20 Resources To Make You More Efficient At Newborn Bedside Cot
Newborn Bedside Cot
A newborn crib with a bedside is a tiny sleeper 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 inhalation.) It also makes nursing sessions and care much easier.
This mattress has an extremely firm mattress that can support babies' backs, reducing the risk of SIDS. It can be swiveled over your adult bed to carry your baby to the top to cuddle them at sunrise or during nighttime nursing.
Budget
A bedside crib, also referred to as a co sleeper bedside cot-sleeper or bassinet is a bassinet-style crib that can be attached to your bed. This lets you comfortably and safely reach your baby during the night for feeding, comforting or cuddles. These are ideal for mothers and new parents recovering from a c-section as they allow the baby to be easily accessible without having to get up from bed.
There are a variety of styles that are available, from the basic ones that have a drop down side to more sophisticated models with multiple adjustment options, including the ability to tilt or raise. The majority of them can be converted to a standalone crib when your baby grows older and sleeps longer in the night.
One of our favourites is the Maxi-Cosi Lora, which was nominated for the 2021 Mother&Baby awards in the categories of Best 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 clipped to your bed for a safe side-by-side sleep. She also appreciated its luxurious mattress, which passed our firmness tests and also that it comes with a manual inclining function for reflux sufferers.
But she wasn't thrilled with the design of the non-mesh panel on the foot end and felt it was a bit heavy to move from room to room regularly. 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 basically a bassinet-style cot that fixes to your side of the bed. You can easily reach your baby's mouth for feedings, changing nappies or comforting during the night. It's also great for mums recovering from C-sections.
The NHS and Lullaby Trust advise you to keep your baby in the same space as you, but separated from you for the first six months, since this will help decrease the risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). A bedside crib is a secure way to accomplish this since it is low-sided and allows you to be able to easily access your baby at night.
It is important that your baby sleeps on a firm, not an extremely soft mattress. A soft mattress can increase the risk of suffocation for newborns, since they lack the motor control necessary to turn. The mattress is made of skin-friendly and breathable materials. It's comfortable for your baby, yet firm enough to be safe.
Mum home tester Jasmin loved 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 said that the mattress was of high-quality, unlike others which seem thin and flimsy. She also loves that it has a storage space beneath to store blankets and clothing which she believes many other bassinets lack.
MFM mum home test Mehack is a big fan of the removable side wall that lets you lower it to make it easier access to your newborn. She also likes the fact that legs can be placed under the bed to make it appear less bulky and take up less floor space. She is also impressed by how it was simple to move around her house in the event of feeds and check-ins in the middle of the night.
The CoZee Air crib is a favourite among parents. It won the Gold Award in the 2021 Mother and Baby Awards. It features a unique design with four pulleys which can be used to raise or lower your crib. There's also an ample basket for blankets, toys and other necessities. It's also easy to assemble and light in weight that is great to travel cot bedside crib with your baby.
Safety
When choosing a baby's bedside cot it's important to keep the safety aspect in 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 because of the risks of overheating, suffocation and a greater chance of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Bassinets for bedside use allow parents to keep their babies close, facilitating night time feedings, comforting, and monitoring without needing to get up.
This close proximity can also support breastfeeding mothers, as it allows them to be attentive to the needs of their infant while also sleeping. This can help to maintain the supply of milk and encourage breastfeeding. Some bedside cots have adjustable height options, which can ensure that the bassinet is at an appropriate height for mother and baby for ease of access during feedings or care.
Many bassinets are equipped with a firm mattress, which is designed to reduce the risk of suffocation, and also meets the standards of the industry. It is important to support the bones of a newborn, because they are still squishy and not fully formed. The mattress should be covered with a fitted sheet to minimize the risk of suffocation from dust mites and other allergens and kept hygienically clean and free of irritants.
Some bedside sleeper cot cots can be tilted, which is beneficial for babies suffering from reflux or digestive issues, but it should be done with great caution and at a gentle angle. It's also important to avoid adding pillows, duvets or padded crib bumpers to the bassinet as they could pose an obstructing risk to your baby. They should only be used when the cot is set on a flat surface.
It's also worth considering a bassinet with an attached system that is secure and can be easily attached to your bed without the necessity of tools. This feature can be particularly beneficial for parents who struggle to lift their baby in and out of the cot or who are worried about accidentally rolling over in the night. If your bassinet is equipped with secured attachments it's a good idea to regularly make sure it's secure and that there aren't gaps or loose components that could cause danger.
Comfort
If you're a soon-to-be parent, the comfort of your child is one of your main concerns. Thankfully, there's an innovative sleep solution that allows you to keep your baby close to you throughout the night, without any of the risks that come with sharing a bed. The baby bedside cot is essentially a bassinet-style cot that fixes to the side of your bed that allows you to move them towards you to feed them at night and soothe. It's also a great option for mothers recovering from a C-section since it eliminates the need to stand or sit up.
Modern bedside cot crib cots for newborns should be fitted with a firm, flat mattress to encourage safe sleep habits and lower the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. The bedding should be simple, with just a cot sheet and a blanket tightly tucked at the bottom. Avoid bumpers, toys or pillows as these can fall on your baby and pose a risk of suffocation. 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 pull themselves out of the wrap.
Some bedside cribs have a drop-down or removable side for easy access to your baby for feedings in the middle of the night and comforting. This is a great feature for parents who want to maintain a close relationship with their child, but still adhere to NHS guidelines on sleep. If you are planning to sleep with your child, it is important to be aware that this practice may increase the chance of SIDS. This is particularly the case if a parent rolls on their infant when they are asleep.
A fabric that breathes will keep your baby comfy and cool throughout the night. This is particularly important if you plan to sleep with your baby, as the risk of overheating increases when you sleep. The SnuzPod4 is a unique, side panel made of breathable mesh that helps improve the airflow and keeps your baby snug in their mattress.