15 Reasons You Shouldn t Be Ignoring Newborn Bedside Cot
Newborn Bedside Cot
A newborn bedside cot bed cot is a tiny sleeper that allows new babies to sleep in the same room as their parents, without the risk of sleeping together (which the AAP recommends against due to suffocation and SIDS). It makes it easier to take care of your infant and feed them in the middle of the night.
This mattress is a firm mattress that is designed to support the backs of babies and minimize the chance of SIDS. It can slide over the bed of your adult to make it easier for you to get your baby for nighttime cuddles or a sunrise kiss.
Budget
A bedside cosleeper cot, also referred to as a co-sleeper, is a bassinet-style baby cot that can be attached to your existing bed. This lets you reach your baby comfortably and safely for a nighttime feed, comforting, or cuddles. These are perfect for mothers and new parents recovering after a c section as they allow easy access to the baby without needing to get out of the bed.
There are many different designs available, from the basic ones with just the drop-down side, to more sophisticated ones with numerous adjustment options, like an incline or a height. Most convert to an independent crib for napping during the daytime or when your baby is around a few months old and sleeping longer at night.
One of our favourites is the Maxi-Cosi Lura, 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 expressed her delight at how stylish and modern the design is, while she appreciated the fact that you can use it as a regular bassinet or connect it to your existing bed to sleep side-by-side in a safe and secure manner. She also liked the plush mattress, which was able to pass our test of firmness and also the fact that it comes with a manual rocking function that can be set to a slight incline for reflux sufferers.
However, she wasn't a fan of the design of the non-mesh panel on the lower end, and thought it was a bit bulky to move from room room often. It also felt a little heavy to carry up and down the stairs, especially when folded away into its bag for travel.
Size
A bedside cot bedside is similar to an infant bassinet that is connected to the bed's side. It is easy to reach your baby's side to feed them, change nappies, or to comfort them in the middle of the night. It's ideal for mothers who are recovering from a 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, as this can help reduce the risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). The crib that is placed beside your bed with its low sides, is a great method to achieve this. It allows you to be able to easily access your baby during the night.
It's important that your newborn sleeps on a firm mattress as it is more secure than a mattress that is soft. A mattress that is soft increases the risk of suffocation among newborns, as they lack the motor control needed to turn. The breathable fabric and skin-friendly materials make the mattress comfortable for your baby but also sufficiently firm to be safe for your baby.
Mum home tester Jasmin liked that this crib doesn't take up too much space in her bedroom, and she found the size to be perfect for a baby. She also said that the mattress was also of good quality, as opposed to those that feel cheap and thin. She also appreciates the fact that it has a storage space beneath to store blankets and clothing which she claims many other bassinets lack.
Mehack is an MFM mother who has tested the product at home, likes the ability to remove the wall on the side to allow easier access to your baby. She also likes the fact that the legs can be tucked under the bed to look less bulky and take up less space on the floor. She is also impressed by how it was easy to move around the house when she needed to do check-ins and feedings during the night.
The CoZee Air crib is a favourite among parents. It won a Gold Award in the 2021 Mother and Baby Awards. It is a clever design with four pulleys which can be used to raise or lower your crib. It also comes with an ample basket for toys, blankets, and other items. It's also light and easy to assemble and is ideal to travel with your baby.
Safety
When choosing a new baby's bedside cot it's important to keep the safety of your baby in mind. The official safe sleep guidelines from both the Lullaby Trust and NHS recommends that babies do not sleep in parent's beds due to the dangers of suffocation, overheating and a higher chance of suffering from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Bassinets that are placed in bed allow parents to keep their baby close to help with night-time feedings, comforting and monitoring without having to get out of bed.
This close proximity can aid breastfeeding mothers since it allows them to attend to the needs of their infant while still sleeping. This can help to maintain the supply of milk and also encourage breastfeeding. Some cots for bedside have adjustable height features, which will help ensure that the bassinet is at an ideal height for mother and baby for easy access to mid-night feedings or for care.
Many bassinets are equipped with mattresses that are firm. This is designed to reduce suffocation risk and meets industry standards. This is crucial because a newborn's bones are brittle and aren't fully developed. They need to be supported to prevent damage. The mattress should be covered with a fitted sheet in order to reduce the risk that dust mites, or other allergens, can choke a child. It should also be kept clean and free of allergens.
Some cots with a bedside can be tilted. This can be beneficial for babies suffering from reflux or digestive issues, but it should be done with a lot of care and at a gentle angle. Avoid putting pillows, duvets, or padded crib bumpers inside the bassinet. They could pose a risk of suffocation for your baby.
It is also recommended to consider the bassinet with a secure attachment system. This can be attached to your bed without the need for tools. This feature is especially beneficial for parents who struggle to lift their child into and out of the crib or are worried about their child rolling over while sleeping. If your bassinet is equipped with a secure attachment system, it's an excellent idea to periodically check that it's securely attached and that there are no gaps or loose parts that could cause danger.
Comfort
If you're a soon-to-be parent, your baby's safety is one of your main concerns. There's a new solution to sleep that lets you keep your baby close at night, without the danger of sharing a bed. The baby bedside cot is basically a bassinet-style cot that fixes to the bed's side, allowing you to safely lift them out towards you to feed them at night and soothe. It is also a great choice for mothers recovering from a C section as it removes the need to stand 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. The bedding should be simple, with just a cot sheet and a blanket tightly tucked on the bottom. Avoid toys, bumpers and pillows because they can be thrown over your baby and cause suffocation hazard. If your baby is used to being swaddled for a few weeks and you want to use a swaddle, or a baby sleep bag. But, it should be removed once they are strong enough to remove them.
Some cribs for small bedside cot use an open or removable side that allows easy access to your baby's feeds and comforting. This is a great option for parents who wish to maintain a strong bond with their child while still following NHS safe sleep guidelines. If you're planning to sleep with your child, it's important to be aware that this practice can increase the risk of SIDS. This is especially true if a parent accidentally falls on their child 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 especially crucial if you intend to sleep with your baby because the risk of overheating increases when you sleep. The SnuzPod4 features a unique breathable side panel, which helps increase the flow of air, keeping your baby comfortable.