Newborn Bedside Cot
A newborn bedside cot is a compact sleeper that allows new babies to sleep in the same room as their parents, without the dangers of co-sleeping (which the AAP cautions against due suffocation and SIDS). It makes it easier to take care of your baby and nurse them during the night.
This sleeper comes with a mattress that is firm and supports babies backs, reducing the chance of SIDS. It can slide over the bed of your adult to allow you to carry your baby for nighttime nursing or cuddles at sunrise.
Budget
A bedside crib, also called a bassinet or co-sleeper, is a bassinet style crib for babies that attaches to your existing bed. This lets you comfortably and safely reach your baby during the night for feeding or cuddles. These are perfect for new parents and mums recovering from a c-section as they allow the baby to be easily accessible without having to get up from bed.
There are a variety of designs available, ranging from simple ones with the drop-down side, to more sophisticated ones with multiple adjustment options, including an incline or a height. The majority of them can be converted into a standalone crib for napping during the daytime or when your baby is about months old and is sleeping more at night.
One of our favorites is the Maxi-Cosi Lora that was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby awards in Best Cot Crib, Best Cot, or Moses Basket. MFM home tester Emily commented on how stylish and modern the design as well as the possibility of using it as a regular bassinet, or connect it onto your bed to ensure that you can sleep side-by-side. She also liked the plush mattress that has passed our test for firmness and also the fact that it has a manual rocking feature that can be set to a slight tilt for reflux sufferers.
However, she didn't like the design of the non-mesh panel at its foot end and felt it was a bit bulky to move from room room frequently. She also found it to be a bit heavy to carry up and down the stairs once folded away into its travel bag.
Size
A bedside cot is basically an upholstered bassinet that is fixed to the side of your bed. You can easily reach your baby's mouth to feed them, change nappies or just to soothe them during the night. It's also great for moms recovering from C-sections.
The NHS and Lullaby Trust advise that you keep your baby in the same room with you but separate from you for the first six months, as this can help reduce the chance of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). The bedside crib with its low sides, is a great method to accomplish this. It allows you to access your baby easily at night.
It's important that your newborn sleeps on a firm mattress as this is safer than a soft one. Newborns don't have the motor control needed to turn 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 also sufficiently firm to be safe for your baby.
Mum home tester Jasmin was pleased with the fact that the crib does not take up much space in her bedroom, and she found the size to be perfect for a newborn. She also noted that the mattress was of high-quality and not like other mattresses that feel thin and flimsy. She also loves the fact that it has storage space underneath for bedding and clothes - something many other bassinets don't.
Mehack Mehack, an MFM mom who tried the product at home, is thrilled that you can take off the wall on the side to make it easier to access your baby. She also appreciates that the legs can be put under the bed to make it look less bulky and take up less floor space. She's also impressed by how easy it is to move around the house as you need to, for convenience during middle-of-the-night feedings and check-ins.
The CoZee Air crib is a popular choice for parents. It was awarded the Gold Award in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It features a smart design with four pulleys built-in to raise or lower the crib. It includes a large storage basket for toys, blankets and other necessities. It is also lightweight and easy to put together and is ideal for traveling with your baby.
Safety
When choosing a new baby's bedside cot it's important to keep the safety of your baby in your mind. The Lullaby Trust, as well as the NHS recommend that babies do not sleep in the parents' beds due to the possibility of suffocation as well as sudden infant death syndrome. Bassinets for bedside travel cot use allow parents to keep their infants close to them, facilitating nighttime feedings as well as comforting and monitoring without having to get up.
This close proximity also supports breastfeeding mothers as they can take care of their infant's needs without waking up at all times and can help keep the supply of milk steady and help the breastfeeding experience. Some bedside cots come with adjustable height options that can make it easier for mother and child to access the bassinet to feed or take care of other needs throughout the night.
A lot of bassinets have a firm mattress, which is designed to minimize the risk of suffocation, and also meets the standards of the industry. This is essential because newborn's bones are soft and not fully developed and must be supported to prevent damage. The mattress should be encased with a fitted sheet to minimize the risk of suffocation from dust mites and other allergens, and kept clean and free of allergens.
Some twin bedside cot cribs can be tilted. This is beneficial for babies suffering from digestive or reflux issues. However, this should be done with care and with caution. Avoid putting pillows, duvets or padded crib bumpers to the bassinet. They could pose the risk of suffocation to your baby.
It's also worth thinking about an infant bassinet that has a secure attachment system that can be easily fixed to your bed without the necessity of tools. This can be especially helpful for parents who may struggle to lift their child in and out of the crib or concerned about the possibility of rolling over during sleep. If your bassinet does have secured attachments it's recommended to regularly check that it's securely attached and that there aren't any 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. There's a great sleep solution that lets you keep your baby close throughout the night without taking on any of the risks associated with sharing a bed. The infant bedside crib is a bassinet-style cot that attaches to the side of the bed. It allows you to safely carry your baby to you for feedings at night and comfort. It's also a great choice for mums recovering from a c-section as it reduces the need to bend down too far or even get out of bed.
A modern newborn bedside travel crib cot should have a sturdy, flat mattress to help promote safe sleeping practices and decrease the chance of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Bedding should be simple with 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 risk of suffocation. If your baby has been used to being swaddled for a few weeks and you want to use the swaddle or baby sleep bag. But, it should be removed when they have the strength to unwrap them.
Some cribs for bedside use a removable or drop-down side that provides an easy access to your baby for feeding and comfort during the middle of the night. This is a good feature for parents who want to maintain a strong bond with their child, but still adhere to NHS safe sleep guidelines. If you plan to co-sleep with your child, it's crucial to be aware that this practice may increase the risk of SIDS. This is particularly when a parent accidentally falls on their child while sleeping.
A fabric that is breathable is an important safety factor, since it's designed to keep your baby cool and comfortable throughout the night. This is particularly crucial if you plan to sleep with your baby as the risk of overheating during sleep increases. The SnuzPod4 has a unique mesh side panel that is breathable, which helps to improve the airflow and keeps your baby snug in their mattress.