Newborn Bedside Cot
A newborn bedside crib is a tiny sleeper that allows babies to 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 the risk of suffocation.) It helps you take care of your baby and nurse them in the middle of the night.
This sleeper comes with a mattress that is firm and supports babies backs, reducing the risk of SIDS. It can swivel over the bed of your adult to allow you to lift your baby for nighttime cuddles or a sunrise kiss.
Budget
A bedside crib travel crib, also referred to as a bassinet or cosleeper, is a bassinet style crib that can be attached to your bed. This lets you reach your baby quickly and safely for a mid-night feed or comforting cuddle. They are a great option for mums or new parents recovering from a csection as they allow easy access to baby and don't require you to get up.
There are many different styles available that range from basic models with just a drop-down option to more sophisticated models that can be adjusted in several ways including height and incline options. Most convert to a separate crib for daytime naps or when your baby is a few months old and sleeps longer at night.
One of our top picks is the Maxi-Cosi Lora, which was shortlisted for 2021 Mother&Baby awards for the categories of Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket. MFM home tester Emily said she was impressed by how chic and modern the design was. She also liked the fact that it can be used as a bassinet, or clipped to your existing bed, for a safe side-by-side sleep. She also liked its plush mattress that passed our firmness tests and it also has an adjustable manual inclining feature for reflux sufferers.
She didn't like that it had a non mesh panel on the bottom and thought it was too bulky to move from room to room. When it was folded into its travel bag she found it to be quite heavy to carry up the stairs.
Size
A bedside cot is essentially an upholstered bassinet that is fixed to the side of your bed. It allows you to reach your newborn for middle-of-the-night feeding nappies, comforting and feeding. It's also great for mums recovering from a C-section.
The NHS and Lullaby Trust advise you to keep your baby in the same room with you, but keep them separate from you for the first six months, as this can help reduce the chance of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). The bedside crib with its low sides, is a great way to accomplish this. It allows you to access your baby easily during the night.
It is crucial that your infant sleeps on a firm mattress since it is safer than a mattress that is soft. Infants don't have the motor control to turn over and a mattress that is soft could increase the risk of being suffocated. The breathable fabric and skin-friendly materials make this mattress comfortable for your baby but sufficiently firm to be safe for your baby.
Mum home tester Jasmin loved that the crib doesn't take up too much space in her bedroom, and she found the size perfect for a newborn. She also stated that the mattress was of high-quality unlike other cribs that feel thin and flimsy. She also appreciates the fact that it has a storage compartment beneath to store blankets and clothing which she believes most bassinets do not have.
Mehack, a MFM mom who tried the product at home, likes that you can remove the side wall to allow for easier access to your baby. She also likes the fact that legs can be placed under the bed to look less bulky and take up less floor space. She's also impressed with how easy it is to move around the house when you want to, for convenience during middle-of-the-night meals and check-ins.
The CoZee Air crib is a favorite among parents. It was awarded a Gold Award at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It is designed with four built-in pulleys to raise or lower the crib and comes with a large storage bin for toys, blankets and other necessities. It's also simple to put together and light in weight that is great for traveling with your baby.
Safety
It is crucial to think about safety when choosing the crib for your newborn. The Lullaby Trust, as well as the NHS recommend that babies not be placed in parents bed because of the risk of suffocation and sudden infant death syndrome. Bassinets for bedside crib co sleeper use allow parents to keep their babies close to them, facilitating nighttime feedings as well as monitoring without the need to get up.
This close proximity also assists breastfeeding mothers as they can attend to their baby's needs without having to get up in the middle of the night and can help keep milk supply steady and enhance the breastfeeding experience. Some cots for bedside have adjustable height features that can help to ensure that the bassinet is an ideal height for mother and baby for ease of access during feedings or care.
Many bassinets come with a firm mattress that is designed to minimize the chance of suffocation and conforms to industry standards. This is essential because baby's bones are fragile and aren't fully developed. They need to be supported to prevent damage. The mattress should be covered in a fitted cover to decrease the chance of suffocation from dust mites and other allergens and kept hygienically clean and free of irritants.
Some cots with a bedside can be tilted, which can be beneficial for babies with reflux or digestive issues, but this should always be done with a lot of care and at a gentle angle. Avoid putting pillows, duvets or padded crib bumpers inside the bassinet. These can pose the risk of suffocation your baby.
You should also consider a bassinet that has an attachment system that is secure. It can be attached to your bed without the need for tools. This feature can be particularly beneficial for parents who struggle to get their child into and out of the cot or concerned about the possibility of falling asleep. If your bassinet has a secure attachment it is a good idea to regularly check it. Check to ensure there are no gaps and that the system is securely attached.
Comfort
If you're a soon-to-be parent, your baby's safety is one of your main concerns. There's a great sleep solution that lets you keep your baby close during the night - without any of the risks that come with sharing a bed. The baby bedside cot is essentially a bassinet-style cot that is attached to the bed's side and allows you to lift them out towards you for night feeding and soothing. It's also a great option for mothers recovering from a C section as it eliminates the need to get up or sit up.
A modern newborn bedside crib and travel cot cot should have a sturdy flat mattress to promote safe sleeping practices and decrease the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Bedding should be easy comprising a cot sheets and a blanket that is tightly tucked on the bottom. Avoid toys, bumpers and pillows since they could fall on your baby and create a risk of suffocation. If your baby is used to being swaddled during a few weeks and you want to use a swaddle, or a baby sleep bag. However, it is recommended that this be removed when they have the strength to remove them.
Some cribs for bedside use a drop-down or removable side to make it easy for your baby's feeds and comforting. This feature is perfect for parents who wish to maintain a close relationship with their child, but still adhere to NHS guidelines for sleep. If you're considering sleeping 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 rolls onto their infant 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, as the risk of overheating when sleeping increases. The SnuzPod4 features a unique, breathable side panel that helps improve the flow of air, keeping your baby warm.