20 Resources That'll Make You Better At Newborn Bedside Cot
Newborn Bedside Cot
A crib for newborns is a small sleeping device that allows babies to sleep in the same room as their parents, without the dangers of co-sleeping. (The AAP warns against this because of the dangers of SIDS and the risk of suffocation.) It makes it easier to care for your infant and feed them during the night.
This sleeper has a sturdy mattress that can support babies' backs and minimize the chance of SIDS. It can be rotated over your adult bed to allow you to lift your baby for sunrise cuddles or nighttime nursing.
Budget
A bedside cot, also referred to as a co-sleeper is a bassinet-style baby cot that clips or attaches to your existing bed. This allows you to safely and easily reach your baby for mid-night feeding or cuddles. They are a great option for mums or new parents recovering from a csection as they provide an easy access to baby and do not require you to get out of bed.
There are lots of different styles available, from basic models with just a drop-down option to more sophisticated ones that can be adjusted in multiple ways, including incline and height options. Many can be converted into a standalone crib when your baby grows older and is sleeping longer in the night.
One of our favourites is the Maxi-Cosi Lora which was nominated for the 2021 Mother&Baby awards for the categories of Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket. MFM home tester Emily noted how stylish and modern the design was. She also appreciated the fact that it can be used as a bassinet, or clipped to your bed for a safe side-by-side sleep. She also liked the plush mattress that was able to pass our test of firmness, and the fact that it comes with a manual rocking feature that can be set to a slight tilt for reflux sufferers.
She didn't like that it had a non mesh panel at the bottom and considered it too bulky to move from room to room. It also felt a bit heavy to carry up and down the stairs, especially when folded away into its bag for travel.
Size
A bedside cot is similar to a bassinet that is placed on the side of your bed. It allows you to easily reach your baby for mid-night feeding nappies, comforting and feeding. It's also great for moms recovering from a C-section.
The NHS and Lullaby Trust recommend that you keep your baby separated from you in the first six month, to reduce the risk of SIDS. A crib that is placed near your bed is a secure way to accomplish this since it has low sides and lets you be able to easily access your baby during the night.
bedside rocking crib that your newborn sleeps on a firm mattress since it is safer than a soft one. Babies don't have motor control needed to turn and a mattress that is soft can increase the chance of suffocation. This mattress is made from skin-friendly and air-tight materials. It's comfortable for your baby, but firm enough to ensure safety.
Mum home test Jasmin liked that this crib does not take up much space in her bedroom, and she found it to be the perfect size for a newborn. She also stated that the mattress was of good quality unlike other cribs that feel thin and flimsy. She also loves that it has a storage area underneath for clothes and blankets which she believes most bassinets do not have.
MFM mom home test Mehack is a fan of the removable side wall that lets you drop it to make it easier access to your infant. She also loves the fact that the legs can be put under the bed to make it look less bulky and take up less floor space. She's also impressed with how it was easy to move around her home when she needed to do check-ins and feedings during the night.
A winner of the Gold award at the 2021 Mother and Baby Awards The CoZee Air is a popular choice among parents. It features a smart design with four built-in pulleys to raise or lower the crib. It also includes a large storage basket to store your baby's toys, blankets and other essentials. It is also lightweight and easy to put together, making it ideal to travel with your baby.
Safety
When choosing a baby's bedside cot it's important to keep safety in your thoughts. The official safety sleep guidelines of both the Lullaby Trust and NHS recommends that babies not sleep in their parents' beds due to the risk of suffocation, overheating and a higher chance of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Bassinets that are placed in bed let parents keep their baby close to help with nighttime feedings as well as monitoring and comforting 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 still sleeping. This can help maintain the supply of milk and also encourage breastfeeding. Some cots for bedside use adjustable height features that aid mother and child to access the bassinet for feedings or other activities at night.
Many bassinets come with a firm mattress, which is designed to reduce the risk of suffocation, and also meets the standards of the industry. This is important because a newborn's bones are brittle and not fully developed, and require support to prevent injury. The mattress should be covered with an appropriate sheet to reduce the risk that dust mites or other allergens, could choke a child. It must also be kept clean and free of allergens.
Some cots for bedside use have the capability of being tilted. This can be beneficial for babies with reflux or digestive issues, but this should always be done with great caution and at a gentle angle. It is also essential to avoid adding pillows, duvets or padded crib bumpers to the bassinet since they can create a suffocation risk for your baby. They should only be used when the cot is set on flat surfaces.
You should also consider an infant bassinet with a secure attachment system. It can be connected to your existing bed easily without the need of tools. This is particularly 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 during sleep. If your bassinet is equipped with an attachment system that is secure it's a good idea to regularly check that it's securely attached and that there aren't any gaps or loose parts that could pose a hazard.
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 lets you keep your baby close to you at night, without the danger of sharing the bed. The infant bedside cot basically a bassinet-style cot that fixes to the bed's side that allows you to take them away for feeding at night and calming. It is also a great option for mothers who are recovering from a C-section since it eliminates the need to get up or bend over.
Modern bedside cots for babies should include a firm, flat mattress to encourage safe sleep habits and lower the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Bedding should be easy comprising a cot sheets and a blanket that is tightly tucked at the bottom. Avoid bumpers, toys, and pillows that may fall onto your baby posing an obstructive risk. If your baby is used to being swaddled you can use a swaddle or baby sleep bag for the initial few weeks, but it should be removed as soon as you can once they've gained the strength to pull themselves out of the wrap.
Some bedside cribs have an open or removable side that allows easy access to your newborn for middle-of-the-night feeds and comforting. This is a great feature for parents who want to maintain a close bond with their child, but still adhere to NHS sleep guidelines. If you plan to co-sleep with your child, it's crucial to be aware that this practice could increase the chance of SIDS. This is especially when a parent accidentally is able to roll their infant over when they are asleep.
A breathable fabric will keep your baby comfy and cool throughout the night. This is especially crucial if you intend to sleep with your newborn because the risk of overheating increases during sleep. The SnuzPod4 has a unique side panel made of breathable mesh, which helps to improve the airflow and keeps your baby snug in their bed.