Newborn Bedside Cot
A newborn bedside cot is a compact sleeper that allows babies to share a room as their parents without the risks of true co-sleeping (which the AAP cautions against due SIDS and suffocation). It also makes mid-night nursing sessions and baby care simpler.
This mattress is a firm mattress that is designed to help babies' backs and decrease the risk of SIDS. It can slide over your adult bed to allow you to lift your baby for nighttime cuddles or a sunrise kiss.
Budget
A bedside baby sleeper crib, also known as a bassinet or co-sleeper is a bassinet type crib for babies that attaches to your bed. This allows you to reach your baby quickly and safely for a nighttime feed or comforting cuddle. These are great for moms and babies recovering from a csection because they allow easy access to the baby without having to get up from bed.
There are a variety of styles available that range from basic models with just a drop-down side to more sophisticated ones that can be adjusted in multiple ways with incline and height options. Most convert to a standalone crib for naps during the day or when your baby is around a few months old and sleeping longer at night.
One of our favorites is the Maxi-Cosi Lura, that was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby awards, including Best Cot Crib, Best Cot or Moses Basket. MFM home tester Emily said she was impressed by how chic and modern the design was. She also appreciated the fact that it could be used as a bassinet, or attached to your existing bed for a safe side-by-side sleep. She also liked the plush mattress that was able to pass our test of firmness and the fact that it comes with a manual rocking feature that can be set to a slight incline for those suffering from reflux.
However, she didn't like the fact that it had a non-mesh panel at the bottom and thought it was a bit heavy to move from room to room regularly. When folded into its travel bag, she found it to be a bit heavy to carry up the stairs.
Size
A bedside cot is basically an upholstered bassinet that is fixed to your side of the bed. It lets you easily reach your newborn for middle-of-the-night feeding nappies, feeding and comforting. It's also great for mums recovering from a C-section.
The NHS and Lullaby Trust recommend that you keep your baby away from you for the first six months, to lower the risk of SIDS. The crib that is placed beside your bed, with its low sides, is a great option to do this. It lets you access your baby easily at night.
It's important that your newborn sleeps on a firm bed as it is safer than a mattress that is soft. Infants don't have the motor control needed to turn and a mattress that is soft could increase the risk of drowning. The soft, breathable fabric and skin-friendly materials make this mattress a comfortable one for your baby but sufficient to ensure safety.
Mum Jasmin was pleased that the crib didn't occupy too much space in her bedroom and found it to be the ideal size for a newborn. She said the mattress was also good quality, unlike some that feel flimsy and thin. She also likes the fact that it has a storage space underneath for bedding and clothes which other bassinets do not have.
Mehack is an MFM mother who has tested the product at home, is thrilled that you can remove the wall on the side to allow easier access to your baby. She also loves the fact that legs can be placed under the bed to make it appear less bulky and occupy less space on the floor. She's also impressed by how easy it is to move around the house as you want to in the middle of the night, which is convenient for feedings and check-ins.
A recipient of the Gold award at the 2021 Mother and Baby Awards, the CoZee Air is a popular choice for parents. It features a unique design with four pulleys which can be used to raise or lower your crib. There is also a large basket for blankets, toys and other items. It is also light and easy to put together and is ideal to travel with your baby.
Safety
It is important to think about the safety aspect when selecting a newborn bedside crib. The Lullaby Trust, as well as the NHS recommend that babies don't sleep in their parents bed because of the risk of suffocation or sudden infant death syndrome. bedside travel cot bassinets allow parents to keep their newborns close, facilitating night time feedings as well as comforting and monitoring without needing to get out of bed.
This close proximity also helps breastfeeding mothers as they can attend to the needs of their infant without having to get up at all times, which can help to keep the supply of milk steady and help the breastfeeding experience. Some bedside cots come with adjustable height features that can aid both the mother and baby to get into the bassinet to feed or take care of other needs during the night.
A lot of bassinets have a firm mattress, which is designed to minimize the risk of suffocation, and also meets industry standards. It is important to provide support for the bones of a newborn because they are still squishy and aren't fully formed. The mattress should be covered with a fitted sheet in order to minimize the chance that dust mites, or other allergens, can suffocate a child. It should be kept clean and free of irritants.
Some cots for bedside use can be tilted, which is beneficial for babies suffering from reflux or digestive issues, but it should be done with a lot of care and at a moderate angle. Avoid placing pillows, duvets, or padded crib bumpers to the bassinet. These can pose a risk of suffocation for your baby.
It's also worth considering an infant bassinet that has an attachment system that is secure and can be easily attached to your bed without the need for tools. This feature is especially useful for parents who find it difficult to lift their child into and out of the crib or are worried about their child falling asleep. If your bassinet is equipped with secured attachments, it is a good idea to check it frequently. Check to ensure 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 main concerns. There's a great sleep solution that lets you keep your baby close to you throughout the night without taking on any of the risks associated with bed-sharing. The newborn bedside cot is essentially a bassinet-style cot that is attached to the bed's side that allows you to take them away for night feeding and soothing. It is an excellent option for mothers recovering from a C-section as it removes the need to stand or to bend over.
Modern bedside cots for babies should be fitted with a firm, flat mattress to encourage safe sleep habits and lower the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. The bedding should be kept simple, with only the sheets for the cot and a blanket tucked tightly at the bottom. Avoid toys, bumpers or pillows as these could fall on your baby and pose a danger of suffocation. If your baby is used to being swaddled for a few weeks, you can use either the swaddle or baby sleep bag. However, this should be removed when they are strong enough to take them off.
Some cribs with a bedside feature an option to remove or drop down the side that allows for the baby to be easily accessible for feeding and comfort during the middle of the night. This feature is perfect for parents who want to maintain a close bond with their child, but still adhere to NHS guidelines on sleep. However, if you're planning to co-sleep in the same bed as your baby it's important to know that this practice has been linked to an increased risk of SIDS especially in the event that a parent falls on their infant 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 newborn, as the risk of overheating in the night increases. The SnuzPod4 has a unique side panel made of breathable mesh, which helps to improve the flow of air and keep your baby warm in their bed.