Newborn foldable bedside crib Cot
A newborn bedside cot is a compact sleeper that allows babies to share a space as their parents without the risks of true co-sleeping (which the AAP advises against due to SIDS and suffocation). It also makes nursing sessions and care much simpler.
This mattress is a firm mattress that can support babies' backs and reduce the chance of SIDS. It can be rotated over your adult bed to allow you to carry your baby to the top for sunrise cuddles or midnight nursing.
Budget
A bedside cot, also known as a co-sleeper, the bassinet-style baby cot that is attached or clipped to your existing bed. This allows you to safely and easily reach your baby for mid-night feeding or cuddles. These are ideal for mothers and new parents recovering from a csection as they allow the baby bedside crib to be easily accessible without needing to get out of the bed.
There are a variety of styles available, from the simple ones with the drop-down side, to more sophisticated models that offer numerous adjustment options, like incline or height. Most convert to an independent crib for daytime naps or when your baby is around a few months old and sleeping longer at night.
Maxi-Cosi Lora is among our top picks. It was selected in the Best Cot category for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. MFM home tester Emily said she was impressed by how chic and contemporary the design is as well as the feature that you can use it as a regular bassinet, or attach it to your existing bed for safe side-by-side sleeping. She also admired the soft mattress that has passed our test for firmness and also the fact that it has an automatic rocking feature that can be adjusted to a slight slope for those suffering from reflux.
However, she wasn't a fan of the feature of a non-mesh panel at the bottom and thought it was a bit heavy to move from room to room regularly. When folded into a travel bag, she found it a bit heavy to carry up the stairs.
Size
A bedside cot is a bassinet that is connected to the side of your bed. You can easily reach your baby's mouth to feed, change nappies, or to comfort them during the night. It's perfect for mothers recovering from a c-section.
The NHS and Lullaby Trust recommend that you keep your baby away from you for the first 6 months to decrease the chance of SIDS. The crib that is placed beside your bed, with its low sides, is a great method to do this. It allows you to be able to easily access your baby throughout the night.
It is essential that your baby is sleeping on a firm, not an extremely soft mattress. Newborns don't have the motor control to turn over and a soft mattress could increase the risk of suffocation. The soft, breathable fabric and skin-friendly materials make this mattress a comfortable one for your baby but firm enough for safety.
Mum home tester Jasmin loved that the crib doesn't take up too much space in her bedroom and she found the size to be perfect for a baby. The mattress she rated as also good quality, unlike those that feel cheap and thin. She also likes the fact that it has a storage compartment beneath to store blankets and clothing which she claims many bassinets don't have.
MFM mum home test Mehack is a huge fan of the removable side wall that lets you lower it down for easy access to your infant. She also appreciates that the legs can be put under the bed to make it look less bulky and take up less space on the floor. She's also impressed by the ease of being able to move around the house when you'd like in the middle of the night, which is convenient for meals and check-ins.
A winner of the Gold award in the 2021 Mother and Baby Awards and the CoZee Air is a popular choice among parents. It has a clever design with four built-in pulleys to raise or lower the crib and includes a large storage basket for your baby's blankets, toys and other necessities. It is also light and easy to put together and is ideal for travel with your baby.
Safety
It is crucial to think about the safety of the right crib for your baby's bed. The official safe sleep guidelines 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 higher risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Bassinets that are placed in bed let parents keep their infant close and allow for nighttime feedings, comforting and monitoring without needing to get out of bed.
This close proximity also supports breastfeeding mothers by allowing them to take care of their infant's needs without having to get up completely, which can help to keep milk supply steady and enhance the breastfeeding experience. Some cots with a bedside cot 6 months plus are equipped with adjustable height features that can aid the mother and child to reach the bassinet for feedings or other activities at night.
Many bassinets are equipped with mattresses that are firm. This is designed to decrease suffocation risk and meets the standards of the industry. This is important because a newborn's bones are brittle and not fully developed and need to be supported to prevent damage. The mattress should be covered in a fitted sheet to reduce the risk of suffocation caused by dust mites and other allergens and kept hygienically clean and free from irritants.
Some cots for bedside use have the ability to be tilted, which can be beneficial for babies with reflux or digestive issues, but this should be done with extreme caution and at a gentle angle. It is also important to stay clear of adding pillows, duvets or padded crib bumpers to the bassinet since they could pose the risk of suffocation for your baby and should only be used when the cot is set on flat surfaces.
It is also recommended to consider the bassinet with an attachment system that is secure. This can be attached to your existing bed easily without the use of tools. This is particularly beneficial for parents who struggle to get their child in and out of the crib or are worried about their child accidentally rolling over while sleeping. If your bassinet has a secure attachment it is a good idea for you to check it regularly. Make sure there are no gaps, and that the system is securely attached.
Comfort
If you're a soon-to-be parent, your baby's safety is one of your main concerns. There's a brand new sleep solution that allows you to keep your baby close to you in the evening, without the risk of sharing a bed. The baby twin bedside cot cot is basically a bassinet-style cot that fixes to the bed's side, allowing you to safely lift them out towards you for night feeding and soothing. It's also a great option for mothers who are recovering from a C-section as it eliminates the need to stand or to bend over.
Modern cots for infants should have a flat, firm mattress to encourage safe sleeping habits and lower the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Bedding should be easy with just a cot sheet and blanket tucked tightly on the bottom. Avoid toys, bumpers and pillows that could be thrown over your baby, creating the risk of suffocation. If your baby is used to being swaddled during a few weeks and you want to use an swaddle or baby sleep bag. But, it should be removed when they have the strength to unwrap them.
Some cribs with a bedside feature a removable or drop-down side that allows for the baby to be easily accessible for feeding and comfort during the middle of the night. This feature is perfect for parents who want to maintain a close bond with their child, while adhering to NHS guidelines for sleep. However, if you're planning to co-sleep in the same bed with your child it's important to know that this practice has been linked to an increased risk of SIDS especially when a parent accidentally falls on their child during sleep.
A fabric that breathes will keep your baby cool and cool throughout the night. This is especially crucial if you intend to co-sleep with your newborn, as the risk of overheating increases when you sleep. The SnuzPod4 is a unique, breathable mesh side panel, which helps to improve airflow and keep your baby comfortable in their mattress.