Newborn Bedside Cot
A newborn bedside crib is a small sleeping device that allows babies to sleep in the same space as their parents without the risks of co-sleeping. (The AAP warns against this because of the risk of SIDS and inhalation.) It also makes middle-of-the-night nursing sessions and baby care easier.
This sleeper comes with a mattress that is firm and supports babies backs, reducing the risk of SIDS. It can swivel over your adult bed to make it easier for you to get your baby out for midnight cuddles or a sunrise kiss.
Budget
A bedside cot, also known as a co-sleeper, is an infant cot with a bassinet design that is attached or clipped to your existing bed. This lets you easily and safely reach your baby for mid-night feeding, comforting or cuddles. They are a great choice for mums or new parents recovering from a c-section as they provide easy access to baby and don't require you to get up from your bed.
There are a variety of styles available, ranging from basic ones that have a drop down side to more sophisticated ones that offer numerous adjustment options, like the ability to tilt or raise. Many can be converted into a separate crib when your baby is older and is sleeping longer at night.
One of our favourites is the Maxi-Cosi Lora which was shortlisted for 2021 Mother&Baby awards, including Best Cot Crib, Best Cot, or Moses Basket. MFM home tester Emily said she was impressed by how chic and contemporary the design is as well as the fact that you can use it as a regular bassinet, or clip it to your existing bed to sleep side-by-side in a safe and secure manner. She also appreciated its luxurious mattress, which has passed our tests for firmness, and that it has an adjustable manual inclining feature for those who suffer from reflux.
However, she didn't like the feature of a non-mesh panel on the foot end and felt it was a bit bulky to move from room room frequently. It also felt a little heavy to carry up and down the stairs when folded into a bag for travel bedside crib.
Size
A bedside cot is a bassinet that is connected to the bed's side. It's easy to reach your baby's side to feed, change nappies or comforting during the night. It's great for mothers recovering from the c-section.
The NHS and Lullaby Trust recommend that you keep your baby separate from you for the first 6 months to reduce the risk of SIDS. A bedside crib is a safe method to accomplish this since it is low-sided and allows you to easily reach your baby at night.
It is essential that your baby is sleeping on a firm, not a soft mattress. A soft mattress can increase the risk of suffocation in newborns, as they lack the motor control necessary to turn. This mattress is made of skin-friendly and air-tight materials. It's comfortable for your baby, yet firm enough to ensure safety.
Mum home tester Jasmin loved that the crib doesn't take up too much space in her bedroom and she found it to be the perfect size for a newborn. She also said that the mattress was also of good quality, as opposed to those that feel cheap and thin. She also appreciates that it has a storage area underneath for clothes and bedding which other bassinets do not have.
Mehack, a MFM mom who tried the product at home, is thrilled that you can take off the wall on the side to allow for easier access to your baby. She also likes that legs fold under the bed so it doesn't look heavy or take up too much floor space. She's also amazed by the ease of being able to move around the house when you need to in the middle of the night, which is convenient for meals and check-ins.
A recipient of the Gold award at the 2021 Mother and Baby Awards, the CoZee Air is a popular choice for parents. It features a unique design with four pulleys that can be used to raise or lower your crib. There is also an ample basket for blankets, toys, and other necessities. It's also easy to put together and light, which is useful for travelling with your baby.
Safety
It is crucial to think about safety when choosing a newborn bedside crib. The Lullaby Trust, as well as the NHS recommend that babies not sleep in the parents' beds due to the risk of suffocation and sudden infant death syndrome. Bassinets for bedside use allow parents to keep their newborns close to them, facilitating nighttime feedings as well as comforting and monitoring without the need to get up.
This close proximity also supports breastfeeding mothers by allowing them to take care of their infant's needs without having to get up completely and can help maintain milk supply and support the breastfeeding experience. Some cots with a bedside are equipped with adjustable height features that can help to ensure that the bassinet is an appropriate height for mother and baby for ease of access during feedings or care.
A majority of bassinets come with a firm mattress that is designed to minimize the risk of suffocation and conforms to industry standards. This is crucial because a baby's bones are fragile and not fully developed, and must be supported to avoid damage. The mattress should be encased with a fitted sheet to reduce the risk of suffocation caused by dust mites and other allergens. It should also be kept clean and free from irritants.
Some cribs for bedside use can be tilted. This is useful for babies with digestive or reflux issues. However, it should only be done gently and with care. It is also essential to stay clear of adding pillows, duvets or padded crib bumpers to the bassinet since they can create the risk of suffocation for your baby. They should only be used when the cot is on an even surface.
You should also consider a bassinet that has an attachment system that is secure. This can be connected to your existing bed easily without the need of tools. This is especially useful for parents who struggle to lift their baby in and out of the crib or who are worried about accidentally rolling over during sleep. If your bassinet is equipped with an attachment that is secure it is a good idea to check it frequently. Make sure there are no gaps and that the system is securely attached.
Comfort
If you're expecting your first child, the comfort of your infant is undoubtedly one of your top priorities. There's a new sleep solution that lets you keep your baby close at night without the risk of sharing the bed. The baby bedside cot is basically a bassinet-style cot which is fixed to the side of your bed and allows you to take them away to feed them at night and soothe. It's also a great option for mothers recovering from a C-section as it removes the need to stand up or sit up.
Modern bedside cots for newborns should include a firm, flat mattress to promote safe sleeping habits and reduce the risk Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. The bedding should be simple, with a cot sheet and a blanket that is tightly tucked on the bottom. Avoid bumpers, toys or pillows since they could fall on your baby and pose a suffocation hazard. If your baby has been used to being swaddled for several weeks, you can use either an swaddle or baby sleep bag. However, this should be removed once they have the strength to remove them.
Some bedside crib travel cot cribs have a removable or drop-down side that allows easy access to your baby's feeds and comforting. This is a great option for parents who wish to maintain a strong bond with their child, while adhering to NHS safe sleep advice. If you're considering sleeping in the same bed as your child it's important to know that this practice has been linked to a higher risk of SIDS especially in the event that a parent falls on their child during sleep.
A fabric that is breathable will keep your baby comfortable and cool throughout the night. This is particularly important if you plan to sleep with your newborn since the chance of being overheated increases when you sleep. The SnuzPod4 is a unique, side panel made of breathable mesh that helps improve the airflow and keeps your baby snug in their mattress.