Newborn Bedside Cot
A newborn bedside cot is a compact sleeper that allows newborns to share the same space as their parents without the risks of true co-sleeping (which the AAP advises against due to suffocation and SIDS). It also makes nursing sessions and child care more convenient.
This sleeper comes with a firm mattress that supports babies' backs, reducing the chance of SIDS. It can be swiveled over the bed of your adult to make it easier for you to carry your baby bedside sleeper for nighttime cuddles or a sunrise kiss.
Budget
A cheap bedside cot crib, also known as a bassinet or co-sleeper is a bassinet-style crib that can be attached to your existing bed. This lets you reach your baby comfortably and safely for a late-night feed or comforting cuddle. These are ideal for new parents and mums recovering from a c-section because they allow easy access to the baby without having to get up from bed.
There are many different designs available, from the basic ones that have an upside-down side to more sophisticated models that offer various adjustment options, such as an incline or a height. Many convert to a separate crib for daytime naps or when your baby is around a few months old and sleeps longer at night.
One of our favourites is the Maxi-Cosi Lura, that was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby awards in Best Cot Crib, Best Cot, or Moses Basket. MFM home tester Emily said she was impressed by how chic and modern the design is, while she appreciated the fact that you can use it as a regular bassinet or clip it onto your bed to ensure that you can sleep side-by-side. She also liked the plush mattress, which has passed our test for firmness, and the fact that it has a manual rocking feature that can be set to a slight tilt for reflux sufferers.
However, she didn't like the design of the non-mesh panel at the bottom and thought it was a bit bulky to move from room to room frequently. She also found it a little heavy to carry up and down the stairs, especially when it was folded up into its travel bag.
Size
A bedside cot is an upholstered bassinet that is fixed to the side of the bed. It is easy to reach your baby's side to feed, change nappies, or to comfort them in the middle of the night. It's ideal for mothers recovering from the 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 at the bedside with its low sides is a great method to accomplish this. It allows you to access your baby easily throughout the night.
It is essential that your baby sleeps on a firm mattress since this is safer than a mattress that is soft. A mattress that is soft increases the risk of suffocation for infants as they lack the motor control necessary to turn. This mattress is made from skin-friendly and breathable materials. It's comfortable for your baby, yet firm enough to ensure safety.
Mum Jasmin was delighted that the crib didn't occupy too the entire space in her room and thought it was the ideal size for a newborn. The mattress she rated as excellent quality, in contrast to others that feel thin and thin. She also appreciates that it has storage space underneath for bedding and clothes which many bassinets don't.
Mehack Mehack, an MFM mum who tested the product at home, likes the ability to 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 it doesn't appear bulky or take up a lot of floor space. She is also impressed by how it was simple to move around her house when she needed to do check-ins and feedings in the middle of the night.
A winner of an Gold award at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, the CoZee Air is a popular choice for parents. It features a smart design with four pulleys built-in to raise or lower the crib and comes with a large storage bin for blankets, toys and other necessities. It's also easy to put together and light that is great for traveling with your baby.
Safety
It is crucial to think about safety when choosing the crib for your newborn. The Lullaby Trust, as well as the NHS, recommend that babies do not be placed in parents' beds due to the possibility of suffocation as well as sudden infant death syndrome. Bedside bassinets enable parents to keep their infants close to them, facilitating nighttime feedings as well as monitoring without needing to get out of bed.
This close proximity can aid breastfeeding mothers since it allows them to attend to the needs of their baby while still sleeping. This can help maintain the supply of milk and encourage breastfeeding. Some cots with a bedside are equipped with adjustable height options, which will help ensure that the bassinet is an ideal height for mother and baby to allow easy access to mid-night feedings or care.
Many bassinets are equipped with a firm mattress, which is designed to reduce the risk of suffocation and is in line with the standards of the industry. This is essential because baby's bones are fragile 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, as well as other allergens, can cause a child to be suffocated. It should also be kept clean and free of irritants.
Some bedside cots have the capability of being tilted, which is beneficial for babies with reflux or digestive issues, but it should be done with extreme caution and at a gentle angle. Avoid adding pillows, duvets, or padded crib bumpers inside the bassinet. These could create a risk of suffocation for your baby.
You should also think about the bassinet with an attachment system that is secure. It can be attached to your bed without the need of tools. This feature is especially beneficial for parents who have difficulty get their child in and out of the crib or are worried about their child rolling over during sleep. If your bassinet is equipped with a secure attachment system it's an excellent idea to periodically ensure that it's securely secured and that there aren't gaps or loose components that could cause danger.
Comfort
If you're a parent-to-be, the safety of your baby is surely one of your main concerns. There's a wonderful sleep solution that allows you to keep your baby close during the night - without any of the risks that come with sharing a bed. The newborn bedside cot is basically a bassinet-style cot that is attached to the bed's side and allows you to move them towards you to feed them at night and soothe. It's also a great option for mothers recovering from a C-section as it eliminates the need to get up or bend over.
Modern bedside cots for newborns should have a flat, firm mattress to encourage safe sleep practices and reduce the risk Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. The bedding should be simple, with just a cot sheet and a blanket that is tightly tucked on the bottom. Avoid toys, bumpers or pillows as these could fall on your baby and create a risk of suffocation. If your baby is used to 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 you can once they've gained the strength to pull themselves out of the wrap.
Some cribs with a wooden bedside cot have a drop-down or removable side to make it easy for your baby for feedings in the middle of the night and comforting. This is a good option for parents who wish to maintain an intimate relationship with their child, but still adhere to NHS safe sleep advice. If you're planning to 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 if a parent unintentionally is able to roll onto their child during sleep.
A breathable fabric is another essential safety feature, as it's designed to keep your baby cool and comfortable throughout the night. This is especially important if you plan to co-sleep your newborn as the risk of overheating in the night increases. The SnuzPod4 features a unique side panel made of breathable mesh that aids in improving airflow and keep your baby bedside sleeper snug in their mattress.