Newborn bedside crib to cot cot bedside
A newborn bedside cot is a tiny sleeper that allows new babies to sleep in the same room as their parents without the dangers of co-sleeping (which the AAP advises against due to SIDS and suffocation). It also makes middle-of-the-night nursing sessions and child care easier.
This sleeper features a firm mattress to support babies' backs and reduce the risk of SIDS. It can slide over your bed to allow you to carry your child out for midnight nursing or cuddles at sunrise.
Budget
A bedside cot, also known as a co-sleeper, is the bassinet-style baby cot that is attached or clipped to your bed. This allows you to reach your baby quickly and safely for a late-night feed, comforting, 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 a variety of styles that are available, from the simple ones with an upside-down side to more sophisticated models that offer various adjustment options, such as an incline or a height. The majority of them can be converted into a separate crib for naps during the day or when your baby is around a few months old and sleeps longer at night.
One of our top picks is the Maxi-Cosi Lora, which was shortlisted for 2021 Mother&Baby awards, including the categories of Best Cot Crib, Best Cot or Moses Basket. MFM home tester Emily commented on how stylish and modern the design is, while she appreciated the fact that you can use it as a regular bassinet, or attach it to a bed to sleep side-by-side in a safe and secure manner. She also liked its plush mattress that passed our firmness tests, and that it has an option to manually tilt it for those who suffer from reflux.
She wasn't a fan of the fact that it had a non-mesh panel at the bottom and she thought it was too heavy to move from room to room. It also felt a little heavy to carry up and down the stairs once it was folded up into its bag for travel.
Size
A bedside cot is basically an upholstered bassinet that is fixed to the side of your bed. It allows you to reach your baby for mid-night feeding, nappies and comforting. It's perfect for mothers who are recovering from a c-section.
The NHS and Lullaby Trust recommend that you keep your baby separated from you for the first six months, to reduce the risk of SIDS. A crib for your bed is a safe way to achieve this as it has low sides and lets you easily reach your baby at night.
It is essential that your baby sleeps on a firm mattress as it is safer than a soft one. Newborns don't have the motor control needed to turn and a soft mattress could increase the risk of suffocation. The soft, breathable fabric and skin-friendly materials make this mattress a comfortable one for your baby but sufficient to ensure safety.
Mum home tester Jasmin was pleased with the fact that the crib does not take up a lot of space in her bedroom and she found the size to be perfect for a baby. She said the mattress was also good quality, unlike some that feel flimsy and thin. She also appreciates that it has a storage compartment beneath for blankets and clothes which she claims many bassinets don't have.
MFM mom home tester Mehack is a huge fan of the removable side wall that lets you lower it down for easy access to your baby. She also likes that legs slide under the bed so that it does not look heavy or take up too much floor space. She's also amazed by how easy it was to move around the house when she needed to for check-ins and feedings in the middle of the night.
A winner of the Gold award at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards and the CoZee Air is a popular choice for parents. It is a clever 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 necessities. It is also light and easy to put together, making it ideal to travel with your baby.
Safety
It is crucial to think about the safety aspect when selecting a newborn bedside co sleeper cot crib. The Lullaby Trust, as well as the NHS, recommend that babies not be placed in parents bed because of the risk of suffocation as well as sudden infant death syndrome. Bedside bassinets allow parents to keep their baby close and allow for nighttime feedings, comforting and monitoring without needing to get up from their beds.
This close proximity can also help breastfeeding mothers as it allows them to be attentive to the baby's needs while still sleeping. This can help to maintain milk supply and encourage breastfeeding. Some cots for bedside have adjustable height options, which will help ensure that the bassinet is an appropriate height for mother and baby, allowing easy access to mid-night feedings or other care.
Many bassinets come with a mattress that is designed to minimize the risk of suffocation, and is in line with industry standards. This is important because a baby's bones are fragile and aren't fully developed. They require support to prevent injury. The mattress should be covered with an appropriate sheet to minimize the chance that dust mites, or other allergens, will choke a child. It should also be kept clean and free of allergens.
Some cots with a bedside have the capability of being tilted. This can be useful for babies with reflux or digestive issues, however this should always be done with extreme caution and at a moderate angle. It is also essential to avoid adding pillows, duvets or crib bumpers to the bassinet, as they could pose the risk of suffocation for your baby. They should only be used when the cot is set on flat surfaces.
It's also worth considering a bassinet with an attached system that is secure and can be easily fixed to your bed without the necessity of tools. This can be especially beneficial for parents who struggle to lift their baby in and out of the cot, or who are worried about accidentally rolling over in the night. If your bassinet does have an attachment system that is secure, it's recommended to regularly check that it's securely attached and that there are no gaps or loose components which could cause danger.
Comfort
If you're a soon-to-be parent, your baby's safety is one of your main concerns. Thankfully, there's an innovative sleep solution that allows you to keep your baby close during the night without taking on any of the risks that come with bed-sharing. The baby bedside cot wooden cot is an essentially a bassinet-style crib that is attached to the side of your bed that allows you to take them away for feeding at night and calming. It's also a great option for mothers who are recovering from a C-section since it will not require you to stand up or to bend over.
A modern newborn bedside cot should have a firm and flat mattress that can promote safe sleeping practices and lower the chance of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). The bedding should be kept simple, with only the sheets for the cot and a blanket tucked in tightly at the bottom. Avoid toys, bumpers or pillows because they could fall on your baby and create a risk of suffocation. If your baby is used to being swaddled during a few weeks then you can use the swaddle or baby sleep bag. But, it should be removed when they are strong enough to unwrap them.
Some bedside crib and cot cribs have a drop-down or removable side to make it easy for your baby's feeds and comforting. This is a great feature for parents who want to keep a close relationship with their child, while adhering to NHS guidelines for sleep. If you are planning to sleep with your child, it is important to know that this practice could increase the chance of SIDS. This is particularly when a parent accidentally rolls on their infant while sleeping.
A fabric that is breathable is an essential safety feature, as it's designed to keep your baby cool and comfortable throughout the night. This is especially crucial if you intend to sleep with your newborn since the chance of overheating is higher during sleep. The SnuzPod4 features a unique side panel made of breathable mesh that aids in improving the flow of air and keep your baby snug in their mattress.