Bedside Cot Newborn
Newborns need a safe and cosy confined space for sleeping. A cot that is placed at the bedside allows you to easily reach baby for night feeds and calming.
It has an area for storage that is perfect for spare blankets and nappies for those early morning nappy change. MFM mum home tester Roanna was also impressed by the way the side wall can be lowered for easier access to her baby.
Easy to reach
The best cribs for bedside use are designed to be placed next to your bed, making it easy to reach your newborn for nighttime feedings and nappy changes. They will feature mesh sides that you can see your baby through, so you can easily monitor them throughout the night. The cribs will be light and portable, meaning you can move them around at your leisure. Ideally, the crib should be attached to your bed with straps of safety or a harness to hold it in place. The mattress should be firm, breathable and comfortable for your baby.
One of the most popular examples is the SnuzPod4 crib, which is a perfect fit for most beds and has an exclusive swivel feature that lets you turn it around for maximum accessibility even when you're in bed. It also has many technical features like ComfortAir technology that is breathable, as well as an adjustable reflux inclined. It is available for an affordable price, too, so it's not only practical but affordable.
Another crib to consider for a bedside looking into is the Joie Roomie Glide next-to-me crib. It glides effortlessly and gently, lulling babies back into sleep. It can also be adjusted to different heights. It also has a plush mattress that's thick, padded and water-resistant. It's important to note that you should only use mattresses specifically designed for the crib Second-hand mattresses could increase the chance of SIDS and could lose their support as time passes.
Avoid using soft bedding in the crib, including pillows and duvets. This could suffocate your baby and you should instead use a muslin cot cover made of cotton and a light blanket. Before you go to bed, you should remove all toys and items from the crib. They could cause a lot of discomfort to your baby. It's recommended to keep the room dark and quiet before putting your baby to bed, so they can rest peacefully. A simple, relaxing routine like reading a story or singing a lullaby are also beneficial.
Easy to clean
It is best to choose a bedside cot for your baby, as it lets you keep your baby close. It also ensures that your baby isn't caught in sheets or blankets and is able to easily reach their toys while they are awake. When purchasing a cot for a newborn, make sure it meets British safety standards and doesn't contain any loose parts. It is better to buy an entirely new crib rather than one that is used, as older ones can have many issues.
Cleaning the cot regularly is vital to keep it free of germs, dust and other debris. The mattress and baby bedding must be removed from the cot, and washed in accordance with the instructions of the manufacturer. This will remove any bacteria or mites living in the fabric. It is recommended to use unscented, hypoallergenic laundry detergent. This will reduce the risk of allergies and skin irritation in infants that could be caused by scented products. It is also recommended to wash your bedding in hot water as high temperatures kill mites and germs faster.
Take away any toys or stuffed animals from the crib while cleaning. They can be dangerous for children who tend to chew them. Additionally, toys and stuffed animals may stick to the cot's surface and emit a foul smell.
Use this opportunity to examine your mattress for signs that it's worn out. If you notice any loose parts, you should tighten them as quickly as you can. Also, remove mobiles and other items that hang over the cot as they could cause strangulation. Also, don't place the cot next to the radiator or in direct sunlight.
When cleaning the cot, you should use an environmentally friendly cleaning solution. This is because infants and toddlers often interact with surfaces and smell them, so you want to be sure to keep them away from harsh chemicals. If you can, choose natural cleaning solutions made from lemon juice and vinegar or a mild baby-safe detergent. You should also air out the cot frequently by putting it in a room that is well ventilated or outside on a sunny day.
Easy to move
The best cribs for beds will be light and portable, meaning you can move them around from room to room. You can keep your baby close to you, while permitting him to sleep independently. It is important to note that the official safe sleeping guidelines from the NHS and Lullaby Trust state that babies shouldn't be sleeping together because of the risk of suffocation.
A good bedside baby crib is one that has a mesh-mattress as well as side panels that allow you to see the baby clearly without disturbing them. It should be raised slightly off the ground so that your baby can breathe. It also requires a firm, flat surface. You should be able to find sheets that fit the mattress exactly. The Lullaby Trust also recommends using an breathable swaddle in the event that you decide to use one.
A lot of the top cribs for sleeping are small enough to allow you to easily carry your child toward you to feed them in the middle of night. This is a great feature for breastfeeding mothers and can help your partner feel more involved with the baby. This kind of crib can be a good option for babies who have reflux since it allows the crib to be tilted gently in an anti-reflux posture. This crib is only recommended under the guidance of your doctor or health medical professional.
A bassinet cot could be attached to the mattress's side. It has a drop-down side that allows you to reach your baby easily and can be used as a stand-alone crib for travel. It's a great option to decrease the risk of SIDS. However, you must ensure that it is fitted correctly and meets British safety standards.
A very popular model is the Arm's Reach Clear-Vue, which can be used as a normal bassinet, or attached to your bed for secure side-by-side sleeping. It has wheels and plenty of storage space, so it's easy to move from room room. It also comes with an automatic rocking feature that can help soothe a fussy baby.
Easy to assemble
A bedside cot infant is a bassinet-style sleeper that fixes to the side of your adult bed, allowing you access to nighttime feedings and calming your baby back to sleep. It's an excellent option for new mothers who require rest while recovering from c-sections, or need a safe space for their baby to rest. They are designed to ensure that your baby's head can't be accidentally covered and they also have a secure base so you don't have any worries about your child falling out of the crib. Some models feature a gliding motion that can help soothe your newborn to sleep, while other models include a sound machine as well as a night light to calm your child.
When you are choosing a bedside cot for your child, make sure to read the manufacturer's instructions carefully. Some manufacturers include all the screws needed for assembly, but you may need to purchase additional screws if your kit doesn't contain all of them. Look for key phrases in the guidebook next to the screw listings for example "not included" or "sold separately," to ensure you're buying the right screws. Bring the book to the hardware store if you need to purchase extra screws. This will avoid confusion.
If you have a larger budget, think about investing in a bedside crib that will convert into a larger cot when your baby outgrows it. These beds are a great choice for those who travel frequently and have a limited storage space at home, since they can easily be packed and moved from room to rooms.
It's important to teach your baby to sleep in the cot, rather than sharing your bed. This will lower the risk of SIDS. SIDS is more prevalent in infants who share beds with their parents. To help bedside baby sleeper to settle in the cot, make sure it's clean and has a comfortable mattress. You can also make sure the sheets are tucked in so they don't hang over your baby's shoulders. You could also try swaddling the baby, although this should be stopped once she learns to roll over.