Newborn Bedside Cot
A newborn bedside cot is a compact sleeper that allows babies to share a room as their parents, without the risks of true co-sleeping (which the AAP cautions against due SIDS and suffocation). It also makes nursing sessions and care much simpler.
This mattress has a mattress that is firm and supports babies backs, reducing the chance of SIDS. It can be swiveled over your adult bed to allow you to raise your baby to snuggle them at sunrise or for midnight nursing.
Budget
A bedside crib, also called a co-sleeper or bassinet is a bassinet type crib that can be attached 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 csection as they allow an easy access to baby and do not require you to get up.
There are many different designs available that range from basic models with just a drop-down option to more sophisticated ones that can be adjusted in several ways, including incline and height options. Most convert to a standalone crib for napping during the daytime or when your baby is a few months old and sleeping longer at night.
One of our top picks is the Maxi-Cosi Lora, 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 expressed her delight at how stylish and contemporary the design is, while she appreciated the feature that you can use 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 has passed our tests for firmness and it also has an adjustable manual inclining feature for those who suffer from reflux.
However, she didn't like the fact that it had a non-mesh panel on the foot end and thought it was a bit heavy to move from room to room frequently. She also found it a bit heavy to carry up and down the stairs when folded into a bag for travel.
Size
A bedside crib that turns into cot cot is basically a bassinet-style cot that fixes to the side of the bed. It's easy to reach your baby to feed, change nappies or comforting in the middle of the night. It's ideal for mothers who are 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 decrease the chance 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 during the night.
It is important that your baby is sleeping on a firm and not a soft mattress. A mattress that is soft increases the risk of suffocation in newborns, since 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, but firm enough to ensure safety.
Mum Jasmin was delighted that the crib didn't occupy too much space in her bedroom and found it to be the ideal size for a baby. She also said that the mattress was also good quality, unlike those that feel cheap and thin. She also likes the fact that it has storage space underneath for clothes and bedding - something many other bassinets don't have.
Mehack, a MFM mother who has tested the product at home, likes that you can take off the side wall to allow for easier access to your baby. She also likes the fact that the legs can be tucked under the bed to make it appear less bulky and occupy less area on the floor. She's also impressed with how it was easy to move around the house in the event of checks and feedings in the middle of the night.
The CoZee Air crib is a popular choice for parents. It won the Gold Award in the 2021 Mother and Baby Awards. It has a clever design with four pulleys which can be used to raise or lower your crib. There is also a large basket for toys, blankets, and other necessities. It's also light and easy to put together and is ideal for traveling with your baby.
Safety
When choosing a new baby's bedside cot it's important to keep the safety aspect in your mind. The official safe sleep guidelines from both the Lullaby Trust and NHS recommends that babies not sleep in their parents' beds due to the risk of suffocation, overheating and a greater chance of suffering from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Bassinets for bedside cot bed use allow parents to keep their newborn close by to help with feeding at night, comforting and monitoring without having to leave their bed.
This close proximity can also aid breastfeeding mothers since it allows them to attend to the needs of their infant while still sleeping. This can help maintain the supply of milk and encourage breastfeeding. Some cots for bedside use adjustable height features that can help both the mother and baby to get into the bassinet to feed or take care of other needs throughout the night.
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 important to support the bones of a newborn, because they are still squishy and not fully formed. The mattress should be covered with a fitted sheet to reduce the risk that dust mites, or other allergens, can suffocate a child. It should be kept clean and free of irritants.
Some cots with a bedside can be tilted, which can be useful for babies with reflux or digestive issues, but it should be done with great caution and at a moderate angle. Avoid placing pillows, duvets or padded crib bumpers in the bassinet. They could pose the risk of suffocation to your baby.
It's also worth looking into a bassinet with an attached system that is secure and can be easily fixed to your existing bed without the need for tools. This feature is especially useful for parents who struggle to carry their child into and out of the crib or are concerned about their baby accidentally rolling over while sleeping. If your bassinet is equipped with a secure attachment it is a great idea to check it regularly. Make sure there aren't any gaps and that the system is securely attached.
Comfort
If you are a soon-to-be parent, your baby's comfort is one of your primary concerns. There's a wonderful sleep solution that allows you to keep your baby close during the night without taking on any of the dangers that come with sharing beds. The newborn bedside cot is an essentially a bassinet-style crib that fixes to the side of your bed and allows you to move them towards you to feed them at night and soothe. It's an excellent option for mothers who are recovering from a C-section as it removes the need to stand or sit up.
A modern newborn bedside cot should have a sturdy, flat mattress to help promote safe sleeping practices and decrease the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). The bedding should be simple, with a cot sheet and a blanket tightly tucked on the bottom. Avoid bumpers, toys and pillows that may fall onto your baby posing an obstructive risk. If your baby is used to being swaddled, you can use a swaddle or baby sleep bag for the initial few weeks, but it should be removed when possible after they've gained the strength and confidence to take off their wraps.
Some bedside cot co sleeper cribs feature an adjustable or drop-down side that provides an easy access to your baby to feed and comfort them in the middle of the night. This is a great feature for parents who wish to maintain a close bond with their child but still adhere to NHS sleep guidelines. If you're planning to sleep 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 rolls onto their infant while they sleep.
A breathable fabric is another essential safety feature, as it's designed to keep your baby cool and comfortable throughout the night. This is especially important if you intend to sleep with your baby because the risk of overheating when sleeping increases. The SnuzPod4 features a unique side panel made of breathable mesh that helps improve the flow of air and keep your baby comfortable in their bed.