How To Save Money On Newborn Bedside Cot
Newborn Bedside Cot
A newborn bedside cot is a compact sleeper that allows new babies to sleep in the same space as their parents without the dangers of co-sleeping (which the AAP advises against due to suffocation and SIDS). It also makes middle-of-the-night nursing sessions and care much easier.
This sleeper has a sturdy mattress that can help babies' backs and reduce the risk of SIDS. It can be rotated over your adult bed to allow you to raise your baby for sunrise cuddles or late night nursing.
Budget
A bedside cot wooden cot, also referred to as a co-sleeper, is a bassinet-style baby cot that is attached or clipped to your existing bed. This allows you to comfortably and safely reach your baby for mid-night feeding or cuddles. They are a great option for mothers or new parents recovering from a c-section as they offer easy access to baby and don't require you to get up from your bed.
There are a variety of styles available, ranging from basic ones with just a drop down side to more sophisticated ones with multiple adjustment options, including incline or height. The majority of them can be converted into an independent crib for daytime naps or when your baby is around a few months old and sleeping longer at night.
One of our favourites is the Maxi-Cosi Lora that was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby awards, including Best Cot Crib, Best Cot or Moses Basket. MFM home tester Emily said she was impressed by how chic and modern the design and she was impressed by the feature that you can use it as a regular bassinet, or clip it to a bed to ensure that you can sleep side-by-side. She also adored its soft mattress that has passed our tests for firmness and it also has an adjustable manual inclining feature for those suffering from reflux.
She wasn't a fan of the fact that it had a mesh panel at the bottom and considered it too bulky to move from room to room. She also found it a bit heavy to carry up and down the stairs once folded into a travel bag.
Size
A bedside cot is basically the bassinet style cot that can be fixed to your side of the bed. You can easily reach your baby for feedings, changing nappies or comforting during the night. It's great for mothers recovering from the c-section.
The NHS and Lullaby Trust advise that you place your baby in the same room with you, but separated from you for the first six months, as this can help reduce the chance of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). A crib that is placed near your bed is a safe method to achieve this as it has low sides and lets you easily access your newborn at night.
It is important that your baby sleeps on a firm, not a soft mattress. Infants don't have the motor control to rotate and a mattress that is soft can increase the chance of drowning. The breathable fabric and skin-friendly materials make this mattress comfortable for your baby but firm enough for safety.
Mum home test Jasmin was pleased with the fact that the crib doesn't take up too much space in her bedroom, and she found it to be the perfect size for a baby. She also said that the mattress was of high-quality unlike other cribs that seem thin and flimsy. She also likes the fact that it has a storage area beneath for bedding and clothes - something many other bassinets don't.
MFM mum home tester Mehack is a big fan of the side wall that is removable that lets you drop it down to give easy access to your baby. She also loves the fact that the legs can be tucked under the bed to look less bulky and take up less space on the floor. She's also impressed with how easy it was to move around her home when she needed to do check-ins and feedings during the night.
A recipient of the Gold award at the 2021 Mother and Baby Awards, the CoZee Air is a popular choice for 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 enormous basket that can be used to store blankets, toys and other necessities. It's also easy to assemble and light in weight that is great to travel cot bedside crib with your baby.
Safety
When choosing a new baby's bedside cot, you must keep the safety aspect in your mind. The Lullaby Trust, as well as the NHS, recommend that babies do not sleep in their parents' beds due to the possibility of suffocation as well as sudden infant death syndrome. Bassinets for bedside use allow parents to keep their baby close to help with feeding at night and monitoring without the need to get up from their beds.
This close proximity can help breastfeeding mothers as it allows them to be attentive to the needs of their baby while still sleeping. This can help to maintain milk supply and encourage breastfeeding. Some small bedside cot cots have adjustable height options, which will help ensure that the bassinet is an ideal height for mother and baby to allow easy access for middle-of-the-night feedings or care.
Many bassinets come with a firm mattress that is designed to decrease the chance of suffocation and conforms to industry standards. It is essential to support the bones of a newborn, as they are still soft and not fully formed. The mattress should be covered with a fitted sheet in order to decrease the risk that dust mites, as well as other allergens, could cause a child to be suffocated. It must be kept clean and free of allergens.
Some bedside cots have the capability of being tilted, which is beneficial for babies suffering from reflux or digestive issues, however this should always be done with a lot of care and at a moderate angle. It is also important to avoid adding pillows, duvets or padded crib bumpers to the bassinet, as they can create the risk of suffocation for your baby and should only be used when the cot is placed on a flat surface.
It's also worth thinking about a bassinet with an attachment system that is secure and can be easily fixed to your bed without the necessity of tools. This feature is especially beneficial for parents who find it difficult to lift their child into and out of the crib or are worried about their child accidentally rolling over while sleeping. If your bassinet is equipped with secured attachments, 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, the comfort of your child is one of your primary concerns. There's a wonderful sleep solution that lets you keep your baby close throughout the night, without any of the risks associated with sharing a bed. The baby bedside cot is essentially a bassinet-style cot which is fixed to the side of your bed that allows you to lift them out towards you for feeding at night and calming. It is also a great option for mothers recovering from a C-section as it eliminates the need to get up or to bend over.
Modern bedside cots for newborns should have a flat, firm mattress to encourage safe sleep habits and reduce the risk Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. The bedding should be simple, with just a cot sheet and a blanket tightly tucked at the bottom. Avoid toys, bumpers and pillows that may be thrown over your baby, creating an obstructive risk. If your baby is familiar with being swaddled, you can use a swaddle or a baby sleep bag for the first few weeks, although it should be removed when possible after they've developed the strength to take off their wraps.
Some cribs for twin bedside cot use a drop-down or removable side to make it easy for your newborn for middle-of-the-night feeds and comforting. This is a great feature for parents who wish to maintain a close bond with their child while adhering to NHS guidelines for sleep. If you're considering sleeping in the same bed as your baby it's important to know that this practice has been linked to a higher risk of SIDS especially when a parent accidentally falls on their infant while they sleep.
A fabric that is breathable will keep your baby comfortable and cool throughout the night. This is particularly important if you intend to co-sleep your newborn as the risk of overheating in the night increases. The SnuzPod4 has an exclusive breathable side panel, which helps increase airflow, keeping your baby warm.