Newborn Bedside Cot
A newborn bedside cot is a tiny sleeper that allows newborns to share a room as their parents, without the dangers of co-sleeping (which the AAP advises against due to SIDS and suffocation). It makes it easier to care for your infant and feed them in the middle of the night.
This sleeper has a sturdy mattress to support babies' backs and decrease the risk of SIDS. It can be rotated over your adult bed to allow you to carry your baby to the top to cuddle them at sunrise or during midnight nursing.
Budget
A bedside crib, also known as a bassinet or cosleeper, is a bassinet style baby cot that clips to your bed. This lets you comfortably and safely reach your baby for mid-night feeding, comforting or cuddles. They are a great choice for mothers or new parents recovering from a c-section as they allow an easy access to baby and don't require you to get up.
There are a variety of designs available, from basic models with just a drop-down side to more sophisticated models that can be adjusted in a variety of ways including height and incline options. The majority of them can be converted to a separate crib when your baby grows older and is sleeping longer at night.
One of our favourites is the Maxi-Cosi Lora which was nominated for the 2021 Mother&Baby awards, including Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket. MFM home tester Emily said she was impressed by how chic and modern the design was. She also liked the fact that it can be used as a bassinet, or a clip to your existing bed, for a safe side-by-side sleep. She also admired the soft mattress, which has passed our test for firmness, and the fact that it comes with a manual rocking feature that can be set to a slight incline for reflux sufferers.
She didn't like the fact that it had a non mesh panel on the bottom and considered it too bulky to move from room to room. When folded into its travel bag, she found it a bit heavy to carry up the stairs.
Size
A bedside cot is essentially an upholstered bassinet that is fixed to the side of your bed. It's easy to reach your baby's side for feedings, changing nappies or comforting in the middle of the night. It's perfect for mothers recovering from an o-section.
The NHS and Lullaby Trust advise that you keep your baby in the same space as you, but keep them separate from you for the first six months, because this will reduce the chance of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). The crib that is placed beside your bed with its low sides, is a great way to do this. It lets you be able to easily access your baby at night.
It's important that your newborn sleeps on a firm bed as this is safer than a mattress that is soft. A mattress that is soft increases the risk of suffocation for newborns, since they lack the motor control necessary to turn. This mattress is made from skin-friendly and air-tight materials. It is comfortable for your baby, but firm enough to be safe.
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 it to be the perfect size for a newborn. The mattress she rated as also of good quality, as opposed to those that feel cheap and thin. She also appreciates that it has a storage space underneath for clothes and bedding which other bassinets don't have.
MFM mom home test Mehack is a big fan of the side wall that is removable that allows you to drop it to make it easier access to your infant. She also likes the fact that legs fold under the bed so that it doesn't appear bulky or take up a lot of floor space. She's also impressed with how easy it is to move around the house whenever you'd like in the middle of the night, which is convenient for meals and check-ins.
A winner of an Gold award at the 2021 Mother and Baby Awards, the CoZee Air is a popular choice among parents. It is designed with four pulleys built-in to raise or lower the crib. It has a large bedside crib storage basket for your baby's toys, blankets and other necessities. It is also light and easy to put together, making it ideal for travel with your baby.
Safety
When selecting a newborn bedside cot, it is important to keep the safety of your baby in your mind. The Lullaby Trust, as well as the NHS, recommend that babies don't sleep in the parents' beds because of the risk of suffocation as well as sudden infant death syndrome. bedside cot 6 months plus bassinets allow parents to keep their newborns close to them, facilitating nighttime feedings as well as comforting and monitoring without having to get up.
This close proximity can also aid breastfeeding mothers since it allows them to be attentive to the baby's needs while also sleeping. This can help maintain milk supply and encourage breastfeeding. Some bedside cots come with adjustable height features that can help both the mother and baby to get into the bassinet for feedings or other care at night.
Many bassinets are equipped with mattresses that are firm. This is designed to decrease suffocation risk and meets the standards of the industry. It is essential to provide support for the bones of a newborn, as they are still soft and are not fully formed. The mattress should be encased with a fitted sheet to reduce the risk of suffocation caused by dust mites and other allergens, and kept clean and free from irritants.
Some cribs on the bed can be tilted. This is helpful for babies with reflux or digestive problems. But, it should be done with care and with care. It's also important to avoid adding pillows, duvets or crib bumpers to the bassinet, as they could pose a suffocation risk for your baby and should only be used when the cot is placed on flat surfaces.
It is also recommended to consider an infant bassinet with a secure attachment system. This can be attached to your bed without the need of tools. This feature is especially beneficial for parents who find it difficult to carry their child into and out of the crib or are concerned about their child accidentally falling asleep. If your bassinet has an attachment that is secure it is a good idea for you to regularly check it. Make sure there aren't any gaps and that the system is securely connected.
Comfort
If you're a soon-to-be parent, the comfort of your child is among your top concerns. Thankfully, there's an innovative sleep solution that allows you to keep your baby close during the night - without any of the dangers that come with sharing a bed. The newborn bedside cot is basically a bassinet-style cot that fixes to the bed's side, allowing you to safely lift them out towards you for night feeding and soothing. It's also an excellent choice for mothers recovering from a c-section, because it eliminates the need to bend too much or even get out of the bed.
Modern bedside cots for newborns should have a flat, firm mattress to encourage safe sleep habits and lower the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Bedding should be simple with just a cot sheet and a blanket tightly tucked on the bottom. Avoid toys, bumpers and pillows that can fall on your baby, posing an obstructive risk. If your baby is familiar with being swaddled, you can use a swaddle or baby sleep bag for the initial few weeks, but it is best to remove it as soon as possible once they've gained the strength to pull themselves out of the wrap.
Some cribs for small bedside cot use 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 wonderful feature for parents looking to maintain a strong bond with their child, but still adhere to NHS safe sleep guidelines. However, if you're planning to sleep in the same bed as your baby it's important to recognize that this practice has been linked to a higher risk of SIDS particularly in the event that a parent rolls onto their child during sleep.
A breathable fabric will keep your baby cool and cool throughout the night. This is particularly important if you plan to co-sleep with your newborn since the chance of being overheated increases when you sleep. The SnuzPod4 has a unique, breathable side panel that aids in improving airflow, keeping your baby comfortable.