10 Things Everyone Hates About Newborn Bedside Cot
Newborn bedside cot 6 months plus Cot
A newborn bedside cot for bedside is a small sleeper that allows newborns to share a room as their parents, without the risk of sleeping together (which the AAP cautions against due SIDS and suffocation). It helps you take care of your baby and nurse them throughout the night.
This mattress is a firm mattress to support the backs of babies and decrease the chance of SIDS. It can be swiveled over your bed to allow you to get your baby for nighttime nursing or cuddles at sunrise.
Budget
A bedside cot, also referred to as a co-sleeper, a bassinet-style baby cot that can be attached to your existing bed. This lets you easily and safely reach your baby for mid-night feeding, comforting or cuddles. These are great for moms and babies recovering from a c-section as they allow easy access to the baby without having to get up from bed.
There are many different designs available, ranging from basic ones with just the drop-down side, to more sophisticated models that offer various adjustment options, such as incline or height. Most can be converted into a standalone crib when your baby is older and is sleeping longer at night.
One of our favorites is the Maxi-Cosi Lora, that was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby awards for the categories of Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket. MFM home tester Emily commented how stylish and modern the design was. She also liked the fact that it could be used as a bassinet, or a clip to your existing bed for a safe side-by-side sleep. She also liked the plush mattress that has passed our test for firmness and the fact that it has a manual Rocking Bedside crib function that can be adjusted to a slight slope for reflux sufferers.
She didn't like the fact that it had a non mesh panel at the bottom and considered it too bulky to move from room to room. When folded into its travel bag she found it to be a bit heavy to carry up the stairs.
Size
A bedside cot for twins cot is basically an upholstered bassinet that is fixed to the side of the bed. It lets you easily reach your newborn for middle-of-the-night feeding nappies, comforting and feeding. It's ideal 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 keep them separate from you for the first six months as this can help reduce the risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). A crib for your bed is a secure way to achieve this because it has low sides and allows you to easily reach your baby at night.
It is essential that your baby is sleeping on a firm, not an extremely soft mattress. Infants don't have the motor control to rotate and a mattress that is soft can increase the risk of being suffocated. The soft, breathable fabric and skin-friendly materials make this mattress a comfortable one for your baby but also firm enough for safety.
Mum home tester Jasmin loved that the crib does not take up much space in her bedroom. Also, she found the size perfect for a baby. She said the mattress was excellent quality, in contrast to those that feel cheap and thin. She also loves the fact that it has a storage area underneath for clothes and blankets - something she says many bassinets don't have.
Mehack Mehack, an MFM mom who tried the product at home, loves that you can remove the wall on the side to allow easier access to your baby. She also loves that legs fold into the bed so it doesn't look big or take up too much floor space. She's also impressed with how it was easy to move around the house when she needed to for check-ins and feedings during the night.
The CoZee Air crib is a favorite among parents. It was awarded the Gold Award in the 2021 Mother and Baby Awards. It features a smart design with four pulleys built-in to raise or lower the crib and comes with a large storage bin for toys, blankets and other necessities. It's also easy to assemble and light and portable, which is ideal to travel with your baby.
Safety
When selecting a newborn bedside cot, you must keep the safety aspect in your mind. The official safety sleep guidelines of both the Lullaby Trust and NHS recommends that babies should not sleep in parent's beds due to the risk of overheating, suffocation and a greater chance of suffering from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Bedside bassinets allow parents to keep their babies close, which allows for nighttime feedings as well as comforting and monitoring without needing to get out of bed.
This close proximity also assists breastfeeding mothers by allowing them to attend to their baby's needs without waking up in the middle of the night, which can help to maintain milk supply and support the breastfeeding experience. Some cots with a bedside are equipped with adjustable height features that will help ensure that the bassinet is at an appropriate height for mother and baby for easy access to mid-night feedings or for care.
Many bassinets are equipped with a firm mattress, 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 because they are still squishy and are not fully formed. The mattress should be covered with an appropriate sheet to decrease the risk that dust mites, or other allergens, could cause a child to be suffocated. It should also be kept clean and free of irritants.
Some cots for bedside use can be tilted, which is beneficial for babies suffering from reflux or digestive issues, but this should always be done with great caution and at a gentle angle. It is also important to stay clear of adding pillows, duvets or crib bumpers to the bassinet since they could pose a suffocation risk for your baby. They should only be used when the cot is set on an even surface.
You should also think about an infant bassinet with a secure attachment system. It can be attached to your bed without the use of tools. This can be especially helpful for parents who may struggle to get their child in and out of the cot, or who are concerned about falling asleep. If your bassinet is equipped with secured attachments it is a good idea to regularly check it. Check to ensure there aren't any gaps and that the system is securely connected.
Comfort
If you are a soon-to-be parent, the comfort of your child is among your top concerns. There's a new solution to sleep that allows you to keep your baby close in the evening, without the risk of bed-sharing. The baby bedside cot is basically a bassinet-style cot that is attached to the side of your bed that allows you to lift them out towards you for night feeding and soothing. It is also a great option for mothers who are recovering from a C section as it eliminates the need to get up or sit up.
Modern bedside cots for newborns should have a flat, firm mattress to encourage safe sleeping practices and reduce the risk Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Bedding should be simple with just a cot sheet and a blanket that is tightly tucked on the bottom. Avoid toys, bumpers and pillows that could be thrown over your baby, creating a suffocation risk. If your baby is used to being swaddled, you can use a swaddle or baby sleep bag for the first few weeks, although it is best to remove it as soon as possible once they've developed the strength to unwrap themselves.
Some bedside cribs feature a removable or drop-down side that allows for the baby to be easily accessible for feeding and comfort in the middle of the night. This feature is perfect for parents who want to maintain a close bond with their child, while still following NHS guidelines on sleep. However, if you're planning to co-sleep in the same bed as your baby it's important to recognize that this practice has been associated with an increased risk of SIDS particularly if a parent unintentionally is able to roll onto their infant during sleep.
A fabric that breathes will keep your baby comfortable and cool throughout the night. This is particularly crucial if you plan to sleep with your newborn, because the risk of overheating when sleeping increases. The SnuzPod4 features a unique, breathable side panel that aids in improving airflow, keeping your baby warm.