Newborn Bedside cot for bedside
A newborn bedside crib is a small sleeping device that lets babies sleep in the same space as their parents without the dangers of co-sleeping. (The AAP warns against this because of the dangers of SIDS and inhalation.) It also makes middle-of-the-night nursing sessions and baby care easier.
This sleeper has an extremely firm mattress that can support babies backs, which reduces the risk of SIDS. It can be rotated over your adult bed to allow you to raise your baby to snuggle them at sunrise or for late night nursing.
Budget
A bedside cot, sometimes referred to as a co-sleeper is the bassinet-style baby cot that can be attached to your bed. This allows you to safely and easily reach your newborn for middle-of-the-night feeding, comforting or cuddles. They are a great choice for mums or new parents recovering from a c-section as they allow the baby with easy access and do not require you to get up from your bed.
There are many different designs that are available, from the simple ones with an upside-down side to more sophisticated models that have numerous adjustment options, like incline or height. Many can be converted into an independent crib once your baby gets older and is sleeping longer at night.
Maxi-Cosi Lora is among our top picks. It was selected in the Best Cot category for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. MFM home tester Emily noted how stylish and modern the design was. She also appreciated the fact that it can be used as a bassinet, or clipped to your bed to ensure safe side-by-side sleeping. She also admired the soft mattress that was able to pass our test of firmness, and the fact that it comes with an automatic rocking feature that can be adjusted to a slight slope for reflux sufferers.
However, she wasn't a fan of the design of the non-mesh panel at the lower end, and felt it was a bit bulky to move from room to room regularly. When folded into its travel bedside crib bag she found it somewhat heavy to carry up the stairs.
Size
A bedside cot is essentially an upholstered bassinet that is fixed to your side of the bed. You can easily reach your baby for feedings, changing nappies or comforting during the night. It's also great for moms recovering from C-sections.
The NHS and Lullaby Trust recommend that you keep your baby separated from you for the first six months, to lower the risk of SIDS. The bedside crib, with its low sides, is a great option to achieve this. It lets you be able to easily access your baby during the night.
It is essential that your baby is sleeping on a firm, not a soft mattress. Babies don't have motor control needed to turn and a mattress that is soft could increase the risk of suffocation. The breathable fabric and skin-friendly materials make this mattress comfortable for your baby but also sufficiently firm to be safe for your baby.
Mum home test Jasmin was pleased with the fact that the crib does not take up a lot of space in her bedroom and she found it to be the perfect size for a newborn. She also noted that the mattress was of good quality and not like other mattresses that seem thin and flimsy. She also appreciates that it has a storage area underneath for clothes and bedding - something many other bassinets do not have.
Mehack, a MFM mother who has tested the product at home, is thrilled that you can take off the side wall to allow for easier access to your baby. She also loves that the legs tuck under the bed so it doesn't appear big or take up a lot of floor space. She is also impressed by how it was easy to move around her home when she needed to for checks and feedings during the night.
A winner of an Gold award in the 2021 Mother and Baby Awards The CoZee Air is a popular choice amongst parents. It has a clever design with four built-in pulleys to raise or lower the crib and includes a large storage basket for toys, blankets and other essentials. It is also lightweight and easy to put together and is ideal for travel with your baby.
Safety
It is important to think about safety when choosing a newborn wooden bedside cot crib. The Lullaby Trust, as well as the NHS recommend that babies not sleep in their parents bed due to the risk of suffocation as well as sudden infant death syndrome. Bassinets for bedside use allow parents to keep their babies close, facilitating night time feedings, comforting, and monitoring without needing to leave their bed.
This close proximity also helps breastfeeding mothers by allowing them to attend to the needs of their infant without having to get up at all times and can help maintain milk supply and support the breastfeeding experience. Some bedside cots come with adjustable height features that help the mother and child to reach the bassinet to feed or take care of other needs at night.
Many bassinets come with a firm mattress that is designed to reduce the risk of suffocation, and is in line with industry standards. It is essential to provide support for the bones of a newborn bedside cot, as they are still soft and aren't fully formed. The mattress should be encased with a fitted sheet to reduce the risk of suffocation from dust mites and other allergens and kept hygienically clean and free from irritants.
Some bedside cots can be tilted. This can be useful for babies with reflux or digestive issues, however this should be done with a lot of care and at a moderate angle. Avoid placing pillows, duvets or padded crib bumpers inside the bassinet. They could pose the risk of suffocation to your baby.
It's also worth looking into an adjustable bassinet with a secure attachment system that can be easily fixed to your existing bed without the necessity of tools. This is particularly beneficial for parents who struggle to lift their child into and out of the crib or are worried about their child accidentally falling asleep. If your bassinet has a secure attachment, it is a good idea for you to check it regularly. Make sure there are no gaps, and that the system is securely connected.
Comfort
If you're expecting a child, the safety of your child is definitely one of your top priorities. There's a great sleep solution that allows you to keep your baby close during the night, without any of the risks associated with sharing a bed. The baby bedside cot is basically a bassinet-style cot which is fixed to the bed's side, allowing you to safely lift them out towards you to feed them at night and soothe. It is also an excellent choice for mothers recovering from a c-section, because it eliminates the need to bend over too much or even take a step out of bed.
Modern bedside cots for newborns should have a flat, firm mattress to promote safe sleeping habits and reduce the risk Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. The bedding should be simple, with just a cot sheet and blanket tucked tightly at the bottom. Avoid bumpers, toys, and pillows that can be thrown over your baby, creating a suffocation risk. If your baby is used to being swaddled during a few weeks then you can use a swaddle, or a baby sleep bag. However, this should be removed when they have the strength to take them off.
Some bedside cribs have a drop-down or removable side for easy access to your baby for feedings in the middle of the night and comforting. This is a great feature for parents looking to keep the bond between them and their child while still following NHS safe sleep advice. If you're considering sleeping in the same bed with your baby, it's important to understand that this practice has been linked to an increased risk of SIDS particularly if a parent unintentionally falls on their child during 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 particularly important if you plan to co-sleep with your newborn since the chance of overheating increases when you sleep. The SnuzPod4 has a unique, breathable side panel, which helps increase airflow, keeping your baby warm.