Newborn bedside cot bed Cot
A newborn bedside cot is a compact sleeper that allows babies to share the same room as their parents without the risk of sleeping together (which the AAP recommends against due to suffocation and SIDS). It also makes middle-of-the-night nursing sessions and baby care easier.
This sleeper has a sturdy mattress that is designed to support babies' backs and minimize the risk of SIDS. It can be swiveled on your adult bed to raise your baby to snuggle them at sunrise or for late night nursing.
Budget
A bedside cot, sometimes referred to as a co-sleeper, is the bassinet-style baby cot that can be attached to your bed. This allows you to easily and safely reach your baby during the night for feeding or cuddles. These are perfect for mothers and new parents recovering after a c section because they provide easy access to the baby without needing to get out of bed.
There are a variety of styles 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. Most convert to 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 in Best Cot Crib, best bedside cots Cot or Moses Basket. MFM home tester Emily noted how stylish and modern the design was. She also liked the fact that it can be used as a bassinet or clipped to your existing bed, for safe side-byside sleeping. She also appreciated the soft mattress that has passed our test for firmness and the fact that it features a manual rocking feature that can be set to a slight incline for reflux sufferers.
She didn't like that it had a mesh panel on the bottom and she thought it was too heavy to move around from room to room. When it was folded into its travel bag, she found it to be quite heavy to carry up the stairs.
Size
A bedside cot is essentially an upholstered bassinet that is fixed to your side of the bed. It lets you easily reach your baby for mid-night feeding nappies, comforting and feeding. It's also great for moms recovering from the C-section.
The NHS and Lullaby Trust advise that you place your baby in the same room with you, but keep them separate from you for the first six months because this will reduce the risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). A crib that is placed near your bed is a safe way to achieve this as it is low-sided and lets you be able to easily access your baby at night.
It is essential that your baby is sleeping on a firm and not an extremely soft mattress. Newborns don't have the motor control to turn over and a soft mattress could increase the risk of being suffocated. The breathable fabric and skin-friendly materials make the mattress comfortable for your baby but also firm enough for safety.
Mum Jasmin was pleased that the crib didn't take up much space in her bedroom and thought it was the ideal size for a newborn. She also said that the mattress was of good quality unlike other cribs that seem thin and flimsy. She also likes that it has a storage compartment beneath to store blankets and clothing which she believes most bassinets do not have.
MFM mom home test Mehack is a fan of the side wall that is removable that lets you lower it down for easy access to your infant. She also loves the fact that the legs can be tucked under the bed to make it look less bulky and take up less space on the floor. She is also impressed by how it was simple to move around the house in the event of checks and feedings in the middle of the night.
The CoZee Air crib is a popular choice for parents. It was awarded the Gold Award at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It is designed with four built-in pulleys to raise or lower the crib. It has a large storage basket for your baby's blankets, toys and other necessities. It is also lightweight and easy to assemble and is ideal to travel with your baby.
Safety
When selecting a newborn bedside cot it's important to keep the safety of your baby in your thoughts. The Lullaby Trust, as well as the NHS advise that babies not sleep in the parents' beds due to the risk of suffocation and sudden infant death syndrome. Bedside bassinets let parents keep their infant close, facilitating feeding at night as well as monitoring and comforting without having to get out of bed.
This close proximity can also aid breastfeeding mothers since it allows them to be attentive to the needs of their baby while they sleep. This can help to maintain milk supply and encourage breastfeeding. Some cots for bedside have adjustable height options, which can help to ensure that the bassinet is a comfortable height for both mother and baby, allowing easy access for middle-of-the-night feedings or care.
Many bassinets are equipped with mattresses that are firm. This is designed to minimize the risk of suffocation and is in line with the standards of the industry. It is crucial to support the bones of a newborn, because they are still squishy and are not fully formed. The mattress should be covered with an appropriate sheet to minimize the chance that dust mites, as well as other allergens, can cause a child to be suffocated. It should also be kept clean and free of allergens.
Some bedside cots can be tilted, which can be beneficial for babies suffering from reflux or digestive issues, however this should be done with a lot of care and at a moderate angle. Avoid adding pillows, duvets or padded crib bumpers inside the bassinet. They could pose a risk of suffocation for your baby.
It is also recommended to consider the bassinet with a secure attachment system. It can be attached to your bed without the use of tools. This is especially helpful for parents who may struggle to lift their baby in and out of the cot or who are concerned about rolling over during sleep. If your bassinet is equipped with an attachment that is secure it is a great idea for you to check it frequently. Make sure there aren't any gaps and that the system is securely attached.
Comfort
If you're expecting your first child and you're worried about the safety of your child is definitely one of your top concerns. There's a great sleep solution that lets you keep your baby close to you throughout the night, without any of the risks associated with bed-sharing. The crib for newborns is a cot that resembles a bassinet that attaches to the side of the bed. It allows you to safely carry your baby to you for night feedings and soothing. It's also a great choice for mums recovering from a c-section because it eliminates the need to bend too much or even take a step out of the bed.
A modern bedside cot for newborns should have a sturdy, flat mattress to help in promoting safe sleeping habits and reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Bedding should be easy with just a cot sheet and a blanket tightly tucked on the bottom. Avoid bumpers, toys or pillows as these could fall on your baby and pose a suffocation hazard. 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 it should be removed when possible after they've gained the strength and confidence to pull themselves out of the wrap.
Some bedside travel crib cribs have a drop-down or removable side that allows easy access to your newborn for middle-of-the-night feeds and comforting. This is a wonderful feature for parents looking to maintain the bond between them and their child while still following NHS safe sleep advice. However, if you're planning to sleep in the same bed with your child it's important to know that this practice has been associated with an increased risk of SIDS, particularly in the event that a parent is able to roll onto their infant during sleep.
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 baby because the risk of overheating during sleep increases. The SnuzPod4 has a unique side panel made of breathable mesh that aids in improving the airflow and keeps your baby snug in their bed.