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 risk of sleeping together (which the AAP cautions against due suffocation and SIDS). It also makes mid-night nursing sessions and child care simpler.
This sleeper has a sturdy mattress to help babies' backs and minimize the risk of SIDS. It can be swiveled over your adult bed to lift your baby to cuddle them at sunrise or during nighttime nursing.
Budget
A bedside crib, also referred to as a bassinet or co-sleeper is a bassinet-style baby cot that clips to your existing bed. This lets you easily and safely reach your baby for mid-night feeding or cuddles. These are ideal for moms and babies recovering from a csection because they allow the baby to be easily accessible without having to get up from bed.
There are a variety of designs available, from the basic ones with just the drop-down side, to more sophisticated models with numerous adjustment options, like the ability to tilt or raise. The majority of them can be converted into a standalone crib for naps during the day or when your baby is around 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 in 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 was. She also appreciated the fact that it can be used as a bassinet or attached to your existing bed for a safe side-by-side sleep. She also adored its soft mattress, which passed our firmness tests and it also has a manual inclining function for those who suffer from reflux.
However, she wasn't a fan of the design of the non-mesh panel at its lower end, and thought it was a bit bulky to move from room room frequently. When it was 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 is easy to reach your baby to feed, change nappies or comforting in the middle of the night. It's ideal for mothers recovering from a c-section.
The NHS and Lullaby Trust advise you to keep your baby in the same room with you but separate from you for the first six months, since this will help decrease the risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). The crib at the bedside with its low sides is a great option to do this. It lets you access your baby easily throughout the night.
It is essential that your baby sleeps on a firm mattress as this is safer than a soft one. A mattress that is soft can increase the risk of suffocation in newborns, since they do not have the motor control required to turn. The mattress is made of skin-friendly and breathable materials. It is comfortable for your baby but sufficient to be secure.
Mum Jasmin was delighted that the crib didn't occupy too much space in her room and found it to be the ideal size for a baby. She also stated that the mattress was of good quality unlike other cribs that are thin and fragile. She also loves the fact that it has a storage space beneath for bedding and clothes which other bassinets don't have.
Mehack, a MFM mother who has tested the product at home, is thrilled that you can remove the side wall to allow for easier access to your baby. She also likes the fact that the legs tuck into the bed so it does not look big or take up a lot of floor space. She's also impressed with how easy it is to move around the house whenever you want to for ease during late-night feedings and check-ins.
The CoZee Air crib is a favourite among parents. It won a Gold Award in the 2021 Mother and Baby Awards. It is designed with four pulleys that are built-in to raise or lower the crib. It includes a large storage basket for toys, blankets and other necessities. It's also easy to assemble and lightweight that is great for travelling with your baby.
Safety
When selecting a newborn bedside cot it's important to keep safety in your mind. The Lullaby Trust, as well as the NHS, recommend that babies don't sleep in their parents' beds due to the possibility of suffocation as well as sudden infant death syndrome. Bedside bassinets let parents keep their infant close and allow for feeding at night, comforting and monitoring without needing to get out of bed.
This close proximity can also support breastfeeding mothers, as it allows them to be attentive to the baby's needs while also sleeping. This can help maintain milk supply and encourage breastfeeding. Some cots with a bedside are equipped with adjustable height options that can make it easier for both the mother and baby to get into the bassinet to feed or take care of other needs throughout the night.
A majority of bassinets come with mattresses that are firm and designed to reduce the risk of suffocation and conforms to industry standards. It is essential to support the bones of a newborn since they are still fragile and not fully formed. The mattress should be encased in a fitted cover to reduce the risk of suffocation due to dust mites or other allergens. It should also be kept clean and free of allergens.
Some bedside cribs can be tilted. cot bedside is helpful for babies who have digestive or reflux issues. However, this should only be done gently and with care. Avoid putting pillows, duvets, or padded crib bumpers inside the bassinet. These can pose the risk of suffocation to your baby.
It is also recommended to consider a bassinet that has an attachment system that is secure. This can be connected to your bed without the need of tools. This feature is especially beneficial for parents who struggle to lift their child into and out of the crib or are concerned about their baby accidentally falling asleep. If your bassinet does have an attachment system that is secure, it's a good idea to regularly ensure that it's securely secured and that there are no gaps or loose components that could cause danger.
Comfort
If you're planning to become a parent, the comfort of your child is one of your main concerns. There's a new sleep solution that allows you to keep your baby close at night, without the danger of bed-sharing. The newborn bedside cot is basically a bassinet-style cot which is fixed to the bed's side, allowing you to safely move them towards you for feeding at night and calming. It's an excellent option for mothers who are recovering from a C-section as it removes the need to stand up or sit up.
A modern bedside cot for newborns should have a firm and flat mattress that can ensure a safe sleep and reduce the chance of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). The bedding should be simple, with a cot sheet and a blanket that is tightly tucked at the bottom. Avoid bumpers, toys and pillows that can fall onto your baby posing the risk 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. However, it is recommended that this be removed once they have the strength to remove them.
Some cribs for bedside use a removable or drop-down side that provides an easy access to your baby for comforting and feeding during the middle of the night. This is a wonderful option for parents who wish to keep an intimate relationship with their child, while adhering to NHS safe sleep advice. If you are planning to sleep with your child, it is important to know that this practice may increase the risk of SIDS. This is especially when a parent accidentally falls on their child when they are asleep.
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 crucial if you intend to co-sleep with your newborn because the risk of overheating is higher when you sleep. The SnuzPod4 features a unique breathable mesh side panel that helps improve the flow of air and keep your baby warm in their bed.
