Newborn Bedside Cot
A newborn bedside cot is a small bedside cot sleeper that allows newborns to share the same room as their parents, without the risk of sleeping together (which the AAP recommends against due to SIDS and suffocation). It also makes mid-night nursing sessions and baby care simpler.
This mattress is a firm mattress to help babies' backs and minimize the chance of SIDS. It can swivel over your bed to allow you to get your baby for nighttime cuddles or a sunrise kiss.
Budget
A bedside cot, also referred to as a co sleeper bedside cot-sleeper is the bassinet-style baby cot that can be attached to your existing bed. This allows you to safely and easily reach your newborn for middle-of-the-night feeding or comforting cuddles. They are a great choice for new parents or mums recovering from a c-section as they offer easy access to baby and do not require you to get up.
There are a variety of styles available, ranging from simple ones with an upside-down side to more sophisticated ones that have multiple adjustment options, including an incline or a height. Most can be converted into a separate crib when your baby is older and sleeps longer at night.
One of our favourites is the Maxi-Cosi Lora which was nominated for the 2021 Mother&Baby awards for best bedside cot for newborn Cot Crib, Best Cot or Moses Basket. MFM home tester Emily commented how stylish and modern the design was. She also appreciated the fact that it could be used as a bassinet, or clipped to your existing bed, to ensure safe side-by-side sleeping. She also adored its soft mattress that has passed our tests for firmness and it also has an adjustable manual inclining feature for those suffering from reflux.
But she wasn't thrilled with the fact that it had a non-mesh panel on the bottom and thought it was a bit bulky to move from room to room regularly. She also found it a little heavy to carry up and down the stairs once folded away into its bag for travel.
Size
A bedside cot is basically the bassinet style cot that can be fixed to the side of your bed. You can easily reach your baby to feed them, change nappies, or to comfort them during the night. It's great for mothers recovering from an o-section.
The NHS and Lullaby Trust advise that you place your baby in the same room with you, but separated from you for the first six months since this will help decrease the chance of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). The crib at the bedside, with its low sides, is a great way to do this. It lets you access your baby easily during the night.
It is crucial that your baby sleeps on a firm and not an extremely soft mattress. A mattress that is soft can increase the risk of suffocation for newborns, as they lack the motor control necessary to turn. This mattress is made from skin-friendly and air-tight materials. It's comfortable for your baby, but firm enough to ensure safety.
Mum Jasmin was delighted that the crib didn't take up the entire space in her room and thought it was the ideal size for a newborn. She also noted that the mattress was of good quality, unlike others which feel thin and flimsy. She also appreciates that it has storage space beneath for bedding and clothes which many bassinets don't have.
Mehack is an MFM mum who tested the product at home, is thrilled that you can remove the side wall to make it easier to access your baby. She also likes that legs fold into the bed so it doesn't look big or take up a lot of floor space. She's also impressed by the ease of being able to move around the house whenever you'd like in the middle of the night, which is convenient for meals and check-ins.
A recipient of the Gold award in the 2021 Mother and Baby Awards, the CoZee Air is a popular choice for 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 necessities. It's also easy to assemble and light that is great for travelling with your baby.
Safety
It is crucial to think about safety when choosing the crib for your newborn. The official safe sleep guidelines from both the Lullaby Trust and NHS recommends that babies should not sleep in parent's beds due to the dangers of suffocation, overheating and a higher risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Bedside bassinets enable parents to keep their babies close to them, facilitating nighttime feedings, comforting, and monitoring without having to get out of bed.
This close proximity also assists breastfeeding mothers by allowing them to attend to their baby's needs without having to get up completely and help keep milk supply steady and enhance the breastfeeding experience. Some cots with a bedside are equipped with adjustable height features that can make it easier for mother and child to access the bassinet for feedings or other activities during the night.
Many bassinets come with mattresses that are firm and designed to minimize the risk of suffocation and meets industry standards. This is essential because newborn's bones are soft and not fully developed and require support to avoid damage. The mattress should be encased in a fitted sheet to reduce the risk of suffocation due to dust mites or other allergens and kept hygienically clean and free from irritants.
Some cots for bedside use have the capability of being tilted, which is beneficial for babies suffering from reflux or digestive issues, however it should be done with a lot of care and at a gentle angle. Avoid putting pillows, duvets or padded crib bumpers inside the bassinet. These could create a risk of suffocation for your baby.
It's also worth considering an infant bassinet that has a secure attachment system that can be easily fixed to your bed without the necessity of tools. This feature is especially useful for parents who have difficulty get their child in and out of the crib or are worried about their child falling asleep. If your bassinet is equipped with an attachment that is secure it is a good idea to regularly check it. Make sure there aren't any gaps and that the system is securely attached.
Comfort
If you're a soon-to-be parent, your baby's safety is one of your primary concerns. There's a wonderful sleep solution that lets you keep your baby close during the night without taking on any of the dangers that come with bed-sharing. The infant bedside crib is a bassinet style cot that is attached to the side of the bed. It lets you safely carry your baby towards you for feedings and calming. It's an excellent option for mothers recovering from a C-section as it eliminates the need to get up or sit up.
Modern bedside cots for newborns should include a firm, flat mattress to encourage safe sleeping habits and reduce the risk Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. The bedding should be simple, comprising a cot sheets and a blanket tightly tucked at the bottom. Avoid toys, bumpers and pillows that could be thrown over your baby, creating an obstructive risk. If your baby is familiar with being swaddled, you can use a swaddle or a baby sleep bag for the first few weeks, although it should be removed as soon as possible once they've gained the strength to take off their wraps.
Some cribs for bedside use an adjustable or drop-down side that gives you the baby to be easily accessible to feed and comfort them in the middle of the night. This feature is perfect for parents who wish to maintain a close relationship with their child, but still adhere to NHS guidelines for sleep. If you're planning to sleep with your child, it's crucial to be aware that this practice could increase the risk of SIDS. This is especially true if a parent accidentally is able to roll their infant over during sleep.
A fabric that is breathable is an important safety feature, as it's designed to keep your baby cool and comfortable throughout the night. This is particularly important if you intend to sleep with your baby because the risk of overheating during sleep increases. The SnuzPod4 features a unique, breathable side panel, which helps increase the flow of air, keeping your baby cool.