New mums are to benefit from 13 cots donated to the Jane Crookall Maternity Unit at Noble’s Hospital.

The side-by-side cots were donated by the Manx Association for the Welfare of Children in Hospital (MAWCH).

The cots - one of which is a twin cot - provide a ’safe and comfortable’ way for new mothers to be close to their newborn baby, according to Manx Care.

Margaret Davies, secretary of MAWCH, said: ’We are delighted that we’ve been able to donate these cots, and it is our sincere hope that this will help give babies the very best start in life due to their close proximity to their mothers.’

The side-by-side sleeping arrangements mean mothers and babies have their own ’safe sleep zone’ but with easy access should the baby need soothing or comforting.

Side-by-side sleeping also helps women to establish breast feeding with their babies.

Shelley Rawstron, a new mum to her baby she had by caesarean section, Caleb, was amongst the first to use the new cots.

She added: ’I really appreciate the position of the new cots and being able to have Caleb right by my side after giving birth - my mobility was definitely restricted in the first few days.’

Barbara Roberts, head of midwifery at Noble’s Hospital, said: ’We’re very grateful that MAWCH has donated the new cots.

’New mums have reported that having access to these cots means less "getting up and down" when caring for their baby.’

The cots are made from sustainable beech wood which is antibacterial.