Newborn Bedside Cot
A newborn bedside crib that turns into cot cot [Muse.union.edu] is a small sleeper that allows newborns to share the same space as their parents without the risk of sleeping together (which the AAP recommends against due to SIDS and suffocation). It makes it easier to take care of your infant and feed them throughout the night.
This sleeper features a firm mattress that is designed to support babies' backs and decrease the chance of SIDS. It can swivel over your adult bed to allow you to get your baby for nighttime cuddles or a sunrise kiss.
Budget
A bedside cot, sometimes 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 comfortably and safely reach your baby during the night for feeding or comforting cuddles. They are a great choice for mothers or new parents recovering from a c-section as they allow the baby with easy access and don't require you to get out of bed.
There are many different styles available that range from basic models with just a drop-down side to more sophisticated models that can be adjusted in multiple ways with incline and height options. Most can be converted into a separate crib when your baby gets older and sleeps longer at night.
One of our favourites is the Maxi-Cosi Lora which was nominated for the 2021 Mother&Baby awards, including the categories of Best Cot, Crib 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 attached to your bed for safe side-byside sleeping. She also adored its soft mattress that was able to pass our tests of firmness and it also has an adjustable manual inclining feature for reflux sufferers.
However, she didn't like the design of the non-mesh panel on the bottom and thought it was a bit bulky to move from room to room regularly. When folded into its travel bag, she found it to be a bit heavy to carry up the stairs.
Size
A bedside cot newborn cot is essentially a bassinet-style cot that fixes to the side of the bed. It is easy to reach your baby's mouth to feed them, change nappies or just to soothe them in the middle of the night. It's perfect for mothers who are recovering from a c-section.
The NHS and Lullaby Trust recommend that you keep your baby away from you during the first six month, to decrease the chance of SIDS. A crib that is placed near your bed is a secure way to achieve this as it is low-sided and allows you to easily reach your baby at night.
It is crucial that your baby is sleeping on a firm, not a soft mattress. Babies don't have motor control to turn over and a soft mattress could increase the chance of drowning. The soft, breathable fabric and skin-friendly materials make the mattress comfortable for your baby, but sufficient to ensure safety.
Mum Jasmin was delighted that the crib didn't occupy too the entire space in her room and thought it was the ideal size for a baby. She also said that the mattress was also good quality, unlike some that feel flimsy and thin. She also appreciates the fact that it has a storage space underneath for clothes and blankets which she believes many bassinets don't have.
Mehack is an MFM mother who has tested the product at home, likes that you can take off the side wall to make it easier to access your baby. She also loves that legs fold under the bed so it doesn't appear heavy or take up too much floor space. She's also amazed by how easy it is to move around the house as you'd like, for convenience during middle-of-the-night feedings and check-ins.
The CoZee Air crib is a favorite among parents. It was awarded the Gold Award at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It is a clever design with four pulleys which can be used to raise or lower your crib. There is also a large basket for blankets, toys and other items. It's also easy to assemble and light in weight, which is useful for travelling with your baby.
Safety
It's important to consider safety when choosing a newborn bedside crib. Official safe sleep advice from both the Lullaby Trust and NHS recommends that babies should not sleep in their parents' beds due to the risk of overheating, suffocation and a greater chance of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). bedside crib or cot bassinets allow parents to keep their newborn close by and allow for nighttime feedings, comforting and monitoring without having to get up from their beds.
This close proximity also helps breastfeeding mothers by allowing them to take care of their infant's needs without waking up at all times and help keep milk supply steady and enhance the breastfeeding experience. Some cots with a bedside are equipped with adjustable height features that can make it easier for both the mother and baby to get into the bassinet for feedings or other activities at night.
Many bassinets have a mattress that is designed to reduce the chance of suffocation and is in line with industry standards. It is important to provide support for the bones of a newborn, because they are still squishy and aren't fully formed. The mattress should be encased in a fitted cover to minimize the risk of suffocation from dust mites and other allergens. It should also be kept clean and free of allergens.
Some cribs on the bed can be tilted. This is helpful for babies suffering from digestive or reflux issues. But, it should only be done gently and with caution. It's also important to stay clear of adding pillows, duvets, or padded crib bumpers to the bassinet since these can pose a suffocation risk for your baby. They should only be used when the cot is on an even surface.
It's also worth thinking about an infant bassinet that has an attached system that is secure and can be easily attached to your existing bed without the need for tools. This is particularly beneficial for parents who find it difficult to get their child in and out of the crib or are concerned about their child rolling over while sleeping. If your bassinet is equipped with secured attachments it's recommended to regularly check that it's securely attached and that there aren't any gaps or loose parts that could cause danger.
Comfort
If you are a soon-to-be parent, the comfort of your child is one of your main 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 is basically a bassinet-style cot that fixes to the side of your bed and allows you to lift them out towards you for night feeding and soothing. It also makes a great choice for mums recovering from a c-section because it eliminates the need to bend over too much or even to get out of the bed.
A modern cot for infants should have a firm, flat mattress to help in promoting safe sleeping habits and decrease the chance of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Bedding should be easy comprising a cot sheets and blanket tucked tightly at the bottom. Avoid toys, bumpers and pillows as these can be thrown over your baby and create a danger of suffocation. If your baby has been used to being swaddled during a few weeks, you can use either a swaddle, or a baby sleep bag. However, this should be removed after they are strong enough to remove them.
Some bedside co sleeper cribs feature an adjustable or drop-down side that gives you the baby to be easily accessible to feed and comfort them during the middle of the night. This is a wonderful feature for parents looking to keep a strong bond with their child while still following NHS safe sleep guidelines. If you're considering sleeping in the same bed as your child it's important to recognize that this practice has been linked to an increased risk of SIDS particularly if a parent unintentionally falls on their child during sleep.
A breathable fabric is another essential safety feature, as it's designed to keep your baby cool and comfortable throughout the night. This is particularly important if you plan to sleep with your newborn since the chance of overheating increases during sleep. The SnuzPod4 features a unique side panel made of breathable mesh that helps improve airflow and keep your baby snug in their bed.