9 Signs You re A Newborn Bedside Cot Expert
Newborn bedside crib vs cot Cot
A newborn bedside crib is a tiny sleeping device that allows babies to sleep in the same room as their parents, without the dangers of co-sleeping. (The AAP warns against this because of the risk of SIDS and inhalation.) It also makes nursing sessions and care much more convenient.
This sleeper has a sturdy mattress that is designed to support the backs of babies and decrease the risk of SIDS. It can swivel over your adult bed to make it easier for you to carry your child out for midnight nursing or cuddles at sunrise.
Budget
A bedside crib, also called a bassinet or co-sleeper is a bassinet type baby cot that clips to your existing bed. This allows you to safely and easily reach your baby for mid-night feeding or cuddles. They are a great option for mothers or new parents recovering from a c-section because they allow the baby with easy access and don't require you to get up.
There are a variety of designs that are available, from the basic ones that have a drop down side to more sophisticated models that offer numerous adjustment options, like incline or height. The majority of them can be converted to a standalone crib when your baby gets older and sleeps longer at night.
One of our favourites is the Maxi-Cosi Lura, which was shortlisted for 2021 Mother&Baby awards in the categories of Best Cot Crib, Best Cot, or Moses Basket. MFM home tester Emily commented on how stylish and contemporary the design is and she was impressed by the fact that you can use it as a regular bassinet or attach it to your existing bed for safe side-by-side sleeping. She also admired the soft mattress that passed our firmness test, and the fact that it comes with a manual rocking function that can be set to a slight tilt for reflux sufferers.
However, she wasn't a fan of the fact that it had a non-mesh panel on the lower end, and thought it was a bit bulky to move from room room regularly. When it was folded into its travel bedside crib bag she found it to be a bit heavy to carry up the stairs.
Size
A bedside cot is similar to a bassinet that is placed on the bed's side. It allows you to easily reach your newborn for middle-of-the-night feeding nappies, comforting and feeding. It's also great for mothers recovering from the C-section.
The NHS and Lullaby Trust advise that you place your baby in the same room as you, but separated from you for the first six months as this can help reduce the chance of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). A bedside crib co sleeper crib is a safe method to achieve this as it has low sides and allows you to easily access your newborn at night.
It is crucial that your infant sleeps on a firm mattress as it is safer than a soft one. A mattress that is soft increases the risk of suffocation among newborns, as they lack the motor control necessary to turn. The breathable fabric and skin-friendly materials make the mattress comfortable for your baby but sufficient to ensure safety.
Mum home test Jasmin loved that the crib does not take up a lot of space in her bedroom and she found it to be the perfect size for a baby. She also said that 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 for blankets and clothes which she claims most bassinets do not have.
MFM mom home test Mehack is a huge fan of the side wall that is removable that lets you drop it down for easy access to your newborn. She also likes the fact that the legs can be tucked under the bed to make it look less bulky and take up less area on the floor. She's also impressed with the ease of being able to move around the house whenever you'd like in the middle of the night, which is convenient for feedings and check-ins.
A recipient of the Gold award in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards and the CoZee Air is a popular choice among parents. It is designed with four pulleys that are built-in to raise or lower the crib. It has a large storage basket for toys, blankets and other essentials. It's also easy to assemble and light that is great for travelling with your baby.
Safety
When choosing a new baby's bedside cot, you must keep the safety aspect in your mind. The Lullaby Trust, as well as the NHS advise that babies not be placed in parents bed because of the risk of suffocation as well as sudden infant death syndrome. Bedside bassinets allow parents to keep their baby close, facilitating feeding at night as well as monitoring and comforting without needing to leave their bed.
This close proximity also helps breastfeeding mothers by allowing them to attend to their baby's needs without having to get up at all times and can help maintain milk supply and support the breastfeeding experience. Some cots for bedside have adjustable height options, which can ensure that the bassinet is an ideal height for mother and baby, allowing easy access to mid-night feedings or care.
Many bassinets are equipped with mattresses that are firm, which is designed to reduce the risk of suffocation and is in line with the standards of the industry. This is essential because newborn's bones are brittle and aren't fully developed. They must be supported to avoid damage. The mattress should be covered with an appropriate sheet to decrease the risk that dust mites, or other allergens, could cause a child to be suffocated. It should also be kept free of allergens and clean.
Some bedside cots have the ability to be tilted, which is useful for babies with reflux or digestive issues, but it should be done with great caution and at a moderate angle. It is also essential to avoid adding pillows, duvets or padded crib bumpers to the bassinet as these can pose a suffocation risk for your baby. They should only be used when the cot is on flat surfaces.
It's also worth thinking about an infant bassinet that has an attachment system that is secure and can be easily attached to your bed without the need for tools. This is particularly beneficial for parents who find it difficult to lift their child into and out of the crib or are concerned about their child falling asleep. If your bassinet has secured attachments, it is a good idea for you to check it frequently. Check to ensure there aren't any gaps and that the system is securely attached.
Comfort
If you're a parent-to-be, the comfort of your child is definitely one of your top concerns. There's a new sleep solution that allows you to keep your baby close to you in the evening, without the risk of sharing a bed. The baby bedside cot is basically a bassinet-style cot that is attached to the bed's side, allowing you to safely lift them out towards you to feed them at night and soothe. It is also the perfect choice for mothers recovering from a csection, because it eliminates the need to bend too much or even get out of bed.
Modern bedside cots for newborns should include a firm, flat mattress to encourage safe sleep habits and reduce the risk Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. The bedding should be kept as simple as possible with just the sheet for the cot and blanket tucked tightly at the bottom. Avoid toys, bumpers or pillows because they could be thrown over your baby and cause suffocation hazard. If your baby is used to being swaddled you can use a swaddle or a baby sleep bag for the initial few weeks, but it is best to remove it as soon as you can once they've gained the strength to take off their wraps.
Some cribs for bedside sleeper cot use an open or removable side for easy access to your baby's feeds and comforting. This is a great feature for parents who want to keep a strong bond with their child while still following NHS safe sleep advice. If you are planning to sleep with your child, it is important to be aware that this practice could increase the chance of SIDS. This is especially true if a parent accidentally is able to roll their infant over during sleep.
A breathable fabric will keep your baby comfy and cool throughout the night. This is especially crucial if you plan to sleep with your baby as the risk of overheating when sleeping increases. The SnuzPod4 features a unique mesh side panel that is breathable, which helps to improve the flow of air and keep your baby comfortable in their mattress.