Blog entry by Armando Atkin
A newborn bedside cot is a tiny sleeper that allows new babies to share a room as their parents without the dangers of co-sleeping (which the AAP recommends against due to SIDS and suffocation). It also makes nursing sessions and care much easier.
This mattress is a firm mattress that can support the backs of babies and minimize the risk of SIDS. It can be rotated over your adult bed so that you can lift your baby to snuggle them at sunrise or for nighttime nursing.
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 easily and safely reach your baby for mid-night feeding, comforting or cuddles. These are perfect for mothers and new parents recovering after a c section because they allow easy access to the baby without needing to get out of bed.
There are many different designs available, ranging from basic ones with just the drop-down side, to more sophisticated models that offer various adjustment options, such as incline or height. The majority of them can be converted to a separate crib when your baby grows older and has a longer sleep time at night.
One of our top picks is the Maxi-Cosi Lura, which was shortlisted for 2021 Mother&Baby awards in Best Cot Crib, Best Cot or Moses Basket. MFM home tester Emily commented how stylish and modern the design was. She also liked the fact that it can be used as a bassinet, or a clip to your existing bed, for safe side-byside sleeping. She also appreciated its luxurious mattress, which passed our firmness tests, and that it has a manual inclining function for reflux sufferers.
She wasn't a fan of the fact that it had a mesh panel on the bottom and she thought it was too heavy to move around from room to room. When folded into its travel bedside crib bag, she found it somewhat heavy to carry up the stairs.
Size
A bedside cot is a bassinet-style cot that fixes to the side of your bed. It's easy to reach your baby's mouth to feed them, change nappies, or to comfort them in the middle of the night. It's great for mothers recovering from the c-section.
The NHS and Lullaby Trust recommend that you keep your baby separate from you in the first six months, to reduce the risk of SIDS. A crib for your bed is a safe method to achieve this as it has low sides and lets you easily access your newborn during the night.
It is crucial that your baby sleeps on a firm, not a soft mattress. Infants don't have the motor control to rotate and a mattress that is soft could increase the risk of suffocation. The soft, breathable fabric and skin-friendly materials make this mattress a comfortable one for your baby but sufficiently firm to be safe for your baby.
Mum Jasmin was pleased that the crib didn't occupy too much space in her room and found it to be the ideal size for a newborn. The mattress she rated as excellent quality, in contrast to those that feel cheap and thin. She also loves the fact that it has a storage space beneath for blankets and clothes which she believes many bassinets don't 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 likes that the legs tuck under the bed so it does not look big or take up too much floor space. She's also impressed with how easy it is to move around the house as you want to in the middle of the night, which is convenient for meals and check-ins.
A winner of an Gold award at the 2021 Mother and 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. There's also a large bedside crib basket for blankets, toys, and other necessities. It's also light and easy to put together which makes it perfect to travel with your baby.
Safety
When choosing a new baby's bedside rocking crib cot it's important to keep the safety of your baby in your thoughts. The official safety sleep guidelines of both the Lullaby Trust and NHS recommends that babies not sleep in parent's beds because of the risks of overheating, suffocation and a higher chance of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Bassinets for bedside use let parents keep their infant close, facilitating nighttime feedings, comforting and monitoring without needing to leave their bed.
This close proximity can help breastfeeding mothers as it lets them attend to the baby's needs while still sleeping. This can help to maintain the supply of milk and encourage breastfeeding. Some cots for bedside use adjustable height features that can aid mother and child to access the bassinet to feed or take care of other needs throughout the night.
Many bassinets come with a mattress that is designed to minimize the risk of suffocation and conforms to industry standards. This is important because a newborn's bones are brittle and aren't fully developed. They must be supported to prevent damage. The mattress should be encased with a fitted sheet to minimize the risk of suffocation due to dust mites or other allergens. It should also be kept clean and free from irritants.
Some cots for bedside use can be tilted. This can be useful for babies with reflux or digestive issues, but it should be done with extreme caution and at a gentle angle. It's also important to avoid putting pillows, duvets, or padded crib bumpers to the bassinet since these can pose the risk of suffocation for your baby and should only be used when the cot is on a flat surface.
You should also consider an infant bassinet with an attachment system that is secure. It can be attached to your existing bed easily without the need of tools. This feature can be particularly beneficial for parents who struggle to get their child into and out of the cot or concerned about the possibility of rolling over during sleep. If your bassinet is equipped with a secure attachment system, it's an excellent idea to periodically make sure it's secure and that there are no gaps or loose components which could cause danger.
Comfort
If you're expecting a child and you're worried about the safety of your baby is surely one of your top priorities. There's a new solution to sleep that allows you to keep your baby close to you at night without the risk of sharing a bed. The newborn bedside cot is essentially a bassinet-style cot that fixes to the bed's side that allows you to take them away for feeding at night and calming. It's an excellent option for mothers recovering from a C section as it will not require you to stand or sit up.
A modern bedside cot for newborns should have a firm flat mattress to ensure a safe sleep and lower the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). The bedding should be simple, with only the sheets for the cot and a blanket tucked in tightly at the bottom. Avoid bumpers, toys or pillows since they can fall on your baby and create a suffocation hazard. If your baby is used to being swaddled for a few weeks and you want to use a swaddle, or a baby sleep bag. However, it is recommended that this be removed when they are strong enough to take them off.
Some cribs with a bedside feature a removable or drop-down side that provides easy access to your baby for comforting and feeding in the middle of the night. This feature is perfect for parents who want to keep a close relationship with their child, but still adhere to NHS guidelines for sleep. If you're planning to sleep with your child, it is important to know that this practice may increase the chance of SIDS. This is particularly the case if a parent rolls on their infant while sleeping.
A fabric that breathes will keep your baby cool and cool throughout the night. This is particularly important if you plan to co-sleep with your newborn, as the risk of overheating increases during sleep. The SnuzPod4 has a unique side panel made of breathable mesh that aids in improving airflow and keep your baby warm in their mattress.