Newborn bedside cots uk Cot
A newborn bedside cot is a small bedside cot sleeper that allows newborns to sleep in the same space as their parents without the risks of true co-sleeping (which the AAP advises against due to SIDS and suffocation). It also makes middle-of-the-night nursing sessions and baby care easier.
This sleeper has a sturdy mattress that is designed to support the backs of babies and decrease the risk of SIDS. It can be swiveled over your adult bed to allow you to lift your baby to snuggle them at sunrise or for nighttime nursing.
Budget
A bedside cot, also referred to as a co-sleeper, is a bassinet-style baby cot that is attached or clipped 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 option for mums or new parents recovering from a c-section because they offer the baby with easy access and don't require you to get up.
There are many different designs that are available, from the basic ones with just the drop-down side, to more sophisticated models that offer various adjustment options, such as incline or height. Many can be converted into an independent crib once your baby grows older and is sleeping longer in the night.
One of our favorites is the Maxi-Cosi Lora, that was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby awards, including Best Cot Crib, Best 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 attached to your existing bed, to ensure safe side-by-side sleeping. She also liked its plush mattress, which has passed our tests for firmness, and that it has an adjustable manual inclining feature for reflux sufferers.
She didn't like that it had a mesh panel at the bottom and thought it was too bulky to move around from room to room. When folded into a travel bag, she found it a bit heavy to carry up the stairs.
Size
A bedside cot is basically a bassinet-style cot that fixes to your side of the bed. It allows you to reach your baby for mid-night feeding, nappies and comforting. It's also great for mums recovering from C-sections.
The NHS and Lullaby Trust recommend that you keep your baby away from you for the first 6 months to lower the risk of SIDS. A crib that is placed near your bed is a secure way to achieve this because it is low-sided and lets you easily access your newborn at night.
It is crucial that your baby sleeps on a firm, 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 breathe-able materials. It is comfortable for your baby, yet firm enough to ensure safety.
Mum home test Jasmin liked that this crib doesn't take up too much space in her bedroom, and she found it to be the perfect size for a baby. She also noted that the mattress was of high-quality unlike other cribs that seem thin and flimsy. She also likes the fact that it has a storage area underneath for clothes and blankets which she claims many other bassinets lack.
Mehack, a MFM mother who has tested the product at home, likes that you can remove the wall on the side to allow for easier access to your baby. She also likes the fact that legs fold under the bed so that it doesn't look heavy or take up too much floor space. She's also amazed by how easy it is to move around the house as you want to for ease during late-night meals and check-ins.
The CoZee Air crib is a favourite among parents. It won a Gold Award at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It features a unique design with four pulleys which can be used to raise or lower your crib. It also comes with a large basket for toys, blankets, and other essentials. It's also light and easy to assemble and is ideal for travel with your baby.
Safety
When selecting a newborn bedside cot, you must keep safety in mind. The Lullaby Trust, as well as the NHS advise that babies don't sleep in their parents bed due to the risk of suffocation as well as sudden infant death syndrome. Bassinets for bedside use let parents keep their infant close and allow for night-time feedings, comforting and monitoring without needing to leave their bed.
This close proximity also assists breastfeeding mothers as they can take care of their infant's needs without having to wake up in the middle of the night and help keep the supply of milk steady and help the breastfeeding experience. Some bedside cots have adjustable height features that will help ensure that the bassinet is at a comfortable height for both mother and baby for easy access for middle-of-the-night feedings or for care.
A majority of bassinets come with a firm mattress that is designed to minimize the risk of suffocation, and meets industry standards. This is important because a newborn's bones are soft and not fully developed, and must be supported to avoid damage. The mattress should be covered with a fitted sheet to reduce the risk that dust mites or other allergens, will suffocate a child. It must be kept clean and free of allergens.
Some rocking bedside crib cots have the capability of being tilted. This can be useful for babies with reflux or digestive issues, however this should be done with extreme caution and at a moderate angle. Avoid placing pillows, duvets or padded crib bumpers to the bassinet. They could pose the risk of suffocation to your baby.
It's also worth looking into an adjustable bassinet with a secure attachment system that can be easily fixed to your existing bed without the necessity of tools. This feature is especially useful for parents who struggle to carry their child into and out of the crib or are concerned about their child accidentally rolling over while sleeping. If your bassinet has secured attachments it is a great idea to check it frequently. Make sure there are no gaps and that the system is securely connected.
Comfort
If you're a parent-to-be and you're worried about the safety of your child is definitely one of your main concerns. There's a great sleep solution that lets you keep your baby close during the night, without any of the risks associated with sharing beds. The baby bedside crib cot is basically a bassinet-style cot which is fixed to the bed's side that allows you to lift them out towards you for night feeding and soothing. It is also a great choice for mothers recovering from a C section as it will not require you to stand or to bend over.
A modern newborn bedside cot should have a firm and flat mattress that can in promoting safe sleeping habits and reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Bedding should be easy with a cot sheet and a blanket tightly tucked at the bottom. Avoid bumpers, toys and pillows that could be thrown over your baby, creating an obstructive risk. If your baby is familiar with being swaddled, you can make use of a swaddle, or a baby sleep bag for the initial few weeks, but it is best to remove it when possible after they've developed the strength to take off their wraps.
Some cribs with a bedside crib have an open or removable side to make it easy for your baby for feedings in the middle of the night and comforting. This is a great feature for parents who want to maintain the bond between them and their child, while adhering to NHS safe sleep advice. If you're considering sleeping in the same bed with your baby it's important to know that this practice has been linked to a higher risk of SIDS, particularly in the event that a parent falls on their infant during sleep.
A fabric that is breathable will keep your baby cool and cool throughout the night. This is particularly important if you intend to sleep with your newborn, as the risk of overheating during sleep increases. The SnuzPod4 features a unique breathable mesh side panel that helps improve the flow of air and keep your baby snug in their mattress.