Newborn Bedside Cot
A newborn bedside cot is a tiny sleeper that allows newborns to sleep in the same room as their parents, without the risk of sleeping together (which the AAP cautions against due suffocation and SIDS). It also makes nursing sessions and care much simpler.
This sleeper has an extremely firm mattress that can support babies backs, reducing 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 nursing or sunrise cuddles.
Budget
A bedside crib that turns into cot crib, also referred to as a bassinet or cosleeper, is a bassinet style crib for babies that attaches to your existing bed. This allows you to reach your baby quickly and safely for a mid-night feed or cuddles. These are ideal for new parents and mums recovering after a c section as they allow easy access to the baby without having to get up from the bed.
There are a variety of designs available that range from basic models with only a drop-down side, to more sophisticated ones that can be adjusted in several ways, including incline and height options. The majority of them can be converted to a separate crib when your baby gets older and sleeps longer at night.
Maxi-Cosi Lora is one of our favorites. It was selected in the Best Cot category for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. MFM home tester Emily commented on how stylish and modern the design is as well as the possibility of using it as a regular bassinet, or attach it to your existing bed for safe side-by-side sleeping. She also adored its soft mattress that has passed our tests for firmness, and that it has a manual inclining function for those suffering from reflux.
However, she wasn't a fan of the design of the non-mesh panel on the lower end, and thought it was a bit bulky to move from room to room often. She also found it a little heavy to carry up and down the stairs once it was folded up into its travel bag.
Size
A bedside crib and cot cot is basically a bassinet-style cot that fixes to the side of your bed. It's easy to reach your baby to feed, change nappies or just to soothe them during the night. It's also great for mums recovering from C-sections.
The NHS and Lullaby Trust recommend that you keep your baby separated from you in the first six months, to reduce the risk of SIDS. The crib that is placed beside your bed with its low sides, is a great way to do this. It lets you access your baby easily at night.
It is essential that your baby sleeps on a firm mattress as this is safer than a soft one. Newborns don't have the motor control to rotate and a mattress that is soft could increase the risk of drowning. The breathable fabric and skin-friendly materials make this mattress a comfortable one for your baby but sufficiently firm to be safe for your baby.
Mum Jasmin was happy that the crib didn't occupy too much space in her room and found it to be the ideal size for a baby. She said the mattress was also of good quality, as opposed to some that feel flimsy and thin. She also loves that it has a storage space beneath to store blankets and clothing which she claims many other bassinets lack.
Mehack, a MFM mom who tried the product at home, loves that you can take off the wall on the side to make it easier to access your baby. She also likes the fact that legs slide under the bed so it doesn't appear heavy 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 do feeds and check-ins during the night.
A recipient of the Gold award at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards The CoZee Air is a popular choice amongst parents. It features a unique design with four pulleys which can be used to raise or lower your crib. There's also an ample basket for blankets, toys, and other essentials. It's also light and easy to put together which makes it perfect for traveling with your baby.
Safety
When choosing a baby's large bedside crib cot it's important to keep the safety aspect in your mind. Official safe sleep advice from both the Lullaby Trust and NHS recommends that babies should not be sleeping in the bed of their parents due to the dangers of overheating, suffocation and a higher chance of suffering from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Bassinets that are placed in bed let parents keep their newborn close by to help with night-time feedings, comforting and monitoring without having to get up from their beds.
This close proximity also assists breastfeeding mothers by allowing them to attend to the needs of their infant without waking up completely and can help keep milk supply steady and enhance the breastfeeding experience. Some bedside cot used cots have adjustable height options, which will help ensure that the bassinet is a comfortable height for both mother and baby for easy access for middle-of-the-night feedings or care.
Many bassinets come with mattresses that are firm, which is designed to minimize suffocation risk and meets industry standards. It is crucial to provide support for the bones of a newborn, as they are still soft and aren't fully formed. The mattress should be covered with a fitted sheet to minimize the risk of suffocation caused by dust mites or other allergens, and kept clean and free of allergens.
Some bedside cribs can be tilted. This is beneficial for babies suffering from reflux or digestive problems. But, it should be done slowly and with caution. Avoid placing pillows, duvets or padded crib bumpers inside the bassinet. These can pose a risk of suffocation for your baby.
It's also worth thinking about an adjustable bassinet with an attachment system that is secure and can be easily attached to your existing bed without the need for tools. This feature can be particularly helpful for parents who may struggle to get their child in and out of the cot or concerned about the possibility of falling asleep. If your bassinet is equipped with a secure attachment it is a great idea for you to check it regularly. Make sure there aren't any gaps and that the system is securely connected.
Comfort
If you are a soon-to-be parent, your baby's safety is one of your primary concerns. There's a wonderful sleep solution that allows you to keep your baby close to you throughout the night without taking on any of the risks associated with bed-sharing. The baby bedside cot is essentially a bassinet-style cot that fixes to the bed's side and allows you to lift them out towards you to feed them at night and soothe. It's also a great choice for mums recovering from a c-section as it reduces the need to bend down too far or even get out of the bed.
A modern newborn bedside cot should have a firm, flat mattress to help promote safe sleeping practices and lower the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Bedding should be simple comprising a cot sheets and blanket tucked tightly on the bottom. Avoid toys, bumpers and pillows that could fall on your baby, posing a suffocation risk. 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, however this should be removed as soon as you can once they've gained the strength and confidence to pull themselves out of the wrap.
Some cribs with a bedside have an open or removable side to make it easy for your baby's feeds and comforting. This feature is perfect for parents who want to maintain a close relationship with their child, while still following NHS guidelines for sleep. If you are planning to sleep with your child, it is important to know that this practice could increase the risk of SIDS. This is particularly true if a parent accidentally rolls on their infant when they are asleep.
A fabric that breathes will keep your baby comfy and cool throughout the night. This is especially crucial if you plan to sleep with your newborn, as the risk of overheating in the night increases. The SnuzPod4 features a unique, breathable side panel that aids in improving airflow, keeping your baby comfortable.