Newborn Bedside Cot
A newborn bedside crib is a small sleeping device that allows babies to sleep in the same space as their parents without the risks of co-sleeping. (The AAP warns against this due to the risk of SIDS and inhalation.) It helps you care for your infant and feed them throughout the night.
This sleeper has a sturdy mattress that can support the backs of babies and reduce the chance of SIDS. It can be swiveled on your adult bed to allow you to carry your baby to the top to snuggle them at sunrise or for late night nursing.
Budget
A bedside crib, also called a bassinet or cosleeper, is a bassinet style crib that can be attached to your bed. This allows you to comfortably and safely reach your baby during the night for feeding, comforting or cuddles. These are ideal for moms and babies recovering from a csection because they allow easy access to the baby without having to get up from bed.
There are many different designs on the market, from basic models with just a drop-down side to more sophisticated models that can be adjusted in several ways, including incline and height options. click to find out more to an independent crib for daytime naps or when your baby is about months old and is sleeping more at night.
Maxi-Cosi Lora is one 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 modern the design and she was impressed by the possibility of using it as a regular bassinet, or attach it onto your bed to ensure that you can sleep side-by-side. She also admired the soft mattress that has passed our test for firmness and the fact that it comes with a manual rocking function that can be set to a slight incline for reflux sufferers.
She wasn't a fan of the fact that it had a mesh panel at the bottom, and thought it was too bulky to move from room to room. She also found it a little heavy to carry up and down the stairs once it was folded up into its travel bag.
Size
A bedside cot is similar to an infant bassinet that is placed on the side of your bed. You can easily reach your baby to feed, change nappies, or to comfort them during the night. It's perfect for mothers who are recovering from an o-section.
The NHS and Lullaby Trust advise that you keep your baby in the same space as you, but separated from you for the first six months because this will reduce the chance of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). A crib that is placed near your bed is a safe way to achieve this because it is low-sided and allows you to be able to easily access your baby throughout the night.
It is crucial that your baby is sleeping on a firm, not an extremely soft mattress. Infants don't have the motor control to turn over and a soft mattress could increase the risk of drowning. This mattress is made from skin-friendly and air-tight materials. It is a comfortable fit for your baby, but firm enough to be safe.
Mum Jasmin was delighted that the crib didn't take up much space in her room and found it to be the ideal size for a baby. She said the mattress was excellent quality, in contrast to some that feel flimsy and thin. She also loves the fact that it has a storage space underneath for clothes and bedding which many bassinets don't have.
Mehack, a MFM mom who tried the product at home, is thrilled that you can take off the side wall to allow for easier access to your baby. She also likes that the legs tuck under the bed so that it doesn't look bulky or take up too much floor space. She's also impressed with how easy it is to move around the house as you'd like for ease during late-night meals and check-ins.
The CoZee Air crib is a popular choice for parents. It won a Gold Award in the 2021 Mother and Baby Awards. It has a clever design with four pulleys which can be used to raise or lower your crib. There is also a large basket for blankets, toys, and other items. It's also easy to assemble and lightweight that is great to travel with your baby.
Safety
When choosing a new baby's bedside cot, it is important to keep the safety of your baby in your mind. The official safe sleep guidelines from both the Lullaby Trust and NHS recommends that babies should not be sleeping in the bed of their parents due to the risk of suffocation, overheating and a higher risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Bedside bassinets let parents keep their newborn close by, facilitating feeding at night as well as monitoring and comforting without having to get up from their beds.
This close proximity also helps breastfeeding mothers by allowing them to attend to the needs of their infant without having to wake up in the middle of the night and help keep milk supply steady and enhance the breastfeeding experience. Some bedside cots come with adjustable height options that can aid mother and child to access the bassinet for feedings or other care throughout the night.
Many bassinets have mattresses that are firm and designed to minimize the risk of suffocation and meets industry standards. This is important because a newborn's bones are brittle and not fully developed and need to be supported to prevent damage. The mattress should be covered with an appropriate sheet to decrease the risk that dust mites, or other allergens, will cause a child to be suffocated. It must also be kept clean and free of irritants.
Some cribs for bedside use can be tilted. This is beneficial for babies who have reflux or digestive issues. But, it should be done slowly and with caution. Avoid adding pillows, duvets, or padded crib bumpers to the bassinet. These can pose the risk of suffocation your baby.
It's also worth considering an adjustable bassinet with an attachment system that is secure and can be easily attached to your bed without the necessity of tools. This can be especially helpful for parents who may struggle to lift their child in and out of the cot, or who are concerned about rolling over in the night. If your bassinet has an attachment that is secure, it is a good idea to regularly check it. Check to ensure there are no gaps, and that the system is securely connected.
Comfort
If you're a soon-to-be parent, the comfort of your child is among your top concerns. There's a wonderful sleep solution that allows you to keep your baby close to you throughout the night without taking on any of the dangers that come with sharing beds. The baby bedside cot is an essentially a bassinet-style crib that is attached to the side of your bed, allowing you to safely take them away to feed them at night and soothe. It also makes an excellent choice for mothers recovering from a c-section, since it makes it less necessary to bend over too much or even get out of the bed.
Modern bedside cots for babies should be fitted with a firm, flat mattress to encourage safe sleeping habits and reduce the risk Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. The bedding should be simple, with only the sheet for the cot and blanket tucked in tightly at the bottom. Avoid bumpers, toys, and pillows that may be thrown over your baby, creating an obstructive risk. If your baby has been used to being swaddled during a few weeks, you can use either an swaddle or baby sleep bag. However, it is recommended that this be removed after they have the strength to take them off.
Some cribs with a bedside have a removable or drop-down side that allows easy access to your newborn for middle-of-the-night feeds and comforting. This is a good option for parents who wish to keep the bond between them and their child, but still adhere to NHS safe sleep guidelines. If you're planning to co-sleep in the same bed as your baby, it's important to understand that this practice has been linked to an increased risk of SIDS especially when a parent accidentally is able to roll onto their child during sleep.
A fabric that is breathable is an essential safety feature, as it's designed to keep your baby cool and comfortable throughout the night. This is particularly important if you intend to sleep with your baby because the risk of overheating during sleep increases. The SnuzPod4 features a unique breathable mesh side panel that helps improve airflow and keep your baby comfortable in their mattress.