Are You Getting The Most From Your Newborn Bedside Cot?

· 6 min read
Are You Getting The Most From Your Newborn Bedside Cot?

Newborn Bedside Cot

A newborn bedside crib is a tiny sleeping device that allows babies to sleep in the same room as their parents without the risks of co-sleeping. (The AAP warns against this because of the dangers of SIDS and the risk of suffocation.) It helps you take care of your infant and feed them during the night.

This sleeper has a sturdy mattress to support babies' backs and decrease the chance of SIDS. It can be swiveled over your adult bed to allow you to carry your baby to the top for sunrise cuddles or midnight nursing.

Budget

A bedside cot, sometimes referred to as a co-sleeper, is the bassinet-style baby cot that can be attached to your existing bed. This allows you to comfortably and safely reach your baby during the night for feeding or cuddles. These are ideal for new parents and mums recovering from a c-section because they provide easy access to the baby without having to get up from the bed.



There are a variety of styles that are available, from the simple ones with a drop down side to more sophisticated models that have numerous adjustment options, like an incline or a height. The majority of them can be converted into an independent crib for naps during the day or when your baby is about months old and is sleeping more at night.

One of our favorites is the Maxi-Cosi Lora that was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby awards in Best Cot Crib, Best Cot, or Moses Basket. MFM home tester Emily noted how stylish and modern the design was. She also appreciated the fact that it could be used as a bassinet or clipped to your bed to ensure safe side-by-side sleeping. She also liked the plush mattress that was able to pass our test of firmness and also the fact that it comes with a manual rocking function that can be set to a slight tilt for those suffering from reflux.

However, she wasn't a fan of the feature of a non-mesh panel on the foot end and thought it was a bit heavy to move from room room regularly. She also found it a little heavy to carry up and down the stairs, especially when folded into a bag for travel.

Size

A bedside cot is basically the bassinet style cot that can be fixed to the side of the bed. It's easy to reach your baby to feed them, change nappies or comforting in the middle of the night. It's also great for moms recovering from C-sections.

The NHS and Lullaby Trust advise that you keep your baby in the same room as you, but keep them separate from you for the first six months because this will reduce the risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). The crib at the bedside with its low sides, is a great option to do this.  bedside crib or cot  lets you access your baby easily at night.

It is important that your baby is sleeping on a firm and not an extremely soft mattress. A mattress that is soft increases the risk of suffocation among infants as they do not have the motor control required to turn. The mattress is made of skin-friendly and breathable materials. It's comfortable for your baby, but sufficient to be secure.

Mum Jasmin was pleased 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 noted that the mattress was of good quality, unlike others which are thin and fragile. She also loves that it has a storage space beneath for blankets and clothes which she claims many other bassinets lack.

MFM mum home test Mehack is a big fan of the removable side wall that allows you to drop it to make it easier access to your infant. She also loves that legs fold under the bed so it doesn't look bulky or take up too much floor space. She's also impressed with the ease of being able to move around the house as you'd like for ease during late-night feedings and check-ins.

The winner of an Gold award in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards and 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. There is also an enormous basket that can be used to store blankets, toys and other items. It's also light and easy to put together and is ideal for travel with your baby.

Safety

When choosing a baby's bedside cot, it is important to keep safety in mind. The official safe sleep guidelines from both the Lullaby Trust and NHS recommends that babies do not sleep in their parents' beds because of the risks of overheating, suffocation and a higher chance of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Bassinets for bedside use let parents keep their infant close, facilitating feeding at night, comforting and monitoring without needing to leave their bed.

This close proximity can aid breastfeeding mothers since it allows them to attend to the baby's needs while they sleep.  bedside crib or cot  can help to maintain the supply of milk and also encourage breastfeeding. Some bedside cots come with adjustable height features that can help the mother and child to reach the bassinet for feedings or other care throughout the night.

Many bassinets are equipped with mattresses that are firm. This is designed to decrease suffocation risk and meets industry standards. It is crucial to support the bones of a newborn since they are still fragile and are not fully formed. The mattress should be covered in a fitted cover to decrease the chance of suffocation from dust mites and other allergens. It should also be kept clean and free of allergens.

Some bedside cribs can be tilted. This is useful for babies suffering from reflux or digestive issues. However, it should be done slowly and with caution. Avoid putting pillows, duvets or padded crib bumpers in the bassinet. They could pose the risk of suffocation to your baby.

It is also recommended to consider the bassinet with an attachment system that is secure. It can be attached to your existing bed easily without the need of tools. This can be especially beneficial for parents who struggle to get their child in and out of the crib or who are concerned about rolling over during sleep. If your bassinet is equipped with a secure attachment system it's an excellent idea to periodically ensure that it's securely secured and that there aren't gaps or loose components that could cause danger.

Comfort

If you're expecting your first child, the safety of your child is definitely one of your main concerns. There's a brand new sleep solution that lets you keep your baby close in the evening, without the risk of sharing the bed. The infant bedside cot an essentially a bassinet-style crib that is attached to the side of your bed and allows you to take them away for feeding at night and calming. It's also a great choice for mothers recovering from a C-section as it eliminates the need to stand up or to bend over.

Modern bedside cots for babies should be fitted with a firm, flat mattress to encourage safe sleeping practices and reduce the risk Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. The bedding should be simple, comprising a cot sheets and blanket tucked tightly on the bottom. Avoid toys, bumpers and pillows that could fall onto your baby posing a suffocation risk. If your baby is used to being swaddled during a few weeks, you can use either an swaddle or baby sleep bag. But, it should be removed when they are strong enough to remove them.

Some bedside cribs feature a removable or drop-down side that gives you easy access to your baby for feeding and comfort in the middle of the night. This is a good option for parents who wish to keep a strong bond with their child, while adhering to NHS safe sleep guidelines. 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 when a parent accidentally is able to roll onto their infant during sleep.

A breathable fabric will keep your baby cool and cool throughout the night. This is especially crucial if you intend to sleep with your newborn because the risk of overheating is higher during sleep. The SnuzPod4 has a unique, breathable side panel, which helps increase the airflow and keeps your baby warm.