14 Questions You Shouldn t Be Refused To Ask Newborn Bedside Cot
Newborn Bedside Cot
A newborn bedside cot is a tiny sleeper that allows babies to share the same room as their parents without the risks of true co-sleeping (which the AAP recommends against due to suffocation and SIDS). It also makes nursing sessions and care much more convenient.
This sleeper has a sturdy mattress that is designed to support babies' backs and minimize the chance of SIDS. It can be swiveled over your adult bed to make it easier for you to get your baby for nighttime cuddles or a sunrise kiss.
Budget
A bedside crib, also called a bassinet or cosleeper is a bassinet type crib that can be attached to your bed. This lets you easily and safely reach your baby for mid-night feeding or cuddles. These are great for new parents and mums recovering from a c-section as they allow easy access to the baby without needing to get out of bed.
There are a variety of designs available, from basic models with only a drop-down side, to more sophisticated models that can be adjusted in multiple ways with incline and height options. Many convert to a separate crib for naps during the day or when your baby is about months old and sleeps longer at night.
One of our top picks is the Maxi-Cosi Lora, that was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby awards for Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket. MFM home tester Emily expressed her delight at how stylish and modern the design is as well as the feature that you can use it as a regular bassinet, or connect it onto your bed for safe side-by-side sleeping. She also adored its soft mattress which was able to pass our tests of firmness and it also has an adjustable manual inclining feature for those suffering from reflux.
But she wasn't thrilled with the design of the non-mesh panel at the bottom and thought it was a bit bulky to move from room room frequently. She also found it to be a little heavy to carry up and down the stairs when it was folded up into its travel bag.
Size
A bedside travel crib cot resembles the bassinet, which is connected to the side of your bed. It's easy to reach your baby's side to feed, change nappies or comforting during the night. It's perfect for mothers who are 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 risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). A crib for your bed is a safe method to achieve this because it has low sides and allows you to easily reach your baby at night.
It is crucial that your baby is sleeping on a firm, not an extremely soft mattress. Newborns don't have the motor control to turn over and a mattress that is soft can increase the risk of being suffocated. The mattress is made of skin-friendly and air-tight materials. It's comfortable for your baby but firm enough to be safe.
Mum home test Jasmin liked that this crib does not take up much space in her bedroom and she found the size perfect for a newborn. She also said that the mattress was excellent quality, in contrast to some that feel flimsy and thin. She also likes the fact that it has storage space beneath for bedding and clothes which other bassinets don't have.
MFM mum home test Mehack is a big fan of the removable side wall that lets you drop it down for easy access to your baby. She also likes the fact that the legs can be put under the bed to make it appear less bulky and occupy less area on the floor. She's also amazed by the ease of being able to move around the house whenever you need to for ease during late-night meals 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 has a clever design that has four pulleys that can be used to raise or lower your crib. It also comes with an enormous basket that can be used to store blankets, toys and other necessities. It's also light and easy to put together, making it ideal to travel cot bedside with your baby.
Safety
It's important to consider the safety aspect when selecting a newborn bedside crib. Official safe sleep advice from both the Lullaby Trust and NHS recommends that babies should not be sleeping in the bed of their parents due to the dangers of overheating, suffocation and a greater chance of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Bassinets for bedside use allow parents to keep their newborns close, facilitating night time feedings, comforting, and monitoring without needing to get up.
This close proximity also supports breastfeeding mothers by allowing them to take care of their infant's needs without having to get up at all times and can help keep milk supply steady and enhance the breastfeeding experience. Some bedside cots come with adjustable height options that can make it easier for both the mother and baby to get into the bassinet to feed or take care of other needs at night.
Many bassinets have a firm mattress that is designed to decrease the risk of suffocation, and meets industry standards. It is essential to support the bones of a newborn, as they are still soft and aren't fully formed. The mattress should be encased in a fitted sheet to minimize the risk of suffocation from dust mites and other allergens, and kept clean and free from irritants.
Some bedside crib travel cot cribs can be tilted. This is useful for babies suffering from reflux or digestive issues. But, it should be done slowly and with caution. It's also important to stay clear of adding pillows, duvets or padded crib bumpers to the bassinet as they can create the risk of suffocation for your baby and should only be used when the cot is placed on flat surfaces.
It's also worth thinking about a bassinet with 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 have difficulty lift their child into and out of the crib or are worried about their child accidentally rolling over while sleeping. If your bassinet has a secure attachment system, it's a good idea to regularly check that it's securely attached and that there are no gaps or loose parts which could cause danger.
Comfort
If you are a soon-to-be parent, the comfort of your child 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 infant bedside travel crib crib is a bassinet-style cot that can be attached to the side of the bed. It lets you safely lift your baby out to you for feedings at night and calming. It is also a great choice for mothers recovering from a C section as it removes the need to get up or to bend over.
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 simple with just the sheet for the cot and blanket tucked in tightly at the bottom. Avoid toys, bumpers or pillows as these could fall on your baby and pose a 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 this should be removed as soon as you can once they've gained the strength to take off their wraps.
Some bedside cribs have a drop-down or removable side that allows easy access to your newborn for middle-of-the-night feeds and comforting. This is a good option for parents who wish to keep a strong bond with their child, while adhering to NHS safe sleep guidelines. If you are planning to sleep with your child, it's important to know that this practice may increase the chance of SIDS. This is particularly the case if a parent rolls on their infant during sleep.
A breathable fabric is another important safety feature, as it's designed to keep your baby cool and comfortable throughout the night. This is especially crucial if you intend to sleep with your newborn, as the risk of overheating is higher when you sleep. The SnuzPod4 is a unique, side panel made of breathable mesh that helps improve airflow and keep your baby snug in their mattress.
