Newborn Bedside Cot
A newborn bedside cot is a small sleeper that allows new babies to sleep in the same room as their parents without the risk of sleeping together (which the AAP advises against due to SIDS and suffocation). It helps you care for your baby and give them a bottle throughout the night.
This sleeper comes with a firm mattress that supports babies backs, which reduces the risk of SIDS. It can slide over your adult bed to make it easier for you to carry your child out for midnight cuddles or a sunrise kiss.
Budget
A large bedside cot cot, sometimes referred to as a co-sleeper, is a bassinet-style baby cot that is attached or clipped to your bed. This lets you easily and safely reach your baby during the night for feeding or comforting cuddles. These are ideal for new parents and mums recovering from a c-section because they allow easy access to the baby without needing to get out of bed.
There are a variety of designs on the market that range from basic models with only a drop-down side, to more sophisticated ones that can be adjusted in a variety of ways, including incline and height options. Most convert to a standalone crib for naps during the day or when your baby is a few months old and is sleeping more at night.
One of our favorites is the Maxi-Cosi Lura, which was nominated for the 2021 Mother&Baby awards, including the categories of Best Cot Crib, Best Cot or Moses Basket. MFM home tester Emily commented on how stylish and modern the design and she was impressed by the feature that you can use it as a regular bassinet or connect it onto your bed to sleep side-by-side in a safe and secure manner. She also admired the soft mattress that has passed our test for firmness and the fact that it has an automatic rocking feature that can be set to a slight tilt for those suffering from reflux.
She didn't like the fact that it had a mesh panel on the bottom and considered it too bulky to move around from room to room. When folded into a travel bag she found it a bit heavy to carry up the stairs.
Size
A bedside crib or cot cot is the bassinet style cot that can be fixed to the side of the bed. You can easily reach your baby's side to feed, change nappies, or to comfort them during the night. It's also great for mums recovering from C-sections.
The NHS and Lullaby Trust advise that you place your baby in the same room as you, but separated from you for the first six months since this will help decrease the risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). The cheap bedside cot crib, with its low sides is a great method to do this. It allows you to be able to easily access your baby throughout the night.
It is crucial that your infant sleeps on a firm mattress since this is safer than a soft one. Infants don't have the motor control to turn over and a mattress that is soft can increase the chance of drowning. This mattress is made of skin-friendly and breathe-able materials. It is comfortable for your baby, but firm enough to ensure safety.
Mum Jasmin was happy that the crib didn't take up much space in her room and thought it was the ideal size for a baby. She said the mattress was excellent quality, in contrast to some that feel flimsy and thin. She also loves that it has a storage compartment beneath to store blankets and clothing - something she says many other bassinets lack.
Mehack is an MFM mum who tested the product at home, likes the ability to remove the side wall to make it easier to access your baby. She also loves the fact that the legs can be tucked under the bed to look less bulky and occupy less floor space. She's also amazed by how easy it is to move around the house whenever you need to in the middle of the night, which is convenient for meals and check-ins.
The CoZee Air crib is a favourite among parents. It was awarded a Gold Award at the 2021 Mother and Baby Awards. It has a clever design that has four pulleys that can be used to raise or lower your crib. There is also an ample basket for blankets, toys and other essentials. It is also light and easy to put together which makes it perfect for travel with your baby.
Safety
It's important to consider safety when choosing the right crib for your baby's bed. The official safe sleep guidelines from both the Lullaby Trust and NHS recommends that babies do not sleep in parent's beds due to the risk of overheating, suffocation and a higher risk of suffering from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). bedside crib and travel cot bassinets enable parents to keep their newborns close, which allows for nighttime feedings, comforting, and monitoring without the need to leave their bed.
This close proximity also supports breastfeeding mothers by allowing them to take care of their infant's needs without waking up at all times and help keep milk supply steady and enhance the breastfeeding experience. Some bedside cots have adjustable height features that will help ensure that the bassinet is at a comfortable height for both mother and baby to allow ease of access during feedings or for care.
Many bassinets come with a mattress that is designed to reduce the risk of suffocation, and conforms to industry standards. This is essential because baby's bones are fragile and not fully developed, and require support to avoid damage. The mattress should be covered with an appropriate sheet to minimize the chance that dust mites, or other allergens, will choke a child. It should also be kept free of allergens and clean.
Some bedside cribs can be tilted. This is helpful for babies who have reflux or digestive issues. However, it should only be done gently and with care. It is also important to avoid putting pillows, duvets or crib bumpers to the bassinet, as they can create a suffocation risk for your baby. They should only be used when the cot is set on flat surfaces.
It's also worth thinking about a bassinet with an attached system that is secure and can be easily attached to your existing bed without the necessity of tools. This feature is especially beneficial for parents who struggle to get their child in and out of the crib or are concerned about their baby accidentally rolling over during sleep. If your bassinet is equipped with an attachment that is secure it is a great idea to check it frequently. Make sure there aren't any gaps and that the system is securely connected.
Comfort
If you're a parent-to-be, the comfort of your child is definitely one of your top priorities. Thankfully, there's an innovative sleep solution that lets you keep your baby close during the night without taking on any of the risks associated with bed-sharing. The newborn 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 is also a great choice for mothers recovering from a C section as it will not require you to get up or bend over.
A modern newborn bedside cot should have a sturdy and flat mattress that can ensure a safe sleep and lower the chance of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Bedding should be simple comprising a cot sheets and blanket tucked tightly on the bottom. Avoid bumpers, toys, and pillows that may fall on your baby, posing a suffocation risk. If your baby is used to being swaddled you can use a swaddle or a baby sleep bag for the first few weeks, however it is best to remove it as soon as possible once they've gained the strength to pull themselves out of the wrap.
Some cribs for bedside use an open or removable side that allows easy access to your newborn for middle-of-the-night feeds and comforting. This feature is perfect for parents who want to maintain a close relationship with their child, while adhering to NHS guidelines on sleep. If you are planning to sleep with your child, it's important to be aware that this practice may increase the risk of SIDS. This is particularly the case if a parent is able to roll their infant over while sleeping.
A fabric that breathes will keep your baby cool and cool throughout the night. This is especially important if you plan to co-sleep your newborn since the risk of being overheated in the night increases. The SnuzPod4 features a unique side panel made of breathable mesh that helps improve airflow and keep your baby comfortable in their bed.