11 Ways To Completely Revamp 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 with their parents, without the dangers of co-sleeping. (The AAP warns against this due to the risk of SIDS and suffocation.) It makes it easier to take care of your baby and give them a bottle throughout the night.
This sleeper comes with an extremely firm mattress that can support babies backs, reducing the risk of SIDS. It can swivel over your bed to allow you to lift your baby out for midnight nursing or cuddles at sunrise.
Budget
A bedside cot, also known as a co-sleeper, is a bassinet-style baby cot that can be attached to your existing bed. This allows you to reach your baby quickly and safely for a nighttime feed or cuddles. They are a great option for new parents or mums recovering from a c-section as they allow easy access to baby and do not require you to get out of bed.
There are many different designs on the market, from basic models with just a drop-down option to more sophisticated models that can be adjusted in multiple ways including height and incline options. Most can be converted into a separate crib when your baby grows older and sleeps longer at night.
Maxi-Cosi Lora is among our top picks. It was shortlisted in the Best Cot category for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. MFM home tester Emily commented on how stylish and contemporary the design is, while she appreciated the fact that you can use it as a regular bassinet or attach it onto your bed for safe side-by-side sleeping. She also appreciated the soft mattress that passed our firmness test and the fact that it comes with an automatic rocking feature that can be set to a slight incline for reflux sufferers.
She didn't like the fact that it had a non mesh panel at the bottom, and she thought it was too heavy to move from room to room. She also found it a bit heavy to carry up and down the stairs when it was folded up into its bag for travel bedside crib.
Size
A bedside cot is a bassinet that is attached to the bed's side. It is easy to reach your baby's mouth to feed them, change nappies, or to comfort them in the middle of the night. It's great for mothers recovering from an o-section.
The NHS and Lullaby Trust advise that you place your baby in the same room with you but separate 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 method to achieve this as it is low-sided and allows you to easily reach your baby at night.
It is crucial that your baby sleeps on a firm and not an extremely soft mattress. Babies don't have motor control needed to turn and a mattress that is soft could increase the chance of drowning. The breathable fabric and skin-friendly materials make this mattress comfortable for your baby but also sufficiently firm to be safe for your baby.
Mum Jasmin was delighted that the crib didn't occupy too the entire space in her room and found it to be the perfect size for a newborn. She said the mattress was also of good quality, as opposed to some that feel flimsy and thin. She also appreciates the fact that it has a storage space beneath to store blankets and clothing - something she says many bassinets don't have.
Mehack is an MFM mother who has tested the product at home, is thrilled that you can take off the wall on the side to allow easier access to your baby. She also likes that legs slide under the bed so that it doesn't appear heavy or take up too much floor space. She's also impressed with how easy it is to move around the house as you want to in the middle of the night, which is convenient for feedings and check-ins.
A recipient of an Gold award at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, the CoZee Air is a popular choice for parents. It has a clever design with four pulleys that are built-in to raise or lower the crib. It also has a large storage basket for your baby's blankets, toys and other essentials. It's also easy to put together and lightweight and portable, which is ideal for travelling with your baby.
Safety
It is important to think about safety when choosing the right crib for your baby's bed. The Lullaby Trust, as well as the NHS advise that babies not sleep in the parents bed due to the risk of suffocation or sudden infant death syndrome. Bassinets for bedside use let parents keep their baby close, facilitating nighttime feedings as well as monitoring and comforting without needing to leave their bed.
This close proximity also supports breastfeeding mothers by allowing them to attend to their baby's needs without waking up completely and can help keep the supply of milk steady and help the breastfeeding experience. Some bedside travel cot cots come with adjustable height features that can make it easier for mother and child to access the bassinet for feedings or other care throughout the night.
Many bassinets are equipped with mattresses that are firm, which is designed to reduce the risk of suffocation, and also meets the standards of the industry. This is crucial because a baby's bones are fragile and aren't fully developed. They require support to prevent injury. The mattress should be encased in a fitted sheet to decrease the chance of suffocation caused by dust mites and other allergens and kept hygienically clean and free of irritants.
Some bedside cots have the capability of being tilted. This can be beneficial for babies with reflux or digestive issues, however it should be done with a lot of care and at a moderate angle. Avoid adding pillows, duvets or padded crib bumpers in the bassinet. These could create a risk of suffocation for your baby.
It is also recommended to consider a bassinet that has a secure attachment system. This can be connected to your existing bed easily without the use of tools. This feature is especially useful for parents who struggle to carry their child into and out of the crib or are concerned about their child rolling over while sleeping. If your bassinet is equipped with an attachment system that is secure it's recommended to regularly ensure that it's securely secured and that there aren't any gaps or loose parts that could cause danger.
Comfort
If you're expecting your first child, the comfort of your child is definitely one of your top priorities. There's a wonderful sleep solution that allows you to keep your baby close during the night, without any of the dangers that come with sharing a bed. The baby bedside cot is essentially a bassinet-style cot that is attached to the bed's side, allowing you to safely lift them out towards you for night feeding and soothing. It's an excellent option for mothers recovering from a C-section since it eliminates the need to stand or sit up.
Modern cots for infants should include a firm, flat mattress to promote safe sleeping practices and reduce the risk Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. The bedding should be simple and consist of only the cot sheet and a blanket that is tightly tucked into the bottom. Avoid bumpers, toys, and pillows that can be thrown over your baby, creating an obstructive risk. 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 once they are strong enough to unwrap them.
Some cribs with a bedside crib to cot have a drop-down or removable side for easy access to your baby for feedings in the middle of the night and comforting. This feature is perfect for parents who want to keep a close relationship with their child while still following NHS guidelines on sleep. If you're considering sleeping in the same bed as your baby it's important to know that this practice has been linked to a higher risk of SIDS particularly in the event that a parent rolls onto their infant while they sleep.
A breathable fabric will keep your baby comfortable and cool throughout the night. This is especially important if you plan to sleep with your newborn, as the risk of overheating when sleeping increases. The SnuzPod4 has a unique breathable mesh side panel that helps improve the flow of air and keep your baby warm in their mattress.