14 Questions You re Refused To Ask Newborn Bedside Cot
Newborn Bedside Cot
A newborn bedside cot is a compact sleeper that allows babies to sleep in the same room as their parents without the dangers of co-sleeping (which the AAP cautions against due SIDS and suffocation). It also makes middle-of-the-night nursing sessions and baby care easier.
This sleeper features a firm mattress that is designed to support babies' backs and decrease the chance of SIDS. It can be swiveled over your bed to allow you to lift your child out for midnight cuddles or a sunrise kiss.
Budget
A bedside crib, also referred to as a co-sleeper or bassinet is a bassinet-style crib for babies that attaches to your bed. This lets you comfortably and safely reach your newborn for middle-of-the-night feeding or cuddles. These are perfect for new parents and mums recovering from a c-section as they allow easy access to the baby without having to get up from the bed.
There are a variety of designs available, from the simple ones with an upside-down side to more sophisticated models that offer various adjustment options, such as the ability to tilt or raise. The majority of them can be converted into a standalone crib for daytime naps or when your baby is around a few months old and sleeps longer at night.
Maxi-Cosi Lora is among our top picks. It was selected in the best bedside cot for newborn Cot category for the 2021 Mother&baby bedside crib Awards. MFM home tester Emily expressed her delight at how stylish and contemporary the design is and she was impressed by the feature that you can use it as a regular bassinet, or clip it onto your bed for safe side-by-side sleeping. She also appreciated its luxurious mattress which passed our firmness tests and also that it comes with an option to manually tilt it for those who suffer from reflux.
But she wasn't thrilled with the feature of a non-mesh panel at the lower end, and felt it was a bit heavy to move from room to room regularly. When it was folded into its travel bag, she found it to be quite heavy to carry up the stairs.
Size
A bedside cot is basically an upholstered bassinet that is fixed to your side of the bed. It allows you to easily reach your baby for mid-night feeding, nappies and comforting. It's also great for mothers recovering from the C-section.
The NHS and Lullaby Trust advise that you place your baby in the same room as you, but separated from you for the first six months as this can help reduce the risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). The bedside crib with its low sides is a great method to do this. It allows you to access your baby easily at night.
It is important that your baby sleeps on a firm and not an extremely soft mattress. Newborns don't have the motor control to turn over and a soft mattress could increase the chance of suffocation. The breathable fabric and skin-friendly materials make the mattress comfortable for your baby, but sufficient to ensure safety.
Mum home tester Jasmin loved that the crib does not take up a lot of space in her bedroom. Also, she found it to be the perfect size for a newborn. 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 underneath for clothes and bedding which many bassinets don't have.
Mehack is an MFM mum who tested the product at home, loves that you can remove the wall on the side to make it easier to access your baby. She also likes the fact that the legs can be tucked under the bed to make it look less bulky and occupy less space on the floor. She's also amazed by how easy it is to move around the house when you'd like, for convenience during middle-of-the-night meals and check-ins.
A winner of an Gold award at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, the CoZee Air is a popular choice amongst parents. It is a clever design with four pulleys that can be used to raise or lower your crib. It also comes with an ample basket for blankets, toys and other essentials. It's also simple to put together and light and portable, which is ideal for traveling with your baby.
Safety
It is important to think about safety when choosing a newborn bedside crib. The Lullaby Trust, as well as the NHS, recommend that babies do not sleep in their parents' beds due to the possibility of suffocation and sudden infant death syndrome. Bedside bassinets enable parents to keep their newborns close, facilitating night time feedings as well as monitoring without the need to get up.
This close proximity also supports breastfeeding mothers as they can attend to their baby's needs without having to wake up at all times and help maintain milk supply and support the breastfeeding experience. Some cots for bedside have adjustable height features that will help ensure that the bassinet is at a comfortable height for both mother and baby to allow 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 industry standards. This is crucial because a newborn's bones are brittle and not fully developed and must be supported to prevent damage. The mattress should be covered with a fitted sheet in order to minimize the chance that dust mites or other allergens, can cause a child to be suffocated. It must also be kept clean and free of irritants.
Some bedside cribs can be tilted. This is helpful for babies suffering from reflux or digestive problems. But, it should be done with care and with caution. Avoid placing pillows, duvets or padded crib bumpers inside the bassinet. They could pose the risk of suffocation to your baby.
It's also worth thinking about an adjustable bassinet with an attachment system that is secure and can be easily fixed to your existing bed without the need for tools. This is especially helpful for parents who may struggle to get their child in and out of the cot, or who are concerned about rolling over during sleep. If your bassinet has a secure attachment system, it's an excellent idea to periodically check that it's securely attached and that there are no gaps or loose parts which could cause danger.
Comfort
If you're a parent-to-be, the comfort of your baby is surely one of your top priorities. There's a great sleep solution that lets you keep your baby close during the night without taking on any of the risks that come with sharing beds. The infant bedside crib is a cot that resembles a bassinet that is attached to the side of the bed. It allows you to safely lift your baby out to you for feedings at night and calming. It is an excellent option for mothers recovering from a C-section since it will not require you to stand or bend over.
Modern bedside cots for newborns (https://www.graphicscience.jp) should have a flat, firm mattress to promote safe sleeping habits and reduce the risk Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. The bedding should be simple, comprising a cot sheets and a blanket that is tightly tucked at the bottom. Avoid toys, bumpers and pillows that may fall onto your baby posing the risk of suffocation. If your baby has been used to being swaddled for a few weeks and you want to use the swaddle or baby sleep bag. However, this should be removed after they have the strength to unwrap them.
Some bedside cribs have an open or removable side for easy access to your newborn for middle-of-the-night feeds and comforting. This feature is ideal for parents who wish to maintain a close relationship with their child, but still adhere to NHS sleep guidelines. However, if you're planning to co-sleep in the same bed with your child, it's important to understand that this practice has been linked to an increased risk of SIDS, particularly if a parent unintentionally rolls onto their infant while they sleep.
A breathable fabric is another important safety feature, as it's designed to keep your baby cool and comfortable throughout the night. This is especially crucial if you intend to sleep with your newborn, as the risk of being overheated increases during sleep. The SnuzPod4 comes with a unique, breathable side panel, which helps increase the flow of air, keeping your baby warm.