Bedside Cot Newborn
Newborns need a safe and cosy confined space for sleeping. A cot with a bedside position lets you easily reach your baby for night feedings and soothing.
It also has a storage area that is ideal to store extra blankets and nappies to change your baby's diapers in the morning. MFM mum home tester Roanna was also impressed by the way the wall on the side can be moved down to make it easier for access to her baby.
Easy to reach
The best cribs for bedside use are designed to be placed close to your bed, so you can easily reach your baby during nighttime feedings and diaper changes. They will feature mesh sides you can see your baby's face through, which means you can watch them easily at night. They'll also be lightweight and easily moveable between rooms to make it easier for you. The crib should be secured to your mattress using safety straps or a harness. The mattress should be firm, breathable and comfortable for your baby.
One of the most popular examples is the SnuzPod4 crib, that can be fitted to any bed and has an exclusive swivel feature that allows you to turn it around for maximum accessibility even while you're in the bed. It also has many technical features, including ComfortAir breathable tech and an optional reflux inclined. It's also affordable and is not just practical but also affordable.
The Joie Roomie Glide Next to Me crib is another bedside crib worth taking into consideration. This crib glides smoothly, lulling babies back to sleep. It can also be adjusted to different levels. The mattress is thick, padded, and waterproof. It's important to note that you should only use mattresses specifically designed for crib use - second-hand mattresses can increase the risk of SIDS and could be less supportive over time.
It's recommended to avoid bedding that is soft like duvets or pillows in the crib. It could make your baby suffocate, so you should instead use the cot sheet made of cotton muslin and light blanket. Also, you should remove any toys or other items from your baby's crib before you go to sleep as they could be a risk of suffocation. It's important to keep the room dark and quiet before putting your baby down for bed, so they can sleep peacefully. A simple, soothing routine such as reading a book or singing a lullaby are useful.
Easy to clean
It is recommended to select a cot that is placed at your bedside for your newborn, as it allows you keep your baby close. It ensures that your baby won't get tangled up in sheets or blankets, and they are able to reach their toys with ease when awake. When buying best bedside cot , make sure it meets British safety standards and does not have any loose parts. It is best to purchase the crib from a brand new manufacturer rather instead of a used one since older cribs can be prone to problems.
It is crucial to clean the crib on a regular basis to ensure it is free from germs, dust, and other debris. It is recommended to remove the mattress and bedding for your baby from the cot and clean them in accordance with the manufacturer's guidelines. This will kill any bacteria or mites living in the fabric. It is best to use a hypoallergenic, unscented laundry detergent. This will prevent allergies and skin irritation in babies that can be caused by scented products. It is also an excellent idea to wash the bedding with hot water as the high temperatures kill mites and germs faster.
Remove any toys or stuffed animal from the crib when you are cleaning. They can pose a risk to young children as they are susceptible to chewing them. Toys and stuffed animals can also cling to cot surfaces and create a sour smell.
Use this opportunity to examine your bed for signs that it is worn out. If you find any loose parts, make sure you tighten them as soon as you can. Also, remove mobiles and other objects that hang over the cot, since they can cause strangulation. Don't forget to avoid placing the cot near a radiator or direct sunlight.
You should only use non-toxic cleaning solutions for cleaning the cot. It is important to avoid exposing toddlers and infants to harsh chemicals as they frequently touch and taste surfaces. If you are able, use an easy-to-clean detergent or a natural mixture of lemon juice and vinegar. You should also air the cot on a regular basis by placing it in an open space or outside in the sun on a summer afternoon.
Easy to move
The best bedside cribs will be light and portable, so you can move them from room to room. They also allow you to keep your newborn close but still allow them to rest on their own. It is important to remember that the official safe sleeping guidelines from the NHS and Lullaby Trust state that newborns shouldn't be co-slept due to suffocation risk.
A crib for your baby's bed will have a mesh mat and side panels that allow you to see the baby clearly without disrupting them. The crib should be raised slightly off the ground so that your baby can breathe. It also requires an even, flat surface. You will be able to purchase sheets for your mattress that are perfect for your needs, and the Lullaby Trust recommends using a breathable cotton swaddle if you opt to use one.
A lot of the top bedside cribs are small enough to allow you to effortlessly lift your child towards you in order to feed them in the middle of the night. This is a great feature for breastfeeding mothers as it helps your partner feel more connected with the baby. This type of crib is a great choice for babies with reflux because it allows them to gently tilt in an anti-reflux posture. This crib is best used under the guidance of your physician or health medical professional.
Another alternative is a bassinet-style cot, which can be fastened to the side of your bed. It has a drop-down side that allows you to access your baby easily as well as be used as a stand-alone crib for travel. It's a good option for reducing the risk of SIDS, but you must ensure whether it's properly fitted and that it complies with British safety standards.
A well-liked model is the Arm's Reach Clear-Vue, which can be used as a standard bassinet or affixed to your bed for secure side-by-side sleep. It has wheels and plenty of storage space, which means it is easy to move from room to room. It has an automatic rocking feature that can soothe a child who is fussy.
Easy to put together
A bedside cot for newborns is a bassinet style co-sleeper that is attached to the side of an adult bed. This allows you to easily access your baby during the night to feed them, and then soothe them back to sleep. It's an excellent option for new mothers who need to rest and recuperate from c-sections or those who need a safe space for their baby to sleep. These beds are designed to keep the head of your child from being accidentally covered. They also have a sturdy base, meaning you don't have to worry about them falling out. Some models feature a gliding motion that helps lull your baby to sleep, while other models include a sound machine as well as a night light to to soothe your baby.
Make sure you read the instructions given by the manufacturer prior to purchasing a bedside cot. Some manufacturers list all the screws needed for assembly however, you may have to purchase additional screws if your kit doesn't include them all. Find key words in the booklet next to the screw listings for example "not included" or "sold separately," to ensure you're purchasing the right screws. If you need to buy extra screws, bring the book with you to avoid any confusion at the hardware store.
If you have a larger budget, consider investing in a bedside crib that will convert into a larger cot once your child is old enough to use it. These beds are a great option for those who travel frequently and have limited storage space at home, as they can be easily packed and transported from room to rooms.
It is crucial to teach your child to sleep in a cot, rather than sharing your bed. This will decrease the risk of SIDS, which is more common when babies share a bed with parents. To help your newborn to settle in the cot, ensure it's clean and comfortable mattress. Also, you should make sure the sheets are tucked in so they don't rise above the shoulders of your baby. Swaddling your baby is another option but you must stop as soon as your baby is able to turn over.