15 Reasons Why You Shouldn't Be Ignoring Newborn Bedside Cot
Newborn Bedside Cot
A newborn bedside cot is a compact sleeper that allows babies to share a room as their parents without the dangers of co-sleeping (which the AAP advises against due to suffocation and SIDS). It makes it easier to care for your baby and give them a bottle in the middle of the night.
This sleeper features a firm mattress to support babies' backs and minimize the risk of SIDS. It can be swiveled on your adult bed to raise your baby to snuggle them at sunrise or for late night nursing.
Budget
A bedside cot, sometimes referred to as a co-sleeper is the bassinet-style baby cot that is attached or clipped to your existing bed. This allows you to reach your baby comfortably and safely for a nighttime feed, comforting, or cuddles. They are a great choice for new parents or mums recovering from a csection as they provide an easy access to baby and don't require you to get out of bed.
There are lots of different designs on the market that range from basic models with just a drop-down side to more sophisticated ones that can be adjusted in multiple ways with incline and height options. Many convert to a separate crib for daytime naps or when your baby is a few months old and sleeps longer at night.
One of our favorites is the Maxi-Cosi Lura, which was nominated for the 2021 Mother&Baby awards for Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket. MFM home tester Emily said she was impressed by how chic and modern the design, while she appreciated the possibility of using it as a regular bassinet, or clip it to your existing bed to sleep side-by-side in a safe and secure manner. She also admired the soft mattress that has passed our test for firmness and the fact that it features a manual rocking feature that can be set to a slight tilt for reflux sufferers.
She wasn't a fan of the fact that it had a non mesh panel at the bottom, and thought it was too bulky to move from room to room. When it was folded into its travel bag, she found it somewhat heavy to carry up the stairs.
Size
A bedside cot is similar to a bassinet that is attached to the side of your bed. It is easy to reach your baby to feed, change nappies, or to comfort them in the middle of the night. It's great for mothers who are recovering from a c-section.
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, as this can help reduce the risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). A bedside crib is a secure way to accomplish this since it is low-sided and lets you easily reach your baby throughout the night.
It is crucial that your infant sleeps on a firm bed as it is safer than a mattress that is soft. Newborns don't have the motor control to rotate and a mattress that is soft could increase the risk of drowning. The breathable fabric and skin-friendly materials make the mattress comfortable for your baby but sufficient to ensure safety.
Mum home tester Jasmin was pleased with the fact that the crib doesn't take up too much space in her bedroom and she found the size to be perfect for a newborn. cot for bedside said that the mattress was of high-quality and not like other mattresses that feel thin and flimsy. She also appreciates that it has a storage area underneath for bedding and clothes which many bassinets do not have.
Mehack, a MFM mum who tested the product at home, is thrilled that you can remove the wall on the side to allow easier access to your baby. She also loves the fact that legs can be placed under the bed to make it look less bulky and occupy less space on the floor. She's also amazed by the ease of being able to move around the house as you want to, for convenience during middle-of-the-night meals and check-ins.
A recipient of an Gold award at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards The CoZee Air is a popular choice amongst parents. It has a clever design with four pulleys that can be used to raise or lower your crib. It also comes with an enormous basket that can be used to store blankets, toys, and other items. It's also light and easy to assemble and is ideal for traveling with your baby.
Safety
When choosing a baby's bedside cot, it is important to keep the safety of your baby in your mind. The Lullaby Trust, as well as the NHS advise that babies don't be placed in parents' beds because of the risk of suffocation and sudden infant death syndrome. Bassinets for bedside use let parents keep their newborn close by and allow for night-time feedings and monitoring without having to leave their bed.
This close proximity can also support breastfeeding mothers, as it allows them to attend to the baby's needs while they sleep. This can help maintain the supply of milk and encourage breastfeeding. Some cots with a bedside are equipped with adjustable height features that can help both the mother and baby to get into the bassinet to feed or take care of other needs during the night.
Many bassinets have a mattress that is designed to decrease the chance of suffocation and conforms to industry standards. It is crucial to support the bones of a newborn because they are still squishy and aren't fully formed. The mattress should be covered with a fitted sheet to reduce the risk of suffocation caused by dust mites and other allergens and kept hygienically clean and free of allergens.
Some bedside cots have the ability to be tilted. This can be beneficial for babies with reflux or digestive issues, however this should be done with a lot of care and at a gentle angle. It is also important to stay clear of adding pillows, duvets or crib bumpers to the bassinet since they can create an obstructing risk to your baby and should only be used when the cot is on an even surface.
It's also worth looking into a bassinet with an attached system that is secure and can be easily fixed to your bed without the necessity of tools. This is particularly beneficial for parents who struggle to get their child in and out of the crib or are concerned about their baby accidentally rolling over while sleeping. If your bassinet has a secure attachment it is a good idea to check it frequently. Check to ensure there aren't any gaps and that the system is securely attached.
Comfort
If you're planning to become a parent, the comfort of your child is one of your primary concerns. There's a wonderful sleep solution that allows you to keep your baby close throughout the night, without any of the risks associated with sharing a bed. The baby bedside cot is basically a bassinet-style cot that fixes to the side of your bed, allowing you to safely take them away for feeding at night and calming. It is also a great choice for mums recovering from a csection, because it eliminates the need to bend over too much or even get out of bed.
Modern cots for infants should be fitted with a firm, flat mattress to promote safe sleeping habits and lower the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. The bedding should be simple, with a cot sheet and a blanket tightly tucked on the bottom. Avoid toys, bumpers and pillows that can be thrown over your baby, creating a suffocation risk. If your baby is familiar with being swaddled, you can use a swaddle or baby sleep bag for the initial few weeks, but this should be removed as soon as possible once they've gained the strength to unwrap themselves.
Some bedside cribs have an open or removable side that allows easy access to your newborn for middle-of-the-night feeds and comforting. This is a wonderful option for parents who wish to maintain an intimate relationship with their child, but still adhere to NHS safe sleep advice. If you're planning to sleep in the same bed as your child it's important to know that this practice has been associated with an increased risk of SIDS, particularly if a parent unintentionally falls on their infant while they sleep.
A fabric that is breathable will keep your baby comfortable and cool throughout the night. This is particularly important if you plan to sleep with your baby, as the risk of overheating increases during sleep. The SnuzPod4 comes with an exclusive breathable side panel, which helps increase airflow, keeping your baby cool.