14 Common Misconceptions About Newborn Bedside Cot
Newborn Bedside Cot
A newborn bedside crib is a small sleeping device that allows babies to sleep in the same room with their parents, without the dangers of co-sleeping. (The AAP warns against this because of the dangers of SIDS and suffocation.) It also makes middle-of-the-night nursing sessions and child care easier.
This mattress has an extremely firm mattress that can support babies backs, which reduces the risk of SIDS. It can slide over the bed of your adult to make it easier for you to lift your baby out for midnight nursing or sunrise cuddles.
Budget
A bedside crib and travel cot crib, also known as a co-sleeper or bassinet, is a bassinet style crib that can be attached to your existing bed. This allows you to comfortably and safely reach your baby for mid-night feeding, comforting or cuddles. These are ideal for new parents and mums recovering from a csection as they allow easy access to the baby without having to get up from bed.
There are a variety of styles available, ranging from basic ones with just the drop-down side, to more sophisticated ones with multiple adjustment options, including incline or height. Most convert to a standalone crib for naps during the day or when your baby is around a few months old and is sleeping more at night.
Maxi-Cosi Lora is one of our top picks. It was nominated in the Best Cot category for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. MFM home tester Emily commented on how stylish and contemporary the design is and she was impressed by the fact that you can use it as a regular bassinet or attach it onto your bed for safe side-by-side sleeping. She also adored its soft mattress which has passed our tests for firmness and also that it comes with an option to manually tilt it for reflux sufferers.
She didn't like the fact that it had a non-mesh panel at the bottom and she thought it was too heavy to move from room to room. She also found it to be a little heavy to carry up and down the stairs when it was folded up into its bag for travel.
Size
A bedside cot is essentially a bassinet-style cot that fixes to the side of the bed. It allows you to reach your baby during the night for feeding nappies, comforting and feeding. It's also great for mums 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, because this will reduce the risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). A crib that is placed near your bed is a safe way to achieve this as it is low-sided and allows you to easily access your newborn throughout the night.
It is crucial that your baby sleeps on a firm, not an extremely soft mattress. Newborns don't have the motor control to rotate and a soft mattress could increase the chance of being suffocated. The breathable fabric and skin-friendly materials make the mattress comfortable for your baby bedside crib, but sufficient to ensure safety.
Mum home test Jasmin loved that the crib doesn't take up too much space in her bedroom, and she found the size perfect for a baby. The mattress she rated as also good quality, unlike those that feel cheap and thin. She also appreciates the fact that it has a storage space beneath for blankets and clothes - something she says most bassinets do not have.
MFM mom home test Mehack is a huge fan of the side wall with a removable design that lets you lower it down for easy access to your infant. She also appreciates that the legs can be tucked under the bed to make it look less bulky and occupy less area on the floor. She's also impressed with how easy it is to move around the house as you'd like in the middle of the night, which is convenient for feedings and check-ins.
The CoZee Air crib is a popular choice for parents. It won the Gold Award in the 2021 Mother and Baby Awards. It is a clever design with 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 items. It's also easy to assemble and light and portable, which is ideal for travelling with your baby.
Safety
It's important to consider the safety of the right crib for your baby's bed. The Lullaby Trust, as well as the NHS recommend that babies do not sleep in their parents' beds due to the risk of suffocation or sudden infant death syndrome. Bedside bassinets allow parents to keep their infants close, facilitating night time feedings as well as comforting and monitoring without having to get up.
This close proximity also supports breastfeeding mothers by allowing them to take care of their infant's needs without having to get up in the middle of the night and can help keep milk supply steady and enhance the breastfeeding experience. Some cots with a bedside are equipped with adjustable height features that can help to ensure that the bassinet is a comfortable height for both mother and baby to allow easy access to mid-night feedings or care.
A lot of bassinets have mattresses that are firm, which is designed to decrease the risk of suffocation and is in line with industry standards. This is important because a newborn's bones are soft and aren't fully developed. They require support to prevent injury. The mattress should be encased with a fitted sheet to minimize the risk of suffocation from dust mites and other allergens and kept hygienically clean and free from irritants.
Some cots for bedside co sleeper use can be tilted. This can be useful for babies with reflux or digestive issues, however it should be done with a lot of care and at a gentle angle. It's also important to avoid putting pillows, duvets or padded crib bumpers to the bassinet as these can pose an obstructing risk to your baby. They should only be used when the cot is set on an even surface.
It's also worth considering an infant bassinet that has a secure attachment system that can be easily attached to your bed without the need for tools. This feature is especially useful for parents who find it difficult to carry their child into and out of the crib or are concerned about their child accidentally rolling over during sleep. If your bassinet is equipped with a secure attachment, it is a good idea to check it regularly. Make sure there are no gaps, and that the system is securely connected.
Comfort
If you're expecting your first child, the comfort of your infant is undoubtedly one of your top priorities. Thankfully, there's an innovative sleep solution that lets you keep your baby close to you throughout the night, without any of the risks associated with sharing beds. The baby bedside cot is an essentially a bassinet-style crib that fixes to the side of your bed that allows you to lift them out towards you to feed them at night and soothe. It also makes a great choice for mums recovering from a c-section, since it makes it less necessary to bend down too far or even to get out of the bed.
Modern cots for infants should be fitted with a firm, flat mattress to encourage safe sleep practices and reduce the risk Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. The bedding should be kept simple with just the sheet for the cot and blanket that is tightly tucked into the bottom. Avoid bumpers, toys and pillows that may fall onto your baby posing the risk of suffocation. If your baby is used to being swaddled you can make use of a swaddle, or a baby sleep bag for the first few weeks, however it is best to remove it as soon as possible once they've developed the strength to pull themselves out of the wrap.
Some cribs for bedside use a removable or drop-down side for easy access to your baby's feeds and comforting. This is a wonderful feature for parents who want to keep a strong bond with their child, while adhering to NHS safe sleep guidelines. If you are planning to sleep with your child, it is important to know that this practice may increase the chance of SIDS. This is especially the case if a parent falls on their child when they are asleep.
A fabric that is breathable will keep your baby cool and cool throughout the night. This is particularly important if you plan to sleep with your newborn, as the risk of overheating in the night increases. The SnuzPod4 features a unique side panel made of breathable mesh that helps improve airflow and keep your baby snug in their mattress.