drop it to make it easier access to your newborn. She also likes that legs fold into the bed so it doesn't appear big or take up a lot of floor space. She's also impressed with how it was easy to move around the house when she needed to do checks and feedings in the middle of the night.
A winner of the Gold award in the 2021 Mother and Baby Awards The CoZee Air is a popular choice amongst parents. It has a clever design with four pulleys that are built-in to raise or lower the crib. It includes a large bedside crib storage basket to store your baby's blankets, toys and other necessities. It is also lightweight and easy to assemble and is ideal to travel with your baby.
Safety
It's important to consider safety when choosing a newborn bedside cot 6 months plus crib. Official safe sleep advice from both the Lullaby Trust and NHS recommends that babies not sleep in parent's beds due to the dangers of suffocation, heat exhaustion and a greater chance of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Bedside bassinets let parents keep their newborn close by, facilitating nighttime feedings, comforting and monitoring without having to get up from their beds.
This close proximity can aid breastfeeding mothers since it allows them to attend to the needs of their infant while also sleeping. This can help maintain the supply of milk and also encourage breastfeeding. Some cots with a rocking small bedside cot crib; visit the following page, are equipped with adjustable height features that make it easier for the mother and child to reach the bassinet for feedings or other care throughout the night.
Many bassinets come with mattresses that are firm and designed to decrease the chance of suffocation and meets industry standards. This is crucial because a newborn's bones are soft and not fully developed, and must be supported to prevent injury. The mattress should be covered with a fitted sheet in order to minimize the chance that dust mites, or other allergens, can cause a child to be suffocated. It must be kept clean and free of allergens.
Some bedside cribs can be tilted. This is beneficial for babies with reflux or digestive problems. However, it should be done slowly and with care. Avoid putting pillows, duvets, or padded crib bumpers in the bassinet. These could create the risk of suffocation to your baby.
It's also worth looking into an adjustable bassinet with an attachment system that is secure and can be easily attached to your existing bed without the necessity of tools. This feature is especially useful for parents who struggle to lift 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 is a great idea to check it frequently. Make sure there are no gaps, and that the system is securely connected.
Comfort
If you're a soon-to-be parent, your baby's comfort is among your top concerns. There's a new solution to sleep that allows you to keep your baby close at night without the risk of sharing the bed. The newborn bedside crib 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 calming. It is an excellent option for mothers recovering from a C-section since it eliminates the need to stand up or to bend over.
Modern cots for infants should include a firm, flat mattress to encourage safe sleeping practices and reduce the risk Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Bedding should be easy with a cot sheet and a blanket that is tightly tucked on the bottom. Avoid toys, bumpers and pillows as these could be thrown over your baby and pose a danger of suffocation. If your baby is used to being swaddled, you can use a swaddle or a baby sleep bag for the first few weeks, however this should be removed when possible after they've gained the strength to pull themselves out of the wrap.
Some cribs with a wooden bedside cot have a drop-down or removable side to make it easy for your baby for feedings in the middle of the night and comforting. This feature is perfect for parents who wish to maintain a close relationship with their child, while adhering to NHS sleep guidelines. However, if you're planning to sleep in the same bed with your baby it's important to recognize that this practice has been associated with an increased risk of SIDS particularly when a parent accidentally is able to roll onto their infant while they sleep.
A fabric that is breathable is an essential safety feature, as 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 is a unique, side panel made of breathable mesh, which helps to improve the flow of air and keep your baby warm in their bed.