14 Common Misconceptions About Newborn Bedside Cot
Newborn bedside baby sleeper Cot
A newborn foldable bedside crib cot is a tiny sleeper that allows newborns to share a room as their parents without the risk of sleeping together (which the AAP cautions against due SIDS and suffocation). It makes it easier to take care of your infant and feed them throughout the night.
This mattress has an extremely firm mattress that can support babies backs, which reduces the chance of SIDS. It can be swiveled on your adult bed to lift your baby to cuddle them at sunrise or during late night nursing.
Budget
A bedside cot, also referred to as a co-sleeper is an infant cot with a bassinet design that is attached or clipped to your existing bed. This allows you to reach your baby quickly and safely for a late-night feed or cuddles. These are ideal for moms and babies recovering from a csection as they allow easy access to the baby without having to get up from bed.
There are a variety of designs available, ranging from basic ones that have an upside-down side to more sophisticated ones with numerous adjustment options, like the ability to tilt or raise. The majority of them can be converted into a separate crib for naps during the day or when your baby is around a few months old and sleeps longer at night.
Maxi-Cosi Lora is one our top picks. It was selected in the Best Cot category for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. MFM home tester Emily said she was impressed by how chic and modern the design was. She also liked the fact that it could be used as a bassinet or attached to your bed for a safe side-by-side sleep. She also appreciated its luxurious mattress, which passed our firmness tests, and that it has an adjustable manual inclining feature for reflux sufferers.
However, she wasn't a fan of the feature of a non-mesh panel at the foot end and felt it was a bit heavy to move from room room often. She also found it a little heavy to carry up and down the stairs once folded into a travel bag.
Size
A bedside cot resembles an infant bassinet that is connected to the side of your bed. You can easily reach your baby's mouth to feed them, change nappies or comforting during the night. It's also great for mothers recovering from a C-section.
The NHS and Lullaby Trust advise you to keep your baby in the same space as you but separate from you for the first six months as this can help reduce the risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). The crib at the bedside cot crib, with its low sides, is a great method to do this. It allows you to access your baby easily during the night.
It is important that your baby sleeps on a firm, not a soft mattress. A soft mattress can increase the risk of suffocation for newborns, as they lack the motor control necessary to turn. The mattress is made of skin-friendly and breathe-able materials. It is comfortable for your baby, yet sufficient to be secure.
Mum Jasmin was pleased that the crib didn't take up 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 those that feel cheap and thin. She also appreciates that it has a storage space underneath for bedding and clothes - something many other bassinets do not have.
MFM mum home tester Mehack is a fan of the side wall that is removable that lets you lower it to make it easier access to your baby. She also likes the fact that the legs can be tucked under the bed to make it look less bulky and occupy less floor space. She's also amazed by the ease of being able to move around the house when 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 was awarded the Gold Award at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It features a unique design with four pulleys which can be used to raise or lower your crib. There is also an ample basket for blankets, toys and other essentials. It is also light and easy to assemble, making it ideal for travel with your baby.
Safety
It's important to consider safety when choosing the right crib for your baby's bed. The Lullaby Trust, as well as the NHS, recommend that babies not sleep in the parents' beds due to the risk of suffocation or sudden infant death syndrome. Bassinets for bedside use allow parents to keep their baby close, facilitating feeding at night and monitoring without having to leave their bed.
This close proximity can support breastfeeding mothers, as it lets them attend to the baby's needs while also sleeping. This can help to maintain the supply of milk and encourage breastfeeding. Some bedside crib that turns into cot cots have adjustable height features that will help ensure that the bassinet is at an ideal height for mother and baby for easy access to mid-night feedings or for care.
Many bassinets come with mattresses that are firm. This is designed to reduce the risk of suffocation, and also meets industry standards. This is important because a newborn's bones are soft and not fully developed and require support to prevent damage. The mattress should be covered in a fitted cover to minimize the risk of suffocation from dust mites or other allergens, and kept clean and free of allergens.
Some cots for bedside use have the capability of being tilted, which can be beneficial for babies suffering from reflux or digestive issues, however this should be done with a lot of care and at a moderate angle. Avoid adding pillows, duvets, or padded crib bumpers inside the bassinet. They could pose the risk of suffocation your baby.
You should also consider an infant bassinet with a secure attachment system. This can be connected to your bed without the use of tools. This is especially beneficial for parents who struggle to get their child in and out of the crib or concerned about the possibility of rolling over during sleep. If your bassinet does have a secure attachment system it's an excellent idea to periodically check that it's securely attached and that there are no gaps or loose components that could pose a hazard.
Comfort
If you're a soon-to-be parent, your baby's comfort is among your top concerns. There's a great sleep solution that allows you to keep your baby close during the night, without any of the dangers that come with bed-sharing. The baby bedside cot, he said, is essentially a bassinet-style cot that is attached to the side of your bed, allowing you to safely take them away to feed them at night and soothe. It also makes a great choice for mums recovering from a c-section because it eliminates the need to bend down too far or even take a step out of the bed.
Modern bedside cots for newborns should have a flat, firm mattress to encourage safe sleeping practices and reduce the risk Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. The bedding should be kept simple, with only the sheet for the cot and blanket that is tightly tucked into the bottom. Avoid bumpers, toys, and pillows that could be thrown over your baby, creating the risk of suffocation. If your baby is used to being swaddled you can use a swaddle or baby sleep bag for the first few weeks, however it should be removed when possible after they've gained the strength and confidence to pull themselves out of the wrap.
Some cribs with a bedside feature an adjustable or drop-down side that gives you easy access to your baby for comforting and feeding in the middle of the night. This is a great option for parents who wish to maintain a strong bond with their child, while adhering to NHS safe sleep guidelines. However, if you're considering sleeping in the same bed with your child it's important to know that this practice has been linked to an increased risk of SIDS particularly in the event that a parent rolls onto their infant while they sleep.
A fabric that is breathable is an essential safety feature, as it's designed to keep your baby cool and comfortable throughout the night. This is especially important if you intend to sleep with your newborn, as the risk of overheating during sleep increases. The SnuzPod4 has a unique side panel made of breathable mesh, which helps to improve the flow of air and keep your baby warm in their bed.