Newborn Bedside Cot
A newborn bedside cot is a small sleeper that allows babies to sleep in the same space as their parents without the dangers of co-sleeping (which the AAP advises against due to SIDS and suffocation). It also makes middle-of-the-night nursing sessions and care much easier.
This sleeper comes with a mattress that is firm and supports babies backs, which reduces the risk of SIDS. It can be swiveled on your adult bed so that you can raise your baby to cuddle them at sunrise or during late night nursing.
Budget
A bedside crib, also known as a bassinet or cosleeper, is a bassinet style crib that can be attached to your existing bed. This allows you to comfortably and safely reach your newborn for middle-of-the-night feeding or cuddles. These are ideal 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 lots of different designs available, from basic models with just a drop-down option to more advanced ones that can be adjusted in several ways including height and incline options. Many convert to an independent crib for daytime naps or when your baby is a few months old and sleeping longer at night.
Maxi-Cosi Lora is among our favorites. It was shortlisted in the Best Cot category for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. MFM home tester Emily noted how stylish and modern the design was. She also appreciated the fact that it can be used as a bassinet or attached to your existing bed for safe side-byside sleeping. She also liked its plush mattress which was able to pass our tests of firmness and also that it comes with a manual inclining function for reflux sufferers.
However, she wasn't a fan of the design of the non-mesh panel on the lower end, and felt it was a bit bulky to move from room to room frequently. It also felt a little heavy to carry up and down the stairs, especially when folded away into its travel bag.
Size
A bedside cots uk cot is similar to the bassinet, which is attached to the side of your bed. It lets you easily reach your baby for mid-night feeding, nappies and comforting. It's also great for mums recovering from the C-section.
The NHS and Lullaby Trust recommend that you keep your baby separate from you during the first 6 months to lower the risk of SIDS. A crib for your bed is a safe method to accomplish this since it is low-sided and lets you be able to easily access your baby during the night.
It is essential that your baby sleeps on a firm mattress as this is safer than a mattress that is soft. Newborns don't have the motor control needed to turn and a mattress that is soft could increase the risk of being suffocated. The soft, breathable fabric and skin-friendly materials make this mattress comfortable for your baby but also firm enough for safety.
Mum Jasmin was pleased that the crib didn't take up much space in her room and thought it was the ideal size for a newborn. The mattress she rated as also good quality, unlike some that feel flimsy and thin. She also loves that it has a storage compartment beneath to store blankets and clothing which she claims most bassinets do not have.
Mehack is an MFM mom who tried the product at home, loves the ability to remove the side wall to make it easier to access your baby. She also likes the fact that legs fold into the bed so it doesn't appear bulky or take up too much floor space. She's also amazed by how it was easy to move around her house when she needed to for feeds and check-ins in the middle of the night.
A recipient of a Gold award in the 2021 Mother and Baby Awards, the CoZee Air is a popular choice amongst parents. It is a clever design that has four pulleys that can be used to raise or lower your crib. There's also an ample basket for blankets, toys and other items. It is also lightweight and easy to put together which makes it perfect for travel with your baby.
Safety
When selecting a newborn bedside cot, you must keep safety in your thoughts. Official safe sleep advice from both the Lullaby Trust and NHS recommends that babies do not sleep in parent's beds due to the dangers of suffocation, heat exhaustion and a greater chance of suffering from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Bedside bassinets allow parents to keep their newborns close, which allows for nighttime feedings as well as comforting and monitoring without having to get out of bed.
This close proximity also supports breastfeeding mothers as they can attend to the needs of their infant without having to wake up at all times and help keep milk supply steady and enhance the breastfeeding experience. Some cots for bedside use adjustable height features that help both the mother and baby to get into the bassinet for feedings or other activities throughout the night.
Many bassinets come with a firm mattress, which is designed to reduce suffocation risk and meets the standards of the industry. It is essential to provide support for the bones of a newborn, as they are still soft and are not fully formed. The mattress should be covered with an appropriate sheet to decrease the risk that dust mites, as well as other allergens, will cause a child to be suffocated. It must also be kept clean and free of allergens.
Some cots for bedside cot newborn use have the capability of being tilted, which is beneficial for babies suffering from reflux or digestive issues, but this should be done with a lot of care and at a moderate angle. Avoid adding pillows, duvets, or padded crib bumpers to the bassinet. They could pose a risk of suffocation for your baby.
You should also consider an infant bassinet with a secure attachment system. It can be connected to your existing bed easily without the use of tools. This is particularly beneficial for parents who find it difficult to get their child in and out of the crib or are worried about their child accidentally rolling over while sleeping. If your bassinet has secured attachments it is a great idea to check it regularly. Make sure there are no gaps, and that the system is securely connected.
Comfort
If you're a soon-to-be parent, the comfort of your child is among your top concerns. There's a new sleep solution that lets you keep your baby close at night without the risk of sharing a bed. The infant bedside crib is a bassinet-style cot that is attached to the side of the bed. It allows you to safely lift your baby out to you for feedings at night and comfort. It is also a great option for mothers recovering from a C section as it will not require you to get up or to bend over.
A modern newborn bedside cot should have a sturdy and flat mattress that can promote safe sleeping practices and lower the chance of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). The bedding should be simple, with only the sheet for the cot and blanket tucked in tightly at the bottom. Avoid bumpers, toys or pillows because they could be thrown over your baby and cause suffocation hazard. If your baby is used to being swaddled you can make use of a swaddle, or a baby sleep bag for the first few weeks, although it should be removed as soon as you can once they've developed the strength to pull themselves out of the wrap.
Some cribs for bedside cots uk use an adjustable or drop-down side that provides the baby to be easily accessible for feeding and comfort during the middle of the night. This is a great feature for parents who want to maintain a close bond with their child, but still adhere to NHS guidelines on sleep. If you are planning to sleep with your child, it's crucial to be aware that this practice can increase the risk of SIDS. This is especially when a parent accidentally rolls on their infant when they are asleep.
A fabric that breathes will keep your baby cool and cool throughout the night. This is particularly important if you plan to co-sleep with your newborn because the risk of overheating is higher during sleep. The SnuzPod4 comes with an exclusive breathable side panel that helps improve airflow, keeping your baby warm.