Newborn Bedside Cot
A newborn bedside cot is a compact sleeper that allows babies to sleep in the same room as their parents without the risk of sleeping together (which the AAP cautions against due SIDS and suffocation). It also makes middle-of-the-night nursing sessions and baby care easier.
This mattress is a firm mattress that can support babies' backs and reduce the chance of SIDS. It can swivel over your bed to make it easier for you to lift your baby out for midnight cuddles or a sunrise kiss.
Budget
A bedside crib, also known as a bassinet or co-sleeper is a bassinet type baby cot that clips to your bed. This allows you to reach your baby comfortably and safely for a mid-night feed or cuddles. They are a great option for new parents or mums recovering from a c-section as they provide easy access to baby and don't require you to get up.
There are a variety of styles available, from the basic ones that have a drop down side to more sophisticated models with multiple adjustment options, including the ability to tilt or raise. 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 sleeping longer at night.
One of our favorites is the Maxi-Cosi Lora which was shortlisted for 2021 Mother&Baby awards for Best Cot Crib, Best Cot, 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 can be used as a bassinet, or a clip to your existing bed, to ensure safe side-by-side sleeping. She also appreciated the soft mattress, which has passed our test for firmness and also the fact that it comes with a manual 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 bottom and felt it was a bit heavy to move from room room often. When it was folded into its travel bag, she found it to be a bit heavy to carry up the stairs.
Size
A bedside crib with wheels cot is basically a bassinet-style cot that fixes to your side of the bed. It allows you to easily reach your baby for mid-night feeding nappies, feeding and comforting. It's great for mothers recovering from a c-section.
The NHS and Lullaby Trust recommend that you keep your baby separate from you during the first 6 months to reduce the risk of SIDS. A crib for your bed is a safe method to achieve this because it has low sides and lets you easily reach your baby at night.
It is essential that your baby sleeps on a firm mattress as it is safer than a mattress that is soft. A soft mattress can increase the risk of suffocation among infants as they lack the motor control needed to turn. The soft, breathable fabric and skin-friendly materials make the mattress comfortable for your baby but also firm enough for safety.
Mum Jasmin was pleased that the crib didn't occupy too much space in her bedroom and thought it was the ideal size for a newborn. She also stated that the mattress was of good quality unlike other cribs that seem thin and flimsy. She also loves the fact that it has a storage space beneath to store blankets and clothing - something she says many bassinets don't have.
MFM mum home tester Mehack is a fan of the side wall that is removable that lets you drop it down for easy access to your baby. She also likes the fact that legs fold under the bed so that it does not look bulky or take up too much floor space. She is also impressed by how it was easy to move around her home in the event of feeds and check-ins in the middle of the night.
A winner of an Gold award at the 2021 Mother and Baby Awards, the CoZee Air is a popular choice for parents. It has a clever design with four pulleys that are built-in to raise or lower the crib. It has 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 for traveling with your baby.
Safety
When choosing a baby's bedside cot, you must keep safety in your thoughts. 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, overheating and a higher risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). small bedside cot bassinets enable parents to keep their infants close to them, facilitating nighttime feedings as well as monitoring without the need to get out of bed.
This close proximity can also support breastfeeding mothers, as it allows them to attend to the baby's needs while they sleep. This can help maintain the supply of milk and also encourage breastfeeding. Some cots for bedside use adjustable height options that can help mother and child to access the bassinet for feedings or other activities throughout the night.
Many bassinets come with mattresses that are firm, which is designed to decrease the risk of suffocation and is in line with industry standards. This is crucial because a newborn's bones are soft and not fully developed and need to be supported to avoid damage. The mattress should be covered with a fitted sheet to minimize the chance that dust mites, or other allergens, can cause a child to be suffocated. It must also be kept free of allergens and clean.
Some cribs for bedside use can be tilted. This is helpful for babies suffering from reflux or digestive problems. But, it should be done slowly and with caution. It is also important to stay clear of adding pillows, duvets or padded crib bumpers to the bassinet as they could pose the risk of suffocation for your baby and should only be used when the cot is set on an even surface.
It's also worth considering an adjustable bassinet with an attachment system that is secure and can be easily attached to your bed without the necessity of tools. This feature is especially useful for parents who have difficulty lift their child into and out of the crib or are worried about their baby accidentally rolling over while sleeping. If your bassinet is equipped with an attachment system that is secure, it's an excellent idea to periodically make sure it's secure and that there are no gaps or loose components which could cause danger.
Comfort
If you're a parent-to-be, the safety of your infant is undoubtedly one of your top concerns. There's a great sleep solution that lets you keep your baby close to you throughout the night without taking on any of the dangers that come with sharing beds. The crib for newborns is a bassinet-style cot that can be attached to the side of the bed. It lets you safely carry your baby to you for feedings at night and calming. It's also a great option for mothers recovering from a C section as it removes the need to get up or bend over.
A modern newborn bedside cot should have a firm flat mattress to ensure a safe sleep and reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). The bedding should be kept as simple as possible, with only the cot sheet and a blanket tucked in tightly at the bottom. Avoid toys, bumpers and pillows as these can fall on your baby and cause danger of suffocation. If your baby is familiar with 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 as soon as you can once they've developed the strength to pull themselves out of the wrap.
Some cribs with a bedside feature a removable or drop-down side that gives you easy access to your baby for feeding and comfort during the middle of the night. This feature is ideal for parents who want to maintain a close bond with their child, while adhering to NHS guidelines on sleep. If you're planning to co-sleep in the same bed with your baby it's important to recognize that this practice has been linked to an increased risk of SIDS, particularly in the event that a parent is able to roll onto 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 sleep with your newborn, since the risk of being overheated in the night increases. The SnuzPod4 features a unique, breathable side panel that helps improve airflow, keeping your baby cool.