5 Killer Quora Answers On Newborn Bedside Cot
Newborn Bedside Cot
A newborn bedside cot is a small sleeper that allows babies to sleep in the same room as their parents without the risk of sleeping together (which the AAP recommends against due to SIDS and suffocation). It also makes middle-of-the-night nursing sessions and child care easier.
This mattress has a firm mattress that supports babies backs, reducing the chance of SIDS. It can swivel over your bed to allow you to carry your child out for midnight nursing or cuddles at sunrise.
Budget
A bedside crib, also known as a co-sleeper or bassinet is a bassinet type crib that can be attached to your bed. This lets you reach your baby comfortably and safely for a mid-night feed, comforting, or cuddles. They are a great option for mums or new parents recovering from a csection as they offer easy access to baby and do not require you to get up.
There are many different designs that are available, from the simple ones with the drop-down side, to more sophisticated ones that offer numerous adjustment options, like the ability to tilt or raise. Many convert to a separate crib for daytime naps or when your baby is a few months old and is sleeping more at night.
One of our favourites is the Maxi-Cosi Lura, which was shortlisted for 2021 Mother&Baby awards for best bedside cot Cot, Crib or Moses Basket. MFM home tester Emily commented how stylish and modern the design was. She also liked the fact that it could be used as a bassinet, or attached to your existing bed, for a safe side-by-side sleep. She also liked its plush mattress which has passed our tests for firmness and also that it comes with an adjustable manual inclining feature for those who suffer from reflux.
However, she didn't like the fact that it had a non-mesh panel at the foot end and felt it was a bit bulky to move from room to room regularly. It also felt a little heavy to carry up and down the stairs, especially when it was folded up into its travel cot bedside crib bag.
Size
A bedside cot is basically an upholstered bassinet that is fixed to your side of the bed. It allows you to reach your newborn for middle-of-the-night feeding, nappies and comforting. It's ideal for mothers recovering from a c-section.
The NHS and Lullaby Trust recommend that you keep your baby separated from you for the first six month, to lower the risk of SIDS. A bedside crib is a secure way to achieve this because 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 a soft mattress. A mattress that is soft can increase the risk of suffocation for newborns, since they lack the motor control needed to turn. The soft, breathable fabric and skin-friendly materials make this mattress comfortable for your baby, but sufficient to ensure safety.
Mum home test Jasmin was pleased with the fact that the crib does not take up a lot of space in her bedroom, and she found the size to be perfect for a newborn. She also noted that the mattress was of high-quality, unlike others which seem thin and flimsy. She also likes that it has a storage compartment underneath for clothes and blankets - something she says most bassinets do not have.
MFM mum home test Mehack is a big fan of the side wall that is removable that lets you drop it to make it easier access to your newborn. She also appreciates that legs can be placed under the bed to look less bulky and take up less floor space. She's also impressed by the ease of being able to move around the house as you want to 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 features a smart design with four built-in pulleys to raise or lower the crib and has a large storage basket for blankets, toys and other necessities. It is also lightweight and easy to assemble and is ideal for traveling with your baby.
Safety
When selecting a newborn bedside cot, you must keep safety in your thoughts. The official safe sleep guidelines from both the Lullaby Trust and NHS recommends that babies do not sleep in parent's beds due to the risk of suffocation, overheating and a greater chance of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Bedside bassinets let parents keep their baby close and allow for night-time feedings as well as monitoring and comforting without having to leave their bed.
This close proximity also supports breastfeeding mothers by allowing them to attend to the needs of their infant without having to get up completely, which can help to keep milk supply steady and enhance the breastfeeding experience. Some cots with a bedside are equipped with adjustable height options, which will help ensure that the bassinet is at a comfortable height for both mother and baby, allowing easy access for middle-of-the-night feedings or other care.
Many bassinets come with mattresses that are firm, which is designed to minimize the risk of suffocation, and also meets the standards of the industry. It is essential to provide support for the bones of a newborn, since they are still fragile and are not fully formed. The mattress should be covered with a fitted sheet to minimize the risk of suffocation caused by dust mites or other allergens and kept hygienically clean and free of allergens.
Some cribs for bedside crib and travel cot use can be tilted. This is helpful for babies with digestive or reflux issues. However, this should be done slowly and with care. Avoid adding pillows, duvets, or padded crib bumpers in the bassinet. These could create the risk of suffocation to your baby.
You should also think about an infant bassinet with an attachment system that is secure. This can be attached to your existing bed easily without the need for tools. This is especially useful for parents who struggle to lift their baby into and out of the cot or concerned about the possibility of rolling over in the night. If your bassinet does have secured attachments it's a good idea to regularly check that it's securely attached and that there aren't gaps or loose parts that could cause danger.
Comfort
If you're expecting a child and you're worried about the safety of your infant is undoubtedly one of your top priorities. There's a brand new sleep solution that lets you keep your baby close to you at night without the risk of sharing a bed. The newborn bedside cot (you can try these out) is an essentially a bassinet-style crib which is fixed to the bed's side and allows you to take them away to feed them at night and soothe. It also makes an excellent choice for mothers recovering from a c-section because it eliminates the need to bend too much or even take a step out of the bed.
A modern bedside cot for newborns should have a firm, flat mattress to help in promoting safe sleeping habits and reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). The bedding should be simple, comprising a cot sheets and a blanket tightly tucked on the bottom. Avoid toys, bumpers or pillows because they can fall on your baby and cause suffocation hazard. 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, although it should be removed when possible after they've gained the strength and confidence to take off their wraps.
Some cribs for bedside use an open or removable side that allows easy access to your baby's feeds and comforting. This is a great option for parents who wish to maintain a strong bond with their child, but still adhere to NHS safe sleep guidelines. If you're planning to co-sleep in the same bed with your baby, it's important to understand that this practice has been associated with an increased risk of SIDS especially in the event that a parent rolls onto their infant during sleep.
A fabric that is breathable is an important safety factor, since it's designed to keep your baby cool and comfortable throughout the night. This is particularly crucial if you plan to co-sleep your newborn because the risk of overheating when sleeping increases. The SnuzPod4 has a unique breathable side panel that helps improve the flow of air, keeping your baby cool.