Newborn Bedside Cot
A newborn bedside cot is a small sleeper that allows newborns to share the same room 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 baby care easier.
This sleeper features a firm mattress that is designed to help babies' backs and decrease the risk of SIDS. It can swivel over your bed to allow you to get your child out for midnight cuddles or a sunrise kiss.
Budget
A bedside crib, also known as a bassinet or co-sleeper is a bassinet-style crib that can be attached to your bed. This allows you to safely and easily reach your baby for mid-night feeding or comforting cuddles. They are a great choice for mothers or new parents recovering from a c-section as they allow easy access to baby and don't require you to get up.
There are many different designs available starting with basic models that have just a drop-down side to more sophisticated ones that can be adjusted in several ways with incline and height options. The majority of them can be converted to an independent crib once your baby grows older and is sleeping longer in the 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 Cot Crib, Best Cot, or Moses Basket. MFM home tester Emily said she was impressed by how chic and contemporary the design is and she was impressed by the fact that you can use it as a regular bassinet, or attach it to your existing bed to sleep side-by-side in a safe and secure manner. She also liked its plush mattress that has passed our tests for firmness, and that it has an adjustable manual inclining feature for those suffering from reflux.
However, she wasn't a fan of the design of the non-mesh panel at its lower end, and thought it was a bit heavy to move from room room regularly. She also found it to be a little heavy to carry up and down the stairs, especially when folded away into its bag for travel.
Size
A bedside cot is a bassinet that is connected to the bed's side. It's easy to reach your baby's side to feed, change nappies, or to comfort them during the night. It's perfect for mothers recovering from the c-section.
The NHS and Lullaby Trust advise you to keep your baby in the same space as you but separate from you for the first six months because this will reduce the chance of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). 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 reach your baby throughout the night.
It is important that your baby is sleeping on a firm, not a soft mattress. A mattress that is soft can increase the risk of suffocation in infants as they lack the motor control necessary to turn. The mattress is made of skin-friendly and breathable materials. It's comfortable for your baby, yet sufficient to be secure.
Mum Jasmin was delighted that the crib didn't occupy too much space in her bedroom and found it to be the ideal size for a newborn. The mattress she rated as also good quality, unlike some that feel flimsy and thin. She also loves the fact that it has a storage area underneath for clothes and blankets which she believes many other bassinets lack.
MFM mom home test Mehack is a huge fan of the side wall with a removable design that lets you lower it to make it easier access to your newborn. She also likes the fact that the legs tuck under the bed so that it doesn't appear big or take up too much floor space. She's also impressed with how it was simple to move around her home when she needed to do checks and feedings during the night.
The CoZee Air crib is a favorite among parents. It was awarded the Gold Award at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It features a unique design with four pulleys which can be used to raise or lower your crib. It also comes with an ample basket for blankets, toys, and other necessities. It's also easy to assemble and light, which is useful to travel with your baby.
Safety
When choosing a baby's bedside baby sleeper cot, it is important to keep safety in mind. The official safety sleep guidelines of both the Lullaby Trust and NHS recommends that babies not be sleeping in the bed of their parents due to the risk of suffocation, heat exhaustion and a greater chance of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). cheap bedside cot bassinets allow parents to keep their newborns close to them, facilitating nighttime feedings as well as monitoring without the need to get up.
This close proximity also assists breastfeeding mothers as they can attend to the needs of their infant without having to wake up at all times, which can help to keep milk supply steady and enhance the breastfeeding experience. Some bedside crib travel cots have adjustable height features that will help ensure that the bassinet is at a comfortable height for both mother and baby to allow easy access to mid-night feedings or other care.
A lot of bassinets have mattresses that are firm, which is designed to reduce the risk of suffocation and is in line with industry standards. It is important to support the bones of a newborn since they are still fragile and aren't fully formed. The mattress should be covered with an appropriate sheet to decrease the risk that dust mites, as well as other allergens, will suffocate a child. It should be kept clean and free of allergens.
Some cots for bedside baby sleeper use have the capability of being tilted, which is useful for babies with reflux or digestive issues, however this should be done with a lot of care and at a gentle angle. It is also important to avoid putting pillows, duvets or crib bumpers to the bassinet since they could pose an obstructing risk to your baby. They should only be used when the cot is placed on flat surfaces.
It's also worth considering an adjustable bassinet with an attached system that is secure and can be easily attached to your bed without the necessity of tools. This feature can be particularly beneficial for parents who struggle to get their child in and out of the cot, or who are concerned about rolling over in the night. If your bassinet is equipped with an attachment that is secure it is a good idea for you to check it frequently. Check to ensure there are no gaps, and that the system is securely attached.
Comfort
If you're expecting your first child, the comfort of your baby is surely one of your top concerns. Thankfully, there's an innovative sleep solution that lets you keep your baby close during the night without taking on any of the risks that come with bed-sharing. The infant bedside crib is a bassinet style cot that is attached to the side of the bed. It lets you safely carry your baby to you for night feedings and soothing. It's 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 bed.
Modern bedside cots for babies should include a firm, flat mattress to promote safe sleeping practices and reduce the risk Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Bedding should be simple comprising a cot sheets and a blanket that is tightly tucked at the bottom. Avoid bumpers, toys, and pillows that may fall onto your baby posing an obstructive risk. If your baby is familiar with being swaddled, you can use a swaddle or a baby sleep bag for the first few weeks, although this should be removed as soon as possible once they've gained the strength and confidence to pull themselves out of the wrap.
Some cribs for bedside co sleeper cot use an option to remove or drop down the side that gives you easy access to your baby to feed and comfort them during the middle of the night. This is a great feature for parents who wish to maintain a close relationship with their child, while still following NHS guidelines on sleep. If you plan to co-sleep with your child, it's important to be aware that this practice can increase the chance of SIDS. This is especially true if a parent accidentally falls on their child when they are asleep.
A breathable fabric will keep your baby cool and cool throughout the night. This is particularly important if you plan to sleep with your baby because the risk of overheating increases during sleep. The SnuzPod4 has a unique mesh side panel that is breathable, which helps to improve airflow and keep your baby snug in their bed.