Newborn Bedside Cot
A newborn bedside cot is a compact sleeper that allows new babies to share a room as their parents without the risk of sleeping together (which the AAP recommends against due to SIDS and suffocation). It helps you take care of your baby and give them a bottle in the middle of the night.
This mattress is a firm mattress that is designed to support babies' backs and minimize the chance of SIDS. It can slide over your adult bed to make it easier for you to get your baby out for midnight cuddles or a sunrise kiss.
Budget
A bedside crib, also known as a co-sleeper or bassinet is a bassinet type crib for babies that attaches to your existing bed. This allows you to comfortably and safely reach your newborn for middle-of-the-night feeding, comforting or cuddles. These are perfect for new parents and mums recovering from a csection because they allow easy access to the baby without having to get up from bed.
There are many different designs that are available, from the basic ones with just a drop down side to more sophisticated models with various adjustment options, such as the ability to tilt or raise. Most can be converted into a separate crib when your baby grows older and has a longer sleep time in the night.
Maxi-Cosi Lora is one our favorites. It was nominated 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 liked the fact that it could be used as a bassinet or clipped to your bed to ensure safe side-by-side sleeping. She also appreciated its luxurious mattress, which passed our firmness tests, and that it has a manual inclining function for those who suffer from reflux.
She didn't like that it had a non-mesh panel at the bottom, and considered it too bulky to move around from room to room. It also felt a bit heavy to carry up and down the stairs, especially when it was folded up into its bag for travel.
Size
A bedside cot is the bassinet, which is attached to the bed's side. It allows you to easily reach your baby for mid-night feeding nappies, comforting and feeding. It's great for mothers who are recovering from an o-section.
The NHS and Lullaby Trust recommend that you keep your baby separated from you during the first six month, to reduce the risk of SIDS. The crib at the bedside with its low sides is a great method to do this. It allows you to access your baby easily during the night.
It is crucial that your baby sleeps on a firm and not a soft mattress. Newborns don't have the motor control to turn over and a mattress that is soft can increase the risk of suffocation. The soft, breathable fabric and skin-friendly materials make this mattress comfortable for your baby, but 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 baby. She also said that the mattress was of good quality, unlike others which are thin and fragile. She also loves the fact that it has storage space beneath for bedding and clothes which many bassinets don't have.
MFM mum home tester Mehack is a big fan of the removable side wall that lets you lower it down for easy access to your infant. She also loves that legs fold under the bed so that it doesn't appear big or take up too much floor space. She's also amazed by how easy it is to move around the house when you want to in the middle of the night, which is convenient for feedings and check-ins.
The CoZee Air crib is a favourite among parents. It was awarded a Gold Award in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It is designed with four pulleys that are built-in to raise or lower the crib. It also includes a large storage basket for toys, blankets and other essentials. It's also simple to put together and light, which is useful to travel with your baby.
Safety
It's important to consider the safety of the crib for your newborn. The official safety sleep guidelines of both the Lullaby Trust and NHS recommends that babies not sleep in their parents' beds because of the risks of suffocation, heat exhaustion and a greater chance of suffering from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Bassinets for bedside use allow parents to keep their newborn close by and allow for nighttime feedings, comforting and monitoring without needing to get up from their beds.
This close proximity also helps breastfeeding mothers as they can attend to the needs of their infant without waking up in the middle of the night, which can help to keep milk supply steady and enhance the breastfeeding experience. Some bedside cot for twins cots come with adjustable height options that can aid the mother and child to reach the bassinet for feedings or other activities during the night.
Many bassinets come with mattresses that are firm, which is designed to decrease the risk of suffocation and is in line with industry standards. This is important because a baby's bones are fragile and aren't fully developed. They need to be supported to avoid damage. The mattress should be covered with an appropriate sheet to reduce the risk that dust mites, as well as other allergens, could suffocate a child. It should be kept clean and free of irritants.
Some small bedside cot cribs can be tilted. This is helpful for babies suffering from digestive or reflux issues. However, this should be done with care and with caution. Avoid placing pillows, duvets or padded crib bumpers in the bassinet. These can pose the risk of suffocation your baby.
You should also think about the bassinet with an attachment system that is secure. It can be connected to your existing bed easily without the need for tools. This is particularly beneficial for parents who have difficulty get their child in and out of the crib or are worried about their child accidentally falling asleep. If your bassinet is equipped with secured attachments, it's a good idea to regularly ensure that it's securely secured and that there are no gaps or loose parts which could cause danger.
Comfort
If you're planning to become a parent, your baby's safety is one of your main concerns. Thankfully, there's an innovative sleep solution that allows you to keep your baby close to you throughout the night, without any of the risks associated with sharing a bed. The crib for newborns is a bassinet style cot that attaches to the side of the bed. It allows you to safely lift your baby out towards you for feedings and comfort. It's also a great option for mothers who are recovering from a C section as it eliminates the need to stand or bend over.
Modern bedside cots for newborns should be fitted with a firm, flat mattress to promote safe sleeping habits and reduce the risk Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Bedding should be simple with just a cot sheet and a blanket tightly tucked on the bottom. Avoid bumpers, toys or pillows as these could be thrown over your baby and pose a suffocation hazard. If your baby is used to being swaddled you can use 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 take off their wraps.
Some cribs for 4-in-1 bedside crib use a removable or drop-down side that provides the baby to be easily accessible for feeding and comfort during the middle of the night. This is a wonderful feature for parents looking to maintain a strong bond with their child, while adhering to NHS safe sleep advice. If you plan to co-sleep with your child, it is important to know that this practice can increase the risk of SIDS. This is especially true if a parent accidentally is able to roll their infant over while sleeping.
A breathable fabric is another important safety factor, since it's designed to keep your baby cool and comfortable throughout the night. This is especially important if you plan to sleep with your newborn, because the risk of overheating when sleeping increases. The SnuzPod4 features a unique breathable mesh side panel that helps improve the flow of air and keep your baby snug in their mattress.