Newborn Bedside Cot
A newborn bedside cot is a compact sleeper that allows babies to sleep in the same space as their parents without the dangers of co-sleeping (which the AAP cautions against due suffocation and SIDS). It makes it easier to care for your infant and feed them in the middle of the night.
This mattress has a firm mattress that supports babies' backs, reducing the chance of SIDS. It can slide over your bed to make it easier for you to lift your baby out for midnight nursing or sunrise cuddles.
Budget
A bedside co sleeper cot crib, also called a bassinet or co-sleeper is a bassinet type crib for babies that attaches to your existing bed. This allows you to reach your baby quickly and safely for a late-night feed or cuddles. These are ideal for new parents and mums recovering from a csection as they allow easy access to the baby without having to get up from bed.
There are lots of different styles available that range from basic models with just a drop-down side to more sophisticated models that can be adjusted in multiple ways with incline and height options. Most can be converted into a standalone crib when your baby is older and has a longer sleep time at night.
One of our top picks is the Maxi-Cosi Lora, which was shortlisted for 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 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 liked its plush mattress, which was able to pass our tests of firmness, and that it has an option to manually tilt it for those who suffer from reflux.
But she wasn't thrilled with the design of the non-mesh panel at the bottom and felt it was a bit heavy to move from room to room regularly. When folded into its travel bag, she found it to be a bit heavy to carry up the stairs.
Size
A bedside cot is an infant bassinet that is connected to the side of your bed. It allows you to easily reach your baby for mid-night feeding nappies, comforting and feeding. It's also great for mums recovering from C-sections.
The NHS and Lullaby Trust recommend that you keep your baby separated from you for the first six months, to decrease the chance of SIDS. The crib at the bedside, with its low sides is a great option to do this. It lets you access your baby easily at night.
It is essential that your baby sleeps on a firm and not a soft mattress. Infants don't have the motor control to rotate and a mattress that is soft could increase the chance of suffocation. This mattress is made of skin-friendly and breathable materials. It is comfortable for your baby, yet firm enough to be safe.
Mum home tester Jasmin liked that this crib does not take up much space in her bedroom, and she found the size perfect for a newborn. She also said that the mattress was also of good quality, as opposed to others that feel thin and thin. She also loves the fact that it has a storage space underneath for bedding and clothes which many bassinets don't.
Mehack Mehack, an MFM mother who has tested the product at home, is thrilled the ability to remove the side wall to allow easier access to your baby. She also likes the fact that legs slide into the bed so it doesn't appear big or take up too much floor space. She's also impressed with how easy it is to move around the house whenever you'd like, for convenience during middle-of-the-night feedings and check-ins.
A recipient of the Gold award in the 2021 Mother and Baby Awards and the CoZee Air is a popular choice for parents. It has a clever design that has four pulleys that can be used to raise or lower your crib. There is also an ample basket for toys, blankets, and other essentials. It is also light and easy to assemble which makes it perfect for traveling with your baby.
Safety
It is crucial to think about the safety of a newborn bedside travel crib crib. The official safe sleep guidelines from both the Lullaby Trust and NHS recommends that babies not be sleeping in the bed of their parents due to the risk of overheating, suffocation and a greater chance of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Bassinets for bedside use allow parents to keep their newborns close to them, facilitating nighttime feedings as well as monitoring without the need to leave their bed.
This close proximity can also support breastfeeding mothers, as it allows them to be attentive to the needs of their infant while also sleeping. This can help maintain the supply of milk and also encourage breastfeeding. Some cots for bedside have adjustable height features that can ensure that the bassinet is at an ideal height for mother and baby to allow easy access to mid-night feedings or other care.
A majority of bassinets come with mattresses that are firm and designed to minimize the chance of suffocation and 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 covered in a fitted sheet to minimize the risk of suffocation caused by dust mites and other allergens. It should also be kept clean and free of irritants.
Some cribs on the bed can be tilted. This is useful for babies with reflux or digestive issues. However, it should only be done gently and with care. Avoid putting pillows, duvets or padded crib bumpers to the bassinet. These can pose the risk of suffocation to your baby.
It's also worth looking into a bassinet with a secure attachment system that can be easily attached to your existing bed without the necessity of tools. This feature is especially useful for parents who find it difficult to get their child in and out of the crib or are concerned about their child accidentally falling asleep. If your bassinet is equipped with secured attachments it is a great idea to regularly check it. Make sure there aren't any gaps and that the system is securely attached.
Comfort
If you're a parent-to-be, the comfort of your infant is undoubtedly one of your top concerns. There's a wonderful sleep solution that lets you keep your baby close throughout the night - without any of the risks associated with sharing beds. The infant bedside cot essentially a bassinet-style cot that fixes to the bed's side that allows you to take them away to feed them at night and soothe. It is also the perfect choice for mothers recovering from a c-section, since it makes it less necessary to bend down too far or even take a step out of the bed.
A modern bedside crib travel cot for newborns should have a sturdy and flat mattress that can promote safe sleeping practices and reduce the chance of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Bedding should be simple with just a cot sheet and blanket tucked tightly on the bottom. Avoid toys, bumpers and pillows since they can fall on your baby and pose a suffocation hazard. 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 it is best to remove it when possible after they've gained the strength and confidence to pull themselves out of the wrap.
Some bedside crib vs cot cribs feature an option to remove or drop down the side that allows for the baby to be easily accessible for comforting and feeding during the middle of the night. This feature is perfect for parents who wish to maintain a close bond with their child, while still following NHS guidelines on sleep. However, if you're considering sleeping in the same bed with your child, it's important to understand that this practice has been linked to an increased risk of SIDS particularly if a parent unintentionally falls on their child during sleep.
A breathable fabric is another important safety feature, as it's designed to keep your baby cool and comfortable throughout the night. This is especially crucial if you intend to sleep with your newborn, as the risk of being overheated increases when you sleep. The SnuzPod4 is a unique, mesh side panel that is breathable that aids in improving the airflow and keeps your baby comfortable in their mattress.