10 Misconceptions Your Boss Holds About Newborn Bedside Cot
Newborn Bedside Cot
A newborn bedside cot is a small sleeper that allows new babies to sleep in the same space as their parents without the risks of true co-sleeping (which the AAP recommends against due to SIDS and suffocation). It makes it easier to care for your baby and nurse them in the middle of the night.
This mattress is a firm mattress that is designed to support the backs of babies and reduce the chance of SIDS. It can be swiveled over your adult bed to allow you to carry your child out for midnight nursing or cuddles at sunrise.
Budget
A bedside crib, also referred to as a bassinet or cosleeper is a bassinet-style crib that can be attached to your existing bed. This allows you to comfortably and safely reach your newborn for middle-of-the-night feeding or comforting cuddles. These are perfect for moms and babies recovering from a csection because they allow easy access to the baby without having to get up from the bed.
There are many different designs that are available, from the basic ones that have an upside-down side to more sophisticated models that offer various adjustment options, such as an incline or a height. Most convert to an independent crib for napping during the daytime or when your baby is a few months old and sleeps longer at night.
One of our favourites is the Maxi-Cosi Lora, that was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby awards in Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket. MFM home tester Emily noted how stylish and modern the design was. She also liked the fact that it can be used as a bassinet or clipped to your bed to ensure safe side-by-side sleeping. She also liked its plush mattress, which passed our firmness tests, and that it has an adjustable manual inclining feature for those who suffer from reflux.
However, she wasn't a fan of the fact that it had a non-mesh panel at the foot end and thought it was a bit bulky to move from room room frequently. When folded into its travel bag, she found it to be quite heavy to carry up the stairs.
Size
A bedside cot is essentially an upholstered bassinet that is fixed to your side of the bed. It is easy to reach your baby's side for feedings, changing nappies or just to soothe them during the night. It's also great for mums recovering from C-sections.
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 safe way to achieve this because it has low sides and lets you be able to easily access your baby throughout the night.
It is essential that your baby is sleeping on a firm, not an extremely soft mattress. A mattress that is soft increases the risk of suffocation for newborns, as they lack the motor control necessary to turn. The soft, breathable fabric and skin-friendly materials make the mattress comfortable for your baby, but sufficient to ensure safety.
Mum home test Jasmin liked that this crib does not take up much space in her bedroom, and she found the size to be perfect for a baby. She also said that the mattress was excellent quality, in contrast to those that feel cheap and thin. She also likes the fact that it has a storage area underneath for clothes and bedding which many bassinets don't.
MFM mum home tester Mehack is a big fan of the side wall that is removable that lets you lower it to make it easier access to your newborn. She also likes the fact that legs fold into the bed so it doesn't appear big or take up a lot of floor space. She's also impressed with how easy it was to move around her house in the event of check-ins and feedings during the night.
The winner of a Gold award in the 2021 Mother and Baby Awards, the CoZee Air is a popular choice amongst parents. It is a clever design with four pulleys which can be used to raise or lower your crib. It also comes with a large basket for blankets, toys and other items. It's also easy to assemble and lightweight and portable, which is ideal to travel with your baby.
Safety
When selecting a newborn bedside cot it's important to keep the safety of your baby in your mind. The Lullaby Trust, as well as the NHS advise that babies not sleep in the parents bed due to the risk of suffocation as well as sudden infant death syndrome. Bassinets that are placed in bed let parents keep their baby close, facilitating night-time feedings, comforting and monitoring without the need to get out of bed.
This close proximity also helps breastfeeding mothers as they can attend to their baby's needs without having to wake up at all times and help maintain milk supply and support the breastfeeding experience. Some cots with a bedside are equipped with adjustable height options, which can help to ensure that the bassinet is an appropriate height for mother and baby, allowing easy access for middle-of-the-night feedings or other care.
Many bassinets come with mattresses that are firm and designed to reduce the risk of suffocation and meets industry standards. It is essential to support the bones of a newborn since they are still fragile and aren't fully formed. The mattress should be covered with a fitted sheet to minimize the chance that dust mites or other allergens, will choke a child. It must also be kept free of allergens and clean.
Some cots for bedside use have the ability to be tilted. This can be beneficial for babies suffering from reflux or digestive issues, however it should be done with a lot of care and at a gentle angle. Avoid putting pillows, duvets, or padded crib bumpers inside the bassinet. They could pose the risk of suffocation to your baby.
It is also recommended to consider the bassinet with an attachment system that is secure. It can be attached to your bed without the use of tools. This feature is especially useful for parents who have difficulty lift their child into and out of the crib or are concerned about their child rolling over during sleep. 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.
bedside crib and cot
If you're planning to become a parent, your baby's safety is one of your primary concerns. Thankfully, there's an innovative sleep solution that lets you keep your baby close to you throughout the night - without any of the risks associated with sharing beds. The newborn bedside crib is a bassinet style cot that attaches to the side of the bed. It lets you safely lift your baby out towards you for feedings and comfort. It is also a great choice for mums recovering from a csection, since it makes it less necessary to bend too much or even get out of bed.
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. The bedding should be kept simple with just the sheet for the cot and blanket tucked in tightly at the bottom. Avoid bumpers, toys, and pillows that could be thrown over your baby, creating an obstructive risk. If your baby is familiar with being swaddled, you can use a swaddle or a baby sleep bag for the first few weeks, however it is best to remove it as soon as possible once they've gained the strength to pull themselves out of the wrap.
Some cribs for bedside use a drop-down or removable side that allows easy access to your newborn for middle-of-the-night feeds and comforting. This feature is perfect for parents who wish to maintain a close relationship with their child but still adhere to NHS sleep guidelines. If you are planning to sleep with your child, it's important to be aware that this practice can increase the chance of SIDS. This is especially true if a parent accidentally rolls on their infant when they are asleep.
A fabric that is breathable is an important safety feature, as it's designed to keep your baby cool and comfortable throughout the night. This is especially crucial if you plan to co-sleep your newborn because the risk of overheating during sleep increases. The SnuzPod4 features a unique breathable side panel that aids in improving the airflow and keeps your baby cool.