Newborn Bedside Cot
A newborn bedside cot is a small sleeper that allows newborns to sleep in the same space as their parents without the risk of sleeping together (which the AAP recommends against due to SIDS and suffocation). It also makes middle-of-the-night nursing sessions and care much more convenient.
This sleeper has an extremely firm mattress that can support babies backs, which reduces the chance of SIDS. It can swivel over your bed to make it easier for you to lift your child out for midnight nursing or cuddles at sunrise.
Budget
A bedside cot, also known as a co-sleeper, the bassinet-style baby cot that clips or attaches to your bed. This allows you to safely and easily reach your baby for mid-night feeding or cuddles. These are great for mothers and new parents recovering from a c-section because they provide the baby to be easily accessible without having to get up from the bed.
There are many different designs available, ranging from basic ones that have the drop-down side, to more sophisticated ones that have numerous adjustment options, like incline or height. The majority of them can be converted into an independent crib for naps during the day or when your baby is about months old and sleeping longer at night.
One of our top picks is the Maxi-Cosi Lora that was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby awards for the categories of best bedside cot Cot Crib, Best Cot, or Moses Basket. MFM home tester Emily said she was impressed by how chic and modern the design as well as the possibility of using it as a regular bassinet or connect it to your existing bed for safe side-by-side sleeping. She also appreciated its luxurious mattress that was able to pass our tests of firmness and it also has an option to manually tilt it for those suffering from reflux.
However, she didn't like the feature of a non-mesh panel at the lower end, and felt it was a bit heavy to move from room to room regularly. It also felt a little heavy to carry up and down the stairs, especially when it was folded up into its travel bag.
Size
A bedside cot crib cot is an upholstered bassinet that is fixed to the side of the bed. It's easy to reach your baby's mouth to feed, change nappies, or to comfort them in the middle of the night. It's also great for mums recovering from C-sections.
The NHS and Lullaby Trust recommend that you keep your baby separate from you during the first 6 months to lower the risk of SIDS. A crib that is placed near your bed is a secure way to achieve this because it is low-sided and allows you to easily access your newborn during the night.
It is essential that your baby sleeps on a firm mattress since it is more secure than a mattress that is soft. A mattress that is soft increases the risk of suffocation for newborns, as they lack the motor control necessary to turn. This mattress is made from skin-friendly and breathable materials. It is comfortable for your baby, but firm enough to ensure safety.
Mum Jasmin was happy that the crib didn't take up much space in her room and thought it was the perfect size for a newborn. She also noted that the mattress was of high-quality unlike other cribs that seem thin and flimsy. She also loves the fact that it has a storage compartment underneath for clothes and blankets which she believes most bassinets do not have.
MFM mum home test Mehack is a big fan of the side wall with a removable design that lets you lower it down for easy access to your newborn. She also loves that legs slide under the bed so that it doesn't appear big or take up a lot of floor space. She's also impressed by how easy it is to move around the house whenever you'd like in the middle of the night, which is convenient for feedings and check-ins.
The winner of a Gold award at the 2021 Mother and Baby Awards The CoZee Air is a popular choice amongst parents. It is designed with four pulleys that are built-in to raise or lower the crib. It also has a large storage basket for your baby's toys, blankets and other essentials. It's also easy to assemble and light in weight, which is useful for travelling with your baby.
Safety
It's important to consider safety when choosing a newborn bedside crib. The Lullaby Trust, as well as the NHS advise that babies do not be placed in parents' beds due to the risk of suffocation and sudden infant death syndrome. Bassinets for bedside use allow parents to keep their babies close, facilitating night time feedings as well as comforting and monitoring without the need to get up.
This close proximity can also support breastfeeding mothers, as it allows them to attend to the needs of their infant while also sleeping. This can help maintain milk supply and encourage breastfeeding. Some bedside cots have adjustable height options, which 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 minimize suffocation risk and meets industry standards. This is crucial because a baby's bones are fragile and not fully developed, and require support to prevent injury. The mattress should be covered with a fitted sheet to reduce the risk of suffocation caused by dust mites or other allergens. It should also be kept clean and free of allergens.
Some bedside crib co sleeper cribs can be tilted. This is beneficial for babies who have reflux or digestive issues. However, this should be done with care and with caution. Avoid adding pillows, duvets or padded crib bumpers inside the bassinet. These can pose the risk of suffocation to your baby.
You should also consider the bassinet with an attachment system that is secure. This can be connected to your bed 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 concerned about their baby accidentally rolling over while sleeping. If your bassinet has secured attachments it is a good idea for you to check it frequently. 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 one of your main concerns. There's a wonderful sleep solution that allows you to keep your baby close throughout the night, without any of the risks associated with sharing beds. The newborn bedside cot is an essentially a bassinet-style crib that fixes to the side of your bed and allows you to take them away for feeding at night and calming. It also makes a great choice for mums recovering from a c-section, as it reduces the need to bend over too much or even take a step out of bed.
Modern cots for infants should have a flat, firm mattress to encourage safe sleep habits and reduce the risk Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. The bedding should be kept simple and consist of only the sheets for the cot and a blanket that is tightly tucked into the bottom. Avoid toys, bumpers and pillows as these can fall on your baby and create a danger of suffocation. If your baby is used to being swaddled for several weeks and you want to use the swaddle or baby sleep bag. But, it should be removed once they are strong enough to remove them.
Some bedside cribs have a removable or drop-down side to make it easy for your baby's feeds and comforting. This is a wonderful option for parents who wish to keep an intimate relationship with their child while still following NHS safe sleep advice. However, if you're planning to co-sleep in the same bed as your child it's important to know that this practice has been associated with an increased risk of SIDS especially when a parent accidentally rolls onto their child during sleep.
A fabric that is breathable is an important safety feature, as it's designed to keep your baby cool and comfortable throughout the night. This is particularly crucial if you intend to co-sleep with your newborn since the chance of overheating is higher during sleep. The SnuzPod4 features a unique side panel made of breathable mesh that aids in improving the airflow and keeps your baby warm in their bed.