Newborn Bedside Cot
A newborn bedside cot is a compact sleeper that allows newborns to share the same space as their parents without the risks of true co-sleeping (which the AAP cautions against due SIDS and suffocation). It helps you care for your baby and give them a bottle in the middle of the night.
This sleeper comes with a firm mattress that supports babies backs, which reduces the chance of SIDS. It can be swiveled on your adult bed to allow you to lift your baby to cuddle them at sunrise or during nighttime nursing.
Budget
A bedside cot, also referred to as a co-sleeper, a bassinet-style baby cot that is attached or clipped to your existing bed. This lets you reach your baby quickly and safely for a mid-night feed, comforting, or cuddles. These are great for new parents and mums recovering from a c-section because they allow easy access to the baby without needing to get out of the bed.
There are a variety of designs available, from the basic ones with just an upside-down side to more sophisticated models that offer various adjustment options, such as an incline or a height. Many can be converted into an independent crib once your baby is older and is sleeping longer at night.
Maxi-Cosi Lora is one our top picks. It was nominated in the Best Cot category for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. MFM home tester Emily commented on how stylish and contemporary the design is and she was impressed by the fact that you can use it as a regular bassinet, or connect it onto your bed to ensure that you can sleep side-by-side. She also adored its soft mattress which passed our firmness tests and it also has an adjustable manual inclining feature for those suffering from reflux.
She didn't like that it had a mesh panel on the bottom and she thought it was too heavy to move around from room to room. When it was folded into its travel cot bedside bag she found it quite heavy to carry up the stairs.
Size
A bedside cot is basically the bassinet style cot that can be fixed to the side of the bed. You can easily reach your baby's mouth to feed, change nappies or comforting during the night. It's also great for mothers recovering from a C-section.
The NHS and Lullaby Trust recommend that you keep your baby separated from you for the first six month, to decrease the chance of SIDS. The crib that is placed beside your bed, with its low sides is a great option to do this. It lets you access your baby easily at night.
It is essential that your baby sleeps on a firm bed as it is safer than a soft one. A mattress that is soft can increase the risk of suffocation among newborns, as they lack the motor control needed to turn. The breathable fabric and skin-friendly materials make the mattress comfortable for your baby but also firm enough for safety.
Mum home tester Jasmin loved that the crib does not take up a lot of space in her bedroom and she found the size perfect for a baby. She also stated that the mattress was of good quality, unlike others which feel thin and flimsy. She also appreciates that it has a storage area underneath for bedding and clothes - something many other bassinets do not have.
MFM mom home test Mehack is a fan of the side wall that is removable that lets you lower it to make it easier access to your baby. She also likes the fact that the legs can be tucked under the bed to look less bulky and occupy less area on the floor. She's also impressed with the ease of being able to move around the house when you need to, for convenience during middle-of-the-night meals and check-ins.
The CoZee Air crib is a favourite among parents. It won a Gold Award at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It features a unique design that has four pulleys that can be used to raise or lower your crib. There is also an ample basket for toys, blankets, and other necessities. It's also easy to put together and light and portable, which is ideal for travelling with your baby.
Safety
It's important to consider the safety of the crib for your newborn. Official safe sleep advice from both the Lullaby Trust and NHS recommends that babies not sleep in their parents' beds because of the risks of suffocation, overheating and a higher chance of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). large bedside crib bassinets enable parents to keep their infants close to them, facilitating nighttime feedings as well as monitoring without needing to get out of bed.
This close proximity can support breastfeeding mothers, as it allows them to be attentive to the needs of their baby while still sleeping. This can help maintain the supply of milk and also encourage breastfeeding. Some cheap bedside cot cots have adjustable height features, which can ensure that the bassinet is at an appropriate height for mother and baby, allowing ease of access during feedings or other care.
A majority of bassinets come with a mattress that is designed to decrease the risk of suffocation, and is in line with industry standards. It is essential to support the bones of a newborn as they are still soft and are not fully formed. The mattress should be covered with a fitted sheet to minimize the risk of suffocation from dust mites and other allergens. It should also be kept clean and free of allergens.
Some cots for bedside use can be tilted. This can be useful for babies with reflux or digestive issues, however this should always be done with great caution and at a gentle angle. It is also important to avoid adding pillows, duvets, or padded crib bumpers to the bassinet since they can create a suffocation risk for your baby and should only be used when the cot is set on flat surfaces.
It's also worth looking into an adjustable bassinet with an attached system that is secure and can be easily fixed to your bed without the necessity of tools. This feature is especially beneficial for parents who struggle to lift their child into and out of the crib or are worried about their child accidentally rolling over during sleep. If your bassinet is equipped with an attachment that is secure it is a great idea to check it regularly. Check to ensure there aren't any gaps and that the system is securely attached.
Comfort
If you're expecting your first child, the comfort of your child is definitely one of your main concerns. There's a brand new sleep solution that allows you to keep your baby close to you at night, without the danger of bed-sharing. The baby bedside cot (enquiry) is basically a bassinet-style cot that is attached to the bed's side that allows you to lift them out towards you to feed them at night and soothe. It's also a great choice for mums recovering from a c-section, since it makes it less necessary to bend down too far or even get out of the bed.
A modern cot for infants should have a firm and flat mattress that can ensure a safe sleep and lower the chance of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Bedding should be simple with a cot sheet and a blanket that is tightly tucked at the bottom. Avoid toys, bumpers and pillows that may be thrown over your baby, creating an obstructive risk. If your baby is used to being swaddled, you can make use of a swaddle, or a baby sleep bag for the initial few weeks, but this should be removed as soon as possible once they've developed the strength to pull themselves out of the wrap.
Some cribs with a bedside crib with wheels feature an adjustable or drop-down side that provides the baby to be easily accessible for feeding and comfort in the middle of the night. This feature is perfect for parents who want to maintain a close bond with their child but still adhere to NHS guidelines for sleep. If you plan to co-sleep with your child, it's important to know that this practice can increase the chance of SIDS. This is particularly the case if a parent rolls on their infant during sleep.
A breathable fabric is another important safety feature, as it's designed to keep your baby cool and comfortable throughout the night. This is especially crucial if you plan to sleep with your baby because the risk of overheating in the night increases. The SnuzPod4 has a unique breathable mesh side panel, which helps to improve the airflow and keeps your baby snug in their bed.