Newborn Bedside Cot
A newborn bedside cot is a compact sleeper that allows babies to share a space as their parents without the dangers of co sleeper bedside cot-sleeping (which the AAP advises against due to suffocation and SIDS). It helps you take care of your infant and feed them throughout the night.
This sleeper has a sturdy mattress that is designed to help babies' backs and reduce the chance of SIDS. It can swivel over your bed to make it easier for you to get your baby out for midnight nursing or cuddles at sunrise.
Budget
A bedside cot, also referred to as a co-sleeper, is the bassinet-style baby cot that can be attached to your existing bed. This lets you easily and safely reach your newborn for middle-of-the-night feeding, comforting or cuddles. These are perfect for mothers and new parents recovering after a c section as they allow easy access to the baby without needing to get out of the bed.
There are a variety of designs that are available, from the basic ones that have an upside-down side to more sophisticated models that have various adjustment options, such as the ability to tilt or raise. Most convert to an independent crib for naps during the day or when your baby is around a few months old and sleeping longer at night.
One of our top picks is the Maxi-Cosi Lora, which was nominated for the 2021 Mother&Baby awards in the categories of Best Cot Crib, best bedside cot Cot or Moses Basket. MFM home tester Emily commented how stylish and modern the design was. She also appreciated the fact that it can be used as a bassinet or attached to your existing bed, to ensure safe side-by-side sleeping. She also adored its soft mattress which passed our firmness tests, and that it has a manual inclining function for those suffering from reflux.
She didn't like the fact that it had a non mesh panel at the bottom, and thought it was too bulky to move around from room to room. When folded into a travel bag, she found it to be a bit heavy to carry up the stairs.
Size
A bedside cot mattress cot is basically an upholstered bassinet that is fixed to the side of your bed. It allows you to reach your newborn for middle-of-the-night feeding nappies, comforting and feeding. It's perfect for mothers recovering from an o-section.
The NHS and Lullaby Trust advise that you place your baby in the same room as you, but keep them separate from you for the first six months, as this can help reduce the chance of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). The crib at the bedside, with its low sides is a great way to accomplish this. It lets you be able to easily access your baby during the night.
It is crucial that your infant sleeps on a firm mattress since it is safer than a soft one. A mattress that is soft can increase the risk of suffocation in infants as they do not have the motor control required to turn. This mattress is made of skin-friendly and breathe-able materials. It's comfortable for your baby but firm enough to ensure safety.
Mum Jasmin was happy that the crib didn't occupy too much space in her bedroom and thought it was the ideal size for a newborn. The mattress she rated as also good quality, unlike some that feel flimsy and thin. She also loves the fact that it has a storage space beneath for bedding and clothes - something many other bassinets don't.
Mehack Mehack, an MFM mother who has tested the product at home, loves that you can remove the side wall to allow for easier access to your baby. She also appreciates that the legs can be put under the bed to look less bulky and take up less floor space. She's also impressed with how it was easy to move around her home in the event of check-ins and feedings in the middle of the night.
A winner of a Gold award at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards The CoZee Air is a popular choice among parents. It features a unique design with four pulleys which can be used to raise or lower your crib. There's also a large basket for toys, blankets, and other essentials. It's also easy to assemble and lightweight that is great for travelling with your baby.
Safety
When choosing a new baby's bedside cot it's important to keep safety in your thoughts. Official safe sleep advice from both the Lullaby Trust and NHS recommends that babies do not be sleeping in the bed of their parents due to the dangers of suffocation, heat exhaustion and a greater chance of suffering from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Bedside bassinets let parents keep their newborn close by to help with night-time feedings, comforting and monitoring without having to leave their bed.
This close proximity can aid breastfeeding mothers since it allows them to attend to the needs of their baby while they sleep. This can help to maintain the supply of milk and also encourage breastfeeding. Some bedside cots have adjustable height features that will help ensure that the bassinet is a comfortable height for both mother and baby to allow ease of access during feedings or care.
A lot of bassinets have a firm mattress, which is designed to reduce the risk of suffocation, and also meets industry standards. This is crucial because a newborn's bones are soft and not fully developed and need to be supported to prevent injury. The mattress should be encased in a fitted sheet to minimize the risk of suffocation from dust mites or other allergens and kept hygienically clean and free from irritants.
Some bedside cribs can be tilted. This is helpful for babies who have digestive or reflux issues. However, it should be done with care and with caution. It is also important to avoid adding pillows, duvets or padded crib bumpers to the bassinet since these can pose an obstructing risk to your baby and should only be used when the cot is placed on flat surfaces.
You should also think about a bassinet that has a secure attachment system. It can be attached to your bed without the need for tools. This feature is especially beneficial for parents who struggle to lift their child into and out of the crib or are worried about their child rolling over during sleep. If your bassinet does have an attachment system that is secure, it's recommended to regularly make sure it's secure and that there aren't gaps or loose components that could pose a hazard.
Comfort
If you're a soon-to-be parent, your baby's safety is one of your primary concerns. There's a new solution to sleep that allows you to keep your baby close to you at night, without the danger of sharing the bed. The baby bedside cot is an essentially a bassinet-style crib that is attached to the bed's side that allows you to lift them out towards you to feed them at night and soothe. It is also a great choice for mums recovering from a csection, as it reduces the need to bend too much or even get out of bed.
A modern newborn bedside cot - Suggested Browsing, should have a firm and flat mattress that can promote safe sleeping practices and reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Bedding should be simple with a cot sheet and a blanket tightly tucked at the bottom. Avoid bumpers, toys, and pillows that could be thrown over your baby, creating an obstructive risk. If your baby is familiar with being swaddled, you can make use of a swaddle, or a baby sleep bag for the initial few weeks, but this should be removed when possible after they've gained the strength and confidence to unwrap themselves.
Some cribs with a bedside feature a removable or drop-down side that provides an easy access to your baby to feed and comfort them during the middle of the night. This is a wonderful feature for parents looking to maintain a strong bond with their child, but still adhere to NHS safe sleep guidelines. If you're planning to sleep in the same bed with your baby, it's important to understand that this practice has been linked to a higher risk of SIDS, particularly if a parent unintentionally rolls onto their child during sleep.
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 important if you intend to sleep with your baby since the risk of being overheated when sleeping increases. The SnuzPod4 comes with a unique breathable side panel that helps improve the flow of air, keeping your baby comfortable.