Newborn Bedside cot bedside
A newborn bedside cot (Full File) is a compact sleeper that allows newborns to sleep in the same space as their parents without the risks of true co-sleeping (which the AAP recommends against due to suffocation and SIDS). It makes it easier to take care of your baby and give them a bottle throughout the night.
This sleeper has an extremely firm mattress that can support babies' backs, reducing 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 midnight nursing.
Budget
A bedside crib, also referred to as a co-sleeper or bassinet is a bassinet type baby cot that clips to your bed. This lets you reach your baby quickly and safely for a late-night feed or comforting cuddle. They are a great choice for new parents or mums recovering from a c-section because they offer an easy access to baby and do not require you to get up from your bed.
There are a variety of designs available, from the simple ones with an upside-down side to more sophisticated ones with multiple adjustment options, including an incline or a height. The majority of them can be converted to a standalone crib when your baby grows older and sleeps longer at night.
One of our favourites is the Maxi-Cosi Lora, that was shortlisted 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 is, while she appreciated the possibility of using it as a regular bassinet or attach it to your existing bed for safe side-by-side sleeping. She also appreciated its luxurious mattress, which was able to pass our tests of firmness and it also has an option to manually tilt it for those suffering from reflux.
But she wasn't thrilled with the feature of a non-mesh panel on the foot end and felt it was a bit heavy to move from room to room regularly. When folded into a travel bag she found it to be a bit heavy to carry up the stairs.
Size
A bedside cot is the bassinet style cot that can be fixed to your side of the bed. It lets you easily reach your baby for mid-night feeding nappies, feeding and comforting. It's also great for mums recovering from the C-section.
The NHS and Lullaby Trust recommend that you keep your baby separated from you in the first six month, to reduce the risk of SIDS. The crib that is placed beside your bed, with its low sides is a great option to achieve this. It lets you access your baby easily throughout the 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 in newborns, since they do not have the motor control required to turn. This mattress is made from skin-friendly and air-tight materials. It is a comfortable fit for your baby but sufficient to be secure.
Mum home test Jasmin was pleased with the fact that the crib doesn't take up too much space in her bedroom, and she found the size perfect for a baby. She said the mattress was also good quality, unlike some that feel flimsy and thin. She also appreciates that it has storage space underneath for clothes and bedding which many bassinets don't have.
MFM mum 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 loves that the legs tuck into the bed so it doesn't look heavy or take up a lot of floor space. She's also amazed by how easy it is to move around the house as you need to for ease during late-night meals and check-ins.
A recipient of a Gold award in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards The CoZee Air is a popular choice for parents. It is designed with four pulleys built-in to raise or lower the crib. It includes a large storage basket to store your baby's toys, blankets and other necessities. It is also lightweight and easy to assemble which makes it perfect to travel with your baby.
Safety
When choosing a baby's bedside cot, you must 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, heat exhaustion and a higher risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Bassinets that are placed in bed let parents keep their infant close and allow for feeding at night and monitoring without the need to get out of bed.
This close proximity also helps breastfeeding mothers as they can attend to their baby's needs without having to get up completely and can help keep milk supply steady and enhance the breastfeeding experience. Some small bedside cot cots have adjustable height features, which can ensure that the bassinet is a comfortable height for both mother and baby to allow ease of access during feedings or other care.
A majority of bassinets come with a firm mattress that is designed to minimize the risk of suffocation and conforms to industry standards. It is essential to support the bones of a newborn, since they are still fragile and not fully formed. The mattress should be covered in a fitted sheet to minimize the risk of suffocation caused by dust mites and other allergens, and kept clean and free of allergens.
Some bedside cribs can be tilted. This is useful for babies suffering from reflux or digestive issues. However, it should be done with care and with caution. Avoid adding pillows, duvets, or padded crib bumpers inside the bassinet. These can pose the risk of suffocation your baby.
It's also worth considering an adjustable bassinet with an attachment system that is secure and can be easily fixed to your existing bed without the need for tools. This feature can be particularly useful for parents who struggle to lift their child into and out of the cot or who are concerned about rolling over during sleep. If your bassinet is equipped with a secure attachment it is a great 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, your baby's comfort is one of your primary concerns. Thankfully, there's an innovative sleep solution that lets you keep your baby close during the night, without any of the risks that come with sharing a bed. The infant bedside cot wooden crib is a bassinet style cot that attaches to the side of the bed. It lets you safely carry your baby to you for night feedings and comfort. It is also a great option for mothers who are recovering from a C-section as it will not require you to stand or sit up.
A modern newborn bedside cot should have a sturdy flat mattress to ensure a safe sleep and reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). The bedding should be simple, with a cot sheet and a blanket tightly tucked at the bottom. Avoid toys, bumpers and pillows as these can be thrown over your baby and create a risk of suffocation. If your baby is used to being swaddled, you can use a swaddle or baby sleep bag for the first few weeks, although it should be removed as soon as you can once they've gained the strength and confidence to unwrap themselves.
Some cribs for bedside use an option to remove or drop down the side that provides the baby to be easily accessible to feed and comfort them in the middle of the night. This is a wonderful option for parents who wish to keep a strong bond with their child while still following NHS safe sleep advice. If you're planning to sleep with your child, it's crucial to be aware that this practice may increase the risk of SIDS. This is particularly the case if a parent rolls on their infant during sleep.
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 especially crucial if you plan to co-sleep your newborn since the risk of being overheated when sleeping increases. The SnuzPod4 comes with a unique breathable side panel, which helps increase airflow, keeping your baby comfortable.