Newborn Bedside Cot
A newborn bedside cot is a tiny sleeper that allows newborns to share the same space as their parents without the risk of sleeping together (which the AAP cautions against due suffocation and SIDS). It helps you care for your baby and give them a bottle throughout the night.
This sleeper has a sturdy mattress that can support the backs of babies and minimize the chance of SIDS. It can be rotated over your adult bed to allow you to carry your baby to the top to cuddle them at sunrise or during nighttime nursing.
Budget
A bedside crib that turns into cot cot, also referred to as a co-sleeper, a bassinet-style baby cot that clips or attaches to your bed. This allows you to reach your baby quickly and safely for a late-night feed or cuddles. They are a great option for mothers or new parents recovering from a c-section as they offer the baby with easy access and do not require you to get out of bed.
There are lots of different designs on the market, from basic models with just a drop-down side to more sophisticated models that can be adjusted in multiple ways with incline and height options. 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 top picks is the Maxi-Cosi Lora, which was nominated for the 2021 Mother&Baby awards, including the categories of Best Cot Crib, best bedside cot for newborn Cot or Moses Basket. MFM home tester Emily expressed her delight at how stylish and modern the design is as well as the possibility of using it as a regular bassinet, or attach it onto your bed to sleep side-by-side in a safe and secure manner. She also adored its soft mattress which passed our firmness tests and it also has an adjustable manual inclining feature for reflux sufferers.
She didn't like the fact that it had a non-mesh panel at the bottom, and thought it was too bulky to move around from room to room. She also found it a bit heavy to carry up and down the stairs once folded into a travel bag.
Size
A bedside cot is basically an upholstered bassinet that is fixed to the side of your bed. It's easy to reach your baby to feed them, change nappies or just to soothe them during the night. It's also great for mothers recovering from the C-section.
The NHS and Lullaby Trust advise that you 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 that is placed near your bed is a safe method to accomplish this since it is low-sided and lets you be able to easily access your baby during the night.
It is essential that your baby is sleeping on a firm and not an extremely soft mattress. Newborns don't have the motor control needed to turn and a soft mattress could increase the risk of drowning. The breathable fabric and skin-friendly materials make this mattress a comfortable one for your baby but sufficiently firm to be safe for your baby.
Mum home tester Jasmin liked that this crib doesn't take up too much space in her bedroom. Also, she found the size perfect for a baby. She also said that the mattress was also of good quality, as opposed to some that feel flimsy and thin. She also loves that it has a storage space underneath for clothes and blankets which she believes many other bassinets lack.
MFM mom home tester Mehack is a big fan of the side wall that is removable that lets you lower it to make it easier access to your newborn. She also loves the fact that legs can be placed under the bed to look less bulky and occupy less area on the floor. She's also impressed by how easy it is to move around the house whenever you need to, for convenience during middle-of-the-night meals and check-ins.
A recipient of a Gold award in the 2021 Mother and Baby Awards The CoZee Air is a popular choice among parents. It features a unique design with four pulleys which can be used to raise or lower your crib. There's also an ample basket for toys, blankets, and other essentials. It's also simple to put together and light in weight and portable, which is ideal to travel with your baby.
Safety
It's important to consider the safety of a newborn bedside crib. Official safe sleep advice from both the Lullaby Trust and NHS recommends that babies do not be sleeping in the bed of their parents due to the risk of suffocation, heat exhaustion and a higher chance of suffering from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Bassinets that are placed in bed allow parents to keep their infant close, facilitating nighttime feedings, comforting and monitoring without needing to leave their bed.
This close proximity also assists breastfeeding mothers by allowing them to take care of their infant's needs without waking up in the middle of the night and can help keep the supply of milk steady and help the breastfeeding experience. Some bedside cots have adjustable height features that will help ensure that the bassinet is an ideal height for mother and baby to allow easy access for middle-of-the-night feedings or care.
A lot of bassinets have a firm mattress, which is designed to decrease the risk of suffocation and is in line with the standards of the industry. This is crucial because a newborn's bones are soft and not fully developed, and must be supported to prevent damage. The mattress should be covered in a fitted cover to reduce the risk of suffocation from dust mites and other allergens. It should also be kept clean and free of allergens.
Some cribs on the bed can be tilted. This is useful for babies suffering from reflux or digestive issues. But, it should be done slowly and with caution. Avoid adding pillows, duvets, or padded crib bumpers inside the bassinet. These can pose a risk of suffocation for your baby.
It is also recommended to consider an infant bassinet with an attachment system that is secure. This can be connected to your existing bed easily without the need of tools. This feature is especially beneficial for parents who struggle to carry their child into and out of the crib or are worried about their child accidentally falling asleep. If your bassinet is equipped with secured attachments it is a great idea for you to check it regularly. Make sure there aren't any gaps and that the system is securely attached.
Comfort
If you're expecting your first child, the safety of your baby is surely one of your main concerns. There's a wonderful sleep solution that lets you keep your baby close during the night - without any of the risks associated with sharing a bed. The newborn bedside cot is essentially a bassinet-style cot that fixes to the side of your bed that allows you to move them towards you for night feeding and soothing. It is also an excellent choice for mothers recovering from a c-section as it reduces the need to bend too much or even get out of bed.
Modern bedside cots for babies should be fitted with a firm, flat mattress to promote safe sleeping habits and lower the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. The bedding should be simple, comprising a cot bedside sheets and a blanket that is tightly tucked at the bottom. Avoid toys, bumpers or pillows since they could fall on your baby and create a danger of suffocation. If your baby has been used to being swaddled for several weeks, you can use either the swaddle or baby sleep bag. But, it should be removed when they have the strength to remove them.
Some cribs with a bedside have an open or removable side that allows easy access to your newborn for middle-of-the-night feeds and comforting. This is a great feature for parents who want to keep the bond between them and their child, but still adhere to NHS safe sleep guidelines. If you're planning to sleep with your child, it is important to be aware that this practice can increase the chance of SIDS. This is especially the case if a parent rolls on their infant while sleeping.
A fabric that is breathable is an important safety feature, as it's designed to keep your baby cool and comfortable throughout the night. This is particularly important if you intend to co-sleep your newborn as the risk of overheating during sleep increases. The SnuzPod4 comes with an exclusive breathable side panel that aids in improving airflow, keeping your baby cool.