Newborn Bedside Cot
A newborn bedside co sleeper cot is a compact sleeper that allows new babies to sleep in the same room as their parents without the risks of true co-sleeping (which the AAP recommends against due to suffocation and SIDS). It also makes nursing sessions and care much easier.
This sleeper comes with a mattress that is firm and supports babies backs, which reduces the risk of SIDS. It can slide over the bed of your adult to make it easier for you to get your baby for nighttime cuddles or a sunrise kiss.
Budget
A bedside cot, also referred to as a co-sleeper, is a bassinet-style baby cot bedside that is attached or clipped to your bed. This lets you comfortably and safely reach your newborn for middle-of-the-night feeding or cuddles. They are a great choice for mothers or new parents recovering from a csection as they offer the baby with easy access and do not require you to get up from your bed.
There are a variety of designs that are available, from the basic ones with just a drop down side to more sophisticated models that have multiple adjustment options, including the ability to tilt or raise. Most can be converted into an independent crib once your baby gets older and has a longer sleep time at night.
Maxi-Cosi Lora is among our top picks. It was shortlisted in the Best Cot category for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. MFM home tester Emily said she was impressed by how chic and modern the design was. She also appreciated the fact that it can be used as a bassinet or clipped to your existing bed, to ensure safe side-by-side sleeping. She also appreciated its luxurious mattress that has passed our tests for firmness and it also has a manual inclining function 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 room frequently. When folded into a travel bag, she found it a bit heavy to carry up the stairs.
Size
A bedside cot is the bassinet style cot that can be fixed to the side of your bed. It allows you to easily reach your newborn for middle-of-the-night feeding, nappies and comforting. It's ideal for mothers recovering from the c-section.
The NHS and Lullaby Trust advise that you keep your baby in the same room as you, but separated from you for the first six months, because this will reduce the risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). The crib at the bedside crib with wheels, with its low sides is a great method to accomplish this. It allows you to access your baby easily at night.
It is important that your baby is sleeping on a firm, not a soft mattress. Infants don't have the motor control to turn over and a mattress that is soft can increase the risk of being suffocated. The soft, breathable fabric and skin-friendly materials make this mattress a comfortable one for your baby bedside crib but firm enough for safety.
Mum home tester Jasmin loved that the crib doesn't take up too much space in her bedroom. Also, she found it to be the perfect size for a baby. She also said that the mattress was of high-quality, unlike others which feel thin and flimsy. She also loves that it has a storage compartment beneath for blankets and clothes which she claims most bassinets do not have.
MFM mum home test Mehack is a fan of the side wall with a removable design that allows you to drop it down to give easy access to your baby. She also likes that legs fold under the bed so that it does not look bulky or take up a lot of floor space. She is also impressed by how it was simple to move around her house in the event of check-ins and feedings during the night.
The CoZee Air crib is a popular choice for parents. It won a Gold Award at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It is designed with four pulleys built-in to raise or lower the crib and comes with a large storage bin for your baby's toys, blankets and other essentials. It's also easy to put together and lightweight and portable, which is ideal for traveling with your baby.
Safety
When selecting a newborn bedside cot, it is important to keep the safety of your baby in mind. The official safety sleep guidelines of both the Lullaby Trust and NHS recommends that babies do not sleep in parent's beds due to the dangers of overheating, suffocation and a greater chance of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Bedside bassinets allow parents to keep their newborns close, which allows for nighttime feedings, comforting, and monitoring without having to leave their bed.
This close proximity can support breastfeeding mothers, as it allows them to be attentive to the needs of their infant while still sleeping. This can help to maintain the supply of milk and also encourage breastfeeding. Some cots with a bedside cot co sleeper are equipped with adjustable height options that can aid both the mother and baby to get into the bassinet for feedings or other care during the night.
Many bassinets come with mattresses that are firm. This is designed to reduce the risk of suffocation and is in line with industry standards. This is essential because baby's bones are fragile and not fully developed, and need to be supported to prevent damage. The mattress should be encased in a fitted cover to reduce the risk of suffocation caused by dust mites or other allergens. It should also be kept clean and free of irritants.
Some cots with a bedside can be tilted, which can be beneficial for babies with reflux or digestive issues, however this should be done with a lot of care and at a gentle angle. Avoid placing pillows, duvets, or padded crib bumpers to the bassinet. These could create the risk of suffocation your baby.
It is also recommended to consider a bassinet that has a secure attachment system. It can be connected to your existing bed easily without the need of tools. This feature is especially beneficial for parents who have difficulty lift their child into and out of the crib or are concerned about their child rolling over during sleep. If your bassinet does have an attachment system that is secure, it's recommended to regularly ensure that it's securely secured and that there aren't gaps or loose parts that could cause danger.
Comfort
If you are a soon-to-be parent, the comfort of your child is one of your main concerns. There's a new solution to sleep that allows you to keep your baby close to you at night without the risk of sharing a bed. The baby bedside cot is essentially a bassinet-style cot that fixes to the bed's side, allowing you to safely lift them out towards you for feeding at night and calming. It also makes an excellent choice for mothers recovering from a c-section since it makes it less necessary to bend over too much or even get out of the bed.
A modern newborn bedside cot should have a sturdy and flat mattress that can promote safe sleeping practices and reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). The bedding should be simple, comprising a cot sheets and blanket tucked tightly on the bottom. Avoid bumpers, toys or pillows because they can fall on your baby and cause suffocation hazard. If your baby has been used to being swaddled for a few weeks then you can use an swaddle or baby sleep bag. However, it is recommended that this be removed when they are strong enough to take them off.
Some cribs for bedside use a removable or drop-down side for easy access to your baby for feedings in the middle of the night and comforting. This is a great feature for parents who wish to keep a close relationship with their child, but still adhere to NHS sleep guidelines. However, if you're planning to co-sleep in the same bed with your baby, it's important to understand that this practice has been associated with an increased risk of SIDS particularly when a parent accidentally is able to roll onto their child during sleep.
A fabric that is breathable will keep your baby cool and cool throughout the night. This is particularly crucial if you plan to co-sleep your newborn because the risk of overheating when sleeping increases. The SnuzPod4 is a unique, mesh side panel that is breathable, which helps to improve the airflow and keeps your baby snug in their mattress.