14 Common Misconceptions About Newborn Bedside Cot
Newborn rocking bedside crib Cot
A newborn bedside cot is a tiny sleeper that allows newborns to share a room as their parents, without the risks of true co-sleeping (which the AAP cautions against due suffocation and SIDS). It makes it easier to care for your infant and feed them in the middle of the night.
This sleeper has a firm mattress that supports babies' backs, reducing the chance of SIDS. It can slide over your bed to make it easier for you to get your baby out for midnight cuddles or a sunrise kiss.
Budget
A bedside cot, also referred to as a co-sleeper is an infant cot with a bassinet design that can be attached to your existing bed. This lets you reach your baby easily and safely for a nighttime feed, comforting, or cuddles. These are perfect for mothers and new parents recovering from a csection as they allow the baby to be easily accessible without having to get up from bed.
There are a variety of styles that are available, from the basic ones that have the drop-down side, to more sophisticated ones that offer multiple adjustment options, including incline or height. The majority of them can be converted to a standalone crib when your baby gets older and has a longer sleep time at night.
One of our favourites is the Maxi-Cosi Lora, that was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby awards in Best Cot Crib, Best Cot or Moses Basket. MFM home tester Emily commented on how stylish and contemporary the design is, while she appreciated the possibility of using it as a regular bassinet or clip it to a bed to ensure that you can sleep side-by-side. She also appreciated its luxurious mattress which was able to pass our tests of firmness and it also has an option to manually tilt it for those who suffer from reflux.
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 to be a bit heavy to carry up the stairs.
Size
A bedside cot is a bassinet that is connected to the bed's side. It lets you easily reach your baby for mid-night feeding, nappies and comforting. It's perfect 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 separated from you for the first six months because this will reduce the chance of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). A crib for your bed is a safe way to achieve this because it is low-sided and allows you to be able to easily access your baby during the night.
It's important that your newborn sleeps on a firm mattress since this is safer than a mattress that is soft. A mattress that is soft can increase the risk of suffocation among newborns, as they lack the motor control needed to turn. This mattress is made of skin-friendly and air-tight materials. It's comfortable for your baby, yet firm enough to ensure safety.
Mum Jasmin was happy that the crib didn't occupy too much space in her room and thought it was the perfect size for a newborn. She also said that the mattress was of high-quality, unlike others which are thin and fragile. She also loves the fact that it has a storage space beneath to store blankets and clothing - something she says many bassinets don't have.
MFM mum home tester Mehack is a big fan of the side wall that is removable that lets you drop it down for easy access to your infant. She also likes the fact that legs slide into the bed so it doesn't appear bulky or take up too much floor space. She's also impressed with how easy it is to move around the house when you need to in the middle of the night, which is convenient for feedings and check-ins.
The CoZee Air crib is a favourite among parents. It won a Gold Award at the 2021 Mother and Baby Awards. It is designed with four built-in pulleys to raise or lower the crib and has a Large Bedside Crib storage basket to store your baby's blankets, toys and other necessities. It's also light and easy to put together, making it ideal for traveling with your baby.
Safety
It is important to think about safety when choosing the right crib for your baby's bed. The official safety sleep guidelines of both the Lullaby Trust and NHS recommends that babies should not sleep in parent's beds due to the risk of suffocation, overheating and a higher chance of suffering from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Bedside bassinets allow parents to keep their newborns close to them, facilitating nighttime feedings as well as monitoring without needing to get out of bed.
This close proximity also assists breastfeeding mothers by allowing them to attend to the needs of their infant without having to wake up in the middle of the night and can help keep milk supply steady and enhance the breastfeeding experience. Some bedside cots come with adjustable height options that can aid the mother and child to reach the bassinet to feed or take care of other needs at night.
Many bassinets are equipped with a firm mattress, which is designed to reduce suffocation risk and meets industry standards. This is important because a newborn's bones are brittle and not fully developed and need to be supported to avoid damage. The mattress should be covered with an appropriate sheet to reduce the risk that dust mites or other allergens, could choke a child. It should be kept clean and free of allergens.
Some cots for bedside use have the ability to be tilted, which can be beneficial for babies suffering from reflux or digestive issues, however it should be done with a lot of care 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 the risk of suffocation for your baby. They should only be used when the cot is placed on a flat surface.
It's also worth considering an adjustable bassinet with an attached system that is secure and can be easily attached to your bed without the necessity of tools. This feature is especially beneficial for parents who find it difficult to carry their child into and out of the crib or are worried about their child accidentally rolling over during sleep. If your bassinet is equipped with an attachment system that is secure it's recommended to regularly ensure that it's securely secured and that there aren't gaps or loose parts that could cause danger.
Comfort
If you're a soon-to-be parent, your baby's safety is one of your main concerns. There's a great sleep solution that lets you keep your baby close to you throughout the night, without any of the risks that come with bed-sharing. The newborn bedside cot newborn crib is a bassinet style cot that can be attached to the side of the bed. It allows you to safely carry your baby to you for night feedings and comfort. It also makes a great choice for mums recovering from a c-section, because it eliminates the need to bend too much or even to get out of bed.
A modern bedside cosleeper cot for newborns should have a sturdy and flat mattress that can ensure a safe sleep and reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). The bedding should be kept as simple as possible and consist of only the sheets for the cot and a blanket tucked tightly at the bottom. Avoid toys, bumpers or pillows as these can be thrown over your baby and pose a risk of suffocation. If your baby has been used to being swaddled during a few weeks then you can use the swaddle or baby sleep bag. However, this should be removed when they are strong enough to unwrap them.
Some cribs for bedside use an option to remove or drop down the side that gives you the baby to be easily accessible for feeding and comfort in the middle of the night. This feature is perfect for parents who wish to maintain a close bond with their child while adhering to NHS sleep guidelines. If you're planning to sleep with your child, it is important to be aware that this practice can 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 particularly important if you plan to sleep with your baby as the risk of overheating in the night increases. The SnuzPod4 comes with a unique, breathable side panel, which helps increase airflow, keeping your baby cool.