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A newborn bedside cot is a compact sleeper that allows newborns to sleep in the same room as their parents without the risk of sleeping together (which the AAP advises against due to suffocation and SIDS). It also makes nursing sessions and baby care simpler.
This sleeper has a sturdy mattress to support the backs of babies and reduce the risk of SIDS. It can be swiveled over your adult bed to make it easier for you to lift your child out for midnight cuddles or a sunrise kiss.
Budget
A bedside crib, also called a co-sleeper or bassinet is a bassinet-style crib for babies that attaches to your existing bed. This lets you safely and easily reach your baby for mid-night feeding or cuddles. They are a great choice for mums or new parents recovering from a c-section as they provide the baby with easy access and do not require you to get up from your bed.
There are many different designs that are available, from the simple ones with an upside-down side to more sophisticated ones that offer numerous adjustment options, like incline or height. The majority of them can be converted into a standalone crib for naps during the day or when your baby is a few months old and sleeping longer at night.
One of our favorites is the Maxi-Cosi Lora, which was shortlisted for 2021 Mother&Baby awards, including best bedside cot uk Cot Crib, best bedside cot uk Cot or Moses Basket. 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 a clip to your bed to ensure safe side-by-side sleeping. She also liked the plush mattress, which passed our firmness test and the fact that it comes with an automatic rocking feature that can be set to a slight tilt for those suffering from reflux.
She didn't like that it had a non-mesh panel at the bottom, and considered it too bulky to move from room to room. She also found it to be a bit heavy to carry up and down the stairs when folded away into its bag for travel.
Size
A bedside cot resembles a bassinet that is connected to the side of your bed. You can easily reach your baby's side to feed, change nappies or comforting during the night. It's great for mothers who are recovering from a c-section.
The NHS and Lullaby Trust advise you to keep your baby in the same room as you, but keep them separate from you for the first six months because this will reduce the risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). A crib for your bed is a safe way to achieve this as it has low sides and allows you to easily access your newborn at night.
It's important that your newborn sleeps on a firm mattress as this is safer than a mattress that is soft. A mattress that is soft increases the risk of suffocation for infants as they lack the motor control necessary to turn. This mattress is made of skin-friendly and breathable materials. It is comfortable for your baby, but firm enough to be safe.
Mum Jasmin was happy that the crib didn't take up much space in her room and thought it was the perfect size for a newborn. She also noted that the mattress was of high-quality unlike other cribs that feel thin and flimsy. She also loves the fact that it has storage space beneath for bedding and clothes - something many other bassinets don't have.
Mehack Mehack, an MFM mom who tried the product at home, likes the ability to remove the wall on the side to allow for easier access to your baby. She also appreciates that the legs can be tucked under the bed to look less bulky and take up less area on the floor. She's also amazed by how easy it is to move around the house when you'd like for ease during late-night meals and check-ins.
The CoZee Air crib is a popular choice for parents. It won the Gold Award in the 2021 Mother and Baby Awards. It features a unique design that has four pulleys that can be used to raise or lower your crib. There's also an ample basket for toys, blankets, and other necessities. It's also easy to put together and light in weight that is great to travel with your baby.
Safety
When choosing a new baby's bedside cot, you must keep the safety aspect in your thoughts. The official safety sleep guidelines of both the Lullaby Trust and NHS recommends that babies should not sleep in parent's beds because of the risks of overheating, suffocation and a higher chance of suffering from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Bedside bassinets allow parents to keep their babies close, which allows for nighttime feedings as well as comforting and monitoring without needing to get up.
This close proximity also assists breastfeeding mothers as they can attend to the needs of their infant without having to wake up at all times and can help maintain milk supply and support the breastfeeding experience. Some bedside cots come with adjustable height features that can help both the mother and baby to get into the bassinet for feedings or other activities throughout the night.
A majority of bassinets come with a firm mattress that is designed to decrease the chance of suffocation and is in line with industry standards. This is crucial because a baby's bones are fragile and not fully developed and need to be supported to prevent injury. The mattress should be covered with a fitted sheet to decrease the chance of suffocation due to dust mites or other allergens. It should also be kept clean and free from irritants.
Some cots with a bedside have the ability to be tilted, which can be useful for babies with reflux or digestive issues, however this should be done with extreme caution and at a moderate angle. Avoid adding pillows, duvets or padded crib bumpers inside the bassinet. These could create the risk of suffocation your baby.
It's also worth considering a bassinet with an attachment system that is secure and can be easily fixed to your bed without the necessity of tools. This feature is especially useful for parents who have difficulty lift their child into and out of the crib or are concerned about their baby accidentally rolling over during sleep. If your bassinet is equipped with secured attachments, it is a good idea for you to regularly check it. 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 wonderful sleep solution that allows you to keep your baby close during the night - without any of the risks that come with sharing beds. The crib for newborns is a cot that resembles a bassinet that is attached to the side of the bed. It lets you safely lift your baby out towards you for feedings and comfort. It's also a great choice for mothers recovering from a C-section since it removes the need to stand up or sit up.
Modern cots for infants should include a firm, flat mattress to encourage safe sleep habits and reduce the risk Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. The bedding should be kept simple, with only the sheets for the cot and a blanket tucked in tightly at the bottom. Avoid bumpers, toys and pillows that could fall onto your baby posing the risk of suffocation. If your baby has been used to being swaddled during a few weeks then you can use the swaddle or baby sleep bag. However, it is recommended that this be removed once they have the strength to unwrap them.
Some cribs with a bedside cot co sleeper feature an adjustable or drop-down side that allows for an easy access to your baby for feeding and comfort in the middle of the night. This is a great option for parents who wish to keep the bond between them and their child, while adhering to NHS safe sleep guidelines. If you plan to co-sleep with your child, it's crucial to be aware that this practice may increase the risk of SIDS. This is especially when a parent accidentally falls on their child when they are asleep.
A fabric that breathes will keep your baby comfy and cool throughout the night. This is especially important if you plan to co-sleep with your newborn because the risk of overheating is higher when you sleep. The SnuzPod4 is a unique, breathable mesh side panel, which helps to improve the flow of air and keep your baby comfortable in their mattress.