Newborn Bedside Cot
A newborn bedside cot is a tiny sleeper that allows newborns to share a space as their parents without the dangers of co-sleeping (which the AAP cautions against due suffocation and SIDS). It helps you care for your baby and give them a bottle in the middle of the night.
This sleeper has a sturdy mattress that can help babies' backs and reduce the risk of SIDS. It can be swiveled over your adult bed to allow you to get your baby out for midnight nursing or sunrise cuddles.
Budget
A bedside crib, also referred to as a bassinet or cosleeper is a bassinet-style crib that can be attached to your bed. This lets you easily and safely reach your baby for mid-night feeding, comforting or cuddles. They are a great choice for mums or new parents recovering from a c-section because they allow an easy access to baby and do not require you to get up from your bed.
There are a variety of styles that are available, from the basic ones with just a drop down side to more sophisticated models that offer various adjustment options, such as an incline or a height. Most convert to an independent crib for napping during the daytime or when your baby is a few months old and sleeping longer at night.
Maxi-Cosi Lora is one of our favorites. It was nominated in the Best Cot category for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. MFM home tester Emily said she was impressed by how chic and modern the design was. She also appreciated the fact that it could be used as a bassinet or a clip to your existing bed, for safe side-byside sleeping. She also liked its plush mattress which passed our firmness tests and it also has an adjustable manual inclining feature for those who suffer from reflux.
She wasn't a fan of the fact that it had a non mesh panel at the bottom and considered it too bulky to move around 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 basically a bassinet-style cot that fixes to the side of your bed. It allows you to easily reach your newborn for middle-of-the-night feeding, nappies and comforting. It's ideal for mothers who are recovering from a c-section.
The NHS and Lullaby Trust recommend that you keep your baby separate from you in the first six months, to reduce the risk of SIDS. The bedside crib with its low sides is a great method to achieve this. It lets you access your baby easily during the night.
It is crucial that your infant sleeps on a firm bed as it is more secure than a mattress that is soft. A soft mattress can increase the risk of suffocation among newborns, as they lack the motor control necessary to turn. The soft, breathable fabric and skin-friendly materials make this mattress a comfortable one for your baby, but firm enough for safety.
Mum home tester Jasmin was pleased with the fact that the crib does not take up much space in her bedroom and she found the size to be perfect for a baby. She also said that the mattress was excellent quality, in contrast to some that feel flimsy and thin. She also likes that it has a storage compartment beneath for blankets and clothes which she believes many other bassinets lack.
MFM mum home test Mehack is a huge fan of the side wall that is removable that allows you to drop it to make it easier access to your baby. She also loves the fact that the legs can be put under the bed to make it look less bulky and occupy less floor space. She's also impressed by how easy it is to move around the house when you want to for ease during late-night feedings and check-ins.
A recipient of an Gold award at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards The CoZee Air is a popular choice for parents. It features a unique design with four pulleys which 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 put together and light in weight, which is useful to travel with your baby.
Safety
When selecting a newborn bedside cot, it is important to keep the safety aspect in your mind. The Lullaby Trust, as well as the NHS recommend that babies not be placed in parents' beds due to the risk of suffocation or sudden infant death syndrome. Bassinets for bedside use allow parents to keep their infants close, which allows for nighttime feedings as well as comforting and monitoring without having to get up.
This close proximity can also 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 for bedside use adjustable height options that can help mother and child to access the bassinet to feed or take care of other needs throughout the night.
Many bassinets are equipped with mattresses that are firm, which is designed to reduce suffocation risk and meets the standards of the industry. It is important to provide support for the bones of a newborn since they are still fragile and not fully formed. The mattress should be covered with an appropriate sheet to minimize the chance that dust mites, as well as other allergens, will choke a child. It should be kept clean and free of irritants.
Some cribs for bedside use can be tilted. This is useful for babies who have digestive or reflux issues. But, it should be done slowly and with caution. It's also important to avoid putting pillows, duvets, or padded crib bumpers to the bassinet as they can create an obstructing risk to your baby. They should only be used when the cot is placed on a flat surface.
It is also recommended to consider a bassinet that has an attachment system that is secure. It can be connected to your existing bed easily without the need of tools. This is especially beneficial for parents who struggle to get their child in and out of the crib or who are concerned about rolling over during sleep. If your bassinet does have a secure attachment system it's recommended to regularly ensure that it's securely secured and that there aren't any gaps or loose parts which could cause danger.
Comfort
If you're expecting a child, the safety of your child is definitely one of your main concerns. There's a great sleep solution that allows you to keep your baby close throughout the night without taking on any of the risks that come with sharing a bed. The newborn bedside cot is basically a bassinet-style cot that fixes to the side of your bed, allowing you to safely move them towards you for night feeding and soothing. It is also the perfect choice for mothers recovering from a csection, because it eliminates the need to bend too much or even to get out of bed.
A modern newborn bedside cot should have a firm and flat mattress that can ensure a safe sleep and reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Bedding should be simple with just a cot sheet and a blanket tightly tucked at the bottom. Avoid toys, bumpers or pillows as these could be thrown over your baby and create a danger of suffocation. If your baby is used to being swaddled for a few weeks and you want to use the swaddle or baby sleep bag. But, it should be removed once they have the strength to unwrap them.
Some cribs for bedside use an option to remove or drop down the side that gives you the baby to be easily accessible to feed and comfort them during the middle of the night. This feature is ideal for parents who wish to maintain a close bond with their child but still adhere to NHS guidelines on sleep. If you're planning to sleep with your child, it's crucial to be aware that this practice may increase the risk of SIDS. This is especially the case if a parent is able to roll their infant over while sleeping.
A fabric that breathes will keep your baby cool and cool throughout the night. Read the Full Content is particularly important if you intend to sleep with your newborn, since the risk of being overheated during sleep increases. The SnuzPod4 has a unique side panel made of breathable mesh that helps improve the flow of air and keep your baby snug in their bed.