Newborn Bedside Cot
A crib for newborns is a tiny sleeper that lets babies sleep in the same space as their parents, without the dangers of co-sleeping. (The AAP warns against this due to the risk of SIDS and suffocation.) It also makes nursing sessions and baby care simpler.
This sleeper has a firm mattress that supports babies' backs, reducing the risk of SIDS. It can be swiveled over the bed of your adult to allow you to lift your baby for nighttime cuddles or a sunrise kiss.
Budget
A bedside cot, sometimes referred to as a co-sleeper, a bassinet-style baby cot that is attached or clipped to your bed. This lets you comfortably and safely reach your baby during the night for feeding or comforting cuddles. They are a great option for new parents or mums recovering from a csection as they offer the baby with easy access and don't require you to get up.
There are many different designs that are available, from the simple ones with the drop-down side, to more sophisticated models that have various adjustment options, such as an incline or a height. Most can be converted into an independent crib once your baby grows older and is sleeping longer at night.
Maxi-Cosi Lora is one of our top picks. It was selected in the Best Cot category for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. MFM home tester Emily said she was impressed by how chic and modern the design and she was impressed by the feature that you can use it as a regular bassinet, or connect it to your existing bed to sleep side-by-side in a safe and secure manner. She also admired the soft mattress, which was able to pass our test of firmness, and the fact that it has an automatic rocking feature that can be set to a slight incline for reflux sufferers.
But she wasn't thrilled with the feature of a non-mesh panel at its foot end and felt it was a bit bulky to move from room room often. When it was folded into its travel bag she found it a bit heavy to carry up the stairs.
Size
A bedside travel crib cot is basically a bassinet-style cot that fixes to your side of the bed. It is easy to reach your baby to feed them, change nappies or comforting in the middle of the night. It's also great for mums recovering from C-sections.
The NHS and Lullaby Trust recommend that you keep your baby separate from you for the first six month, to reduce the risk of SIDS. A crib for your bed is a safe method to accomplish this since it is low-sided and allows you to easily access your newborn throughout the night.
It is crucial that your infant sleeps on a firm bed as it is more secure than a mattress that is soft. A soft mattress can increase the risk of suffocation for newborns, since they do not have the motor control required to turn. This mattress is made from skin-friendly and breathable materials. It's comfortable for your baby, yet firm enough to be safe.
Mum Jasmin was pleased that the crib didn't occupy too much space in her bedroom and thought it was the perfect size for a newborn. She also noted that the mattress was of high-quality, unlike others which seem thin and flimsy. She also likes the fact that it has storage space underneath for bedding and clothes which many bassinets don't.
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 appreciates that legs can be placed under the bed to make it appear less bulky and take up less space on the floor. She's also impressed with how it was simple to move around her house in the event of check-ins and feedings in the middle of the night.
A winner of a Gold award at the 2021 Mother and Baby Awards, the CoZee Air is a popular choice among parents. It is designed with four pulleys that are built-in to raise or lower the crib and has a large storage basket to store your baby's blankets, toys and other essentials. It is also light and easy to assemble which makes it perfect to travel with your baby.
Safety
It is crucial to think about safety when choosing a newborn bedside cot bed crib. Official safe sleep advice from both the Lullaby Trust and NHS recommends that babies do not sleep in parent's beds due to the risk of suffocation, heat exhaustion and a higher chance of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Bassinets that are placed in bed allow parents to keep their infant close to help with nighttime feedings and monitoring without the need to get out of bed.
This close proximity also assists breastfeeding mothers as they can take care of their infant's needs without having to get up completely, which can help to keep the supply of milk steady and help the breastfeeding experience. Some cots for bedside use adjustable height features that can make it easier for the mother and child to reach the bassinet for feedings or other activities at night.
Many bassinets come with mattresses that are firm, which is designed to reduce the risk of suffocation, and also meets industry standards. This is important because a newborn's bones are brittle and aren't fully developed. They need to be supported to prevent damage. The mattress should be covered in a fitted sheet to minimize the risk of suffocation due to dust mites or other allergens and kept hygienically clean and free of allergens.
Some bedside crib with wheels cribs can be tilted. This is helpful for babies suffering from digestive or reflux issues. However, it should only be done gently and with care. Avoid adding pillows, duvets, or padded crib bumpers to the bassinet. These could create a risk of suffocation for your baby.
You should also think about an infant bassinet with an attachment system that is secure. It can be attached to your bed without the need for tools. This is particularly beneficial for parents who find it difficult to lift their child into and out of the crib or are concerned about their child accidentally rolling over while sleeping. If your bassinet is equipped with 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 are a soon-to-be parent, the comfort of your child is among your top concerns. There's a new solution to sleep that lets you keep your baby close at night, without the danger of sharing the bed. The infant bedside crib is a cot that resembles a bassinet that is attached to the side of the bed. It lets you safely carry your baby towards you for feedings and comfort. It's an excellent option for mothers recovering from a C-section as it removes the need to get up or sit up.
Modern bedside cots for newborns should have a flat, firm mattress to promote safe sleeping practices and reduce the risk Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. The bedding should be simple with just the cot sheet and a blanket that is tightly tucked into the bottom. Avoid bumpers, toys or pillows as these can be thrown over your baby and cause risk of suffocation. If your baby is used to being swaddled you can make use of a swaddle, or a baby sleep bag for the first few weeks, although it is best to remove it when possible after they've gained the strength and confidence to pull themselves out of the wrap.
Some cribs for bedside use an adjustable or drop-down side that provides easy access to your baby for comforting and feeding during the middle of the night. This is a wonderful option for parents who wish to maintain a strong bond with their child, while adhering to NHS safe sleep advice. If you plan to co-sleep with your child, it's important to know that this practice may increase the risk of SIDS. This is especially true if a parent accidentally falls on their child when they are asleep.
A fabric that is breathable is an essential safety feature, as it's designed to keep your baby bedside sleeper cool and comfortable throughout the night. This is particularly important if you plan to sleep with your baby as the risk of overheating when sleeping increases. The SnuzPod4 comes with an exclusive breathable side panel, which helps increase airflow, keeping your baby cool.