Newborn Bedside Cot
A newborn bedside crib that turns into cot cot is a compact sleeper that allows new babies to share the same space as their parents without the risk of sleeping together (which the AAP cautions against due suffocation and SIDS). It also makes middle-of-the-night nursing sessions and care much simpler.
This sleeper has a sturdy mattress to support the backs of babies and decrease the chance of SIDS. It can be swiveled over your adult bed to allow you to raise your baby to cuddle them at sunrise or during midnight nursing.
Budget
A bedside crib, also called a bassinet or cosleeper is a bassinet-style crib that can be attached to your existing bed. This lets you reach your baby easily and safely for a mid-night feed, comforting, or cuddles. They are a great option for mothers or new parents recovering from a c-section because they allow an easy access to baby and do not require you to get up from your bed.
There are a variety of designs available that range from basic models with only a drop-down side, to more sophisticated ones that can be adjusted in multiple ways including height and incline options. The majority of them can be converted to a standalone crib when your baby gets older and has a longer sleep time at night.
One of our favorites is the Maxi-Cosi Lura, that was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby awards in Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket. MFM home tester Emily said she was impressed by how chic and modern the design was. She also appreciated the fact that it could be used as a bassinet or a clip to your bed for a safe side-by-side sleep. She also appreciated its luxurious mattress, which was able to pass our tests of firmness and also that it comes with an option to manually tilt it for reflux sufferers.
She didn't like that it had a non-mesh panel on the bottom and considered it too bulky to move from room to room. It also felt a little heavy to carry up and down the stairs when folded into a travel cot bedside crib bag.
Size
A foldable bedside crib cot resembles the bassinet, which is attached to the side of your bed. It lets you easily reach your baby for mid-night feeding nappies, feeding and comforting. It's also great for mothers recovering from the C-section.
The NHS and Lullaby Trust advise you to keep your baby in the same room as you, but keep them separate from you for the first six months because this will reduce the risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). A crib for your bed is a safe method to accomplish this since it is low-sided and allows you to be able to easily access your baby throughout the night.
It is crucial that your baby sleeps on a firm, not an extremely soft mattress. A soft mattress can increase the risk of suffocation for newborns, as they lack the motor control necessary to turn. The breathable fabric and skin-friendly materials make the mattress comfortable for your baby but sufficient to ensure safety.
Mum home tester Jasmin liked that this crib doesn't take up too much space in her bedroom, and she found it to be the perfect size 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 likes the fact that it has a storage space underneath for bedding and clothes which many bassinets don't have.
MFM mom home tester Mehack is a huge fan of the removable side wall that lets you lower it down for easy access to your newborn. She also loves the fact that the legs can be put under the bed to make it look less bulky and occupy less floor space. She is also impressed by how it was easy to move around the house when she needed to do checks and feedings in the middle of the night.
A recipient of the Gold award at the 2021 Mother and Baby Awards and the CoZee Air is a popular choice amongst parents. It is designed with four pulleys built-in to raise or lower the crib. It also comes with a large bedside crib storage bin for blankets, toys and other essentials. It's also easy to put together and lightweight and portable, which is ideal for travelling with your baby.
Safety
When selecting a newborn bedside cot it's important to keep the safety of your baby in your mind. The official safety sleep guidelines of both the Lullaby Trust and NHS recommends that babies not sleep in parent's beds because of the risks of suffocation, overheating and a higher risk of suffering from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Bassinets for bedside use allow parents to keep their newborns close, which allows for nighttime feedings as well as comforting and monitoring without needing to leave their bed.
This close proximity also assists breastfeeding mothers as they can attend to their baby's needs without waking up in the middle of the night and help maintain milk supply and support the breastfeeding experience. Some bedside cots come with adjustable height options that can aid both the mother and baby to get into the bassinet for feedings or other activities at night.
Many bassinets come with mattresses that are firm and designed to reduce the chance of suffocation and is in line with industry standards. It is crucial to support the bones of a newborn, because they are still squishy and not fully formed. The mattress should be covered with a fitted sheet to reduce the risk that dust mites or other allergens, could choke a child. It should be kept clean and free of allergens.
Some cots for bedside cot bed use have the ability to be tilted, which is useful for babies with reflux or digestive issues, however it should be done with extreme caution and at a moderate angle. It's also important to stay clear of adding pillows, duvets or crib bumpers to the bassinet, as they could pose an obstructing risk to your baby and should only be used when the cot is on a flat surface.
It is also recommended to consider the bassinet with a secure attachment system. This can be connected to your existing bed easily without the use of tools. This feature is especially useful for parents who struggle to get their child in and out of the crib or are concerned about their baby accidentally falling asleep. If your bassinet is equipped with secured attachments, it is a good idea for you to check it frequently. Make sure there are no 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 primary concerns. There's a wonderful sleep solution that allows you to keep your baby close throughout the night - without any of the risks that come with bed-sharing. The newborn bedside crib is a cot that resembles a bassinet that can be attached to the side of the bed. It allows you to safely lift your baby out to you for night feedings and calming. It is also a great option for mothers who are recovering from a C-section since it will not require you to stand up or bend over.
Modern bedside cots for newborns should include a firm, flat mattress to promote safe sleeping habits and reduce the risk Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. The bedding should be simple, with a cot sheet and blanket tucked tightly at the bottom. Avoid toys, bumpers and pillows that may fall on your baby, posing a suffocation risk. If your baby is used to being swaddled during a few weeks then you can use an swaddle or baby sleep bag. However, this should be removed once they have the strength to remove them.
Some cribs for bedside use a removable or drop-down side that allows for easy access to your baby 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 but still adhere to NHS sleep guidelines. If you're planning to sleep with your child, it is crucial to be aware that this practice could increase the risk of SIDS. This is especially the case if a parent falls on their child when they are asleep.
A fabric that breathes will keep your baby comfy and cool throughout the night. This is especially important if you plan to sleep with your newborn, since the risk of being overheated when sleeping increases. The SnuzPod4 is a unique, side panel made of breathable mesh, which helps to improve airflow and keep your baby snug in their mattress.