newborn bedside cot (over here)
A newborn bedside cot is a small sleeper that allows new babies to share a room as their parents, without the risks of true co-sleeping (which the AAP recommends against due to suffocation and SIDS). It also makes mid-night nursing sessions and child care easier.
This mattress is a firm mattress to support the backs of babies and decrease the chance of SIDS. It can be swiveled over your adult bed to raise your baby to snuggle them at sunrise or for midnight nursing.
Budget
A bedside crib, also referred to as a bassinet or cosleeper is a bassinet type crib for babies that attaches to your existing bed. This allows you to easily and safely reach your baby for mid-night feeding or cuddles. They are a great option for mums or new parents recovering from a csection as they provide the baby with easy access and don't require you to get out of bed.
There are many different designs available, from basic models with just a drop-down side to more sophisticated ones that can be adjusted in multiple ways, including incline and height options. Many convert to a separate crib for naps during the day or when your baby is around a few months old and sleeping longer at night.
One of our favorites is the Maxi-Cosi Lura, that was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby awards in the categories of Best Cot Crib, Best Cot or Moses Basket. MFM home tester Emily said she was impressed by how chic and modern the design is as well as the fact that you can use it as a regular bassinet, or clip it to a bed to sleep side-by-side in a safe and secure manner. She also appreciated the soft mattress, which passed our firmness test, and the fact that it comes with a manual rocking feature that can be adjusted to a slight slope for reflux sufferers.
However, she wasn't a fan of the fact that it had a non-mesh panel on the bottom and thought it was a bit bulky to move from room to room often. When folded into its travel bag, she found it a bit heavy to carry up the stairs.
Size
A bedside cot resembles the bassinet, which is connected to the side of your bed. It allows you to reach your baby for mid-night feeding nappies, feeding and comforting. It's ideal for mothers who are recovering from a c-section.
The NHS and Lullaby Trust recommend that you keep your baby away from you during the first six month, to reduce the risk of SIDS. The bedside crib, with its low sides, is a great way to achieve this. It lets you be able to easily access your baby throughout the night.
It is essential that your baby sleeps on a firm, not an extremely soft mattress. A mattress that is soft increases the risk of suffocation for infants as they lack the motor control necessary to turn. The breathable fabric and skin-friendly materials make this mattress a comfortable one for your baby but sufficiently firm to be safe for your baby.
Mum Jasmin was happy that the crib didn't take up much space in her bedroom and found it to be the perfect size for a newborn. She also noted that the mattress was of high-quality, unlike others which are thin and fragile. She also appreciates the fact that it has a storage compartment beneath for blankets and clothes - something she says many bassinets don't have.
MFM mum home test Mehack is a big fan of the side wall with a removable design that lets you drop it to make it easier access to your infant. She also likes the fact that legs fold under the bed so it doesn't appear big or take up a lot of floor space. She's also impressed by the ease of being able to move around the house as you want to in the middle of the night, which is convenient for meals and check-ins.
The winner of the Gold award in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, the CoZee Air is a popular choice amongst parents. It features a smart design with four pulleys that are built-in to raise or lower the crib. It comes with a large bedside cot storage bin to store your baby's blankets, toys and other necessities. It's also easy to assemble and light and portable, which is ideal for traveling with your baby.
Safety
When selecting a newborn bedside cot, you must keep the safety aspect in your mind. The Lullaby Trust, as well as the NHS recommend that babies not be placed in parents' beds due to the possibility of suffocation as well as sudden infant death syndrome. Bassinets that are placed in bed let parents keep their infant close, facilitating feeding at night, comforting and monitoring without having to get up from their beds.
This close proximity can also support breastfeeding mothers, as it allows them to be attentive to the baby's needs while also sleeping. This can help maintain the supply of milk and also encourage breastfeeding. Some cots with a bedside crib and cot are equipped with adjustable height options that can aid both the mother and baby to get into the bassinet for feedings or other activities throughout the night.
Many bassinets come with mattresses that are firm, which is designed to minimize the risk of suffocation, and also meets industry standards. It is important to provide support for the bones of a newborn, because they are still squishy and aren't fully formed. The mattress should be covered with a fitted sheet to decrease the risk that dust mites or other allergens, could choke a child. It should also be kept clean and free of allergens.
Some cribs for bedside crib with wheels use can be tilted. This is helpful for babies who have digestive or reflux issues. But, it should be done slowly and with caution. Avoid adding pillows, duvets or padded crib bumpers in the bassinet. These could create a risk of suffocation for your baby.
It's also worth considering an infant bassinet that has a secure attachment system that can be easily attached to your bed without the need for tools. This is especially useful for parents who struggle to get their child in and out of the cot, or who are worried about accidentally falling asleep. If your bassinet does have a secure attachment system it's an excellent idea to periodically make sure it's secure and that there aren't gaps or loose parts which could cause danger.
Comfort
If you're planning to become a parent, the comfort of your child is one of your primary concerns. There's a great sleep solution that allows you to keep your baby close throughout the night without taking on any of the risks associated with sharing a bed. The crib for newborns is a bassinet style cot that can be attached to the side of the bed. It allows you to safely lift your baby out towards you for feedings and soothing. It is also a great option for mothers recovering from a C section as it removes the need to stand up or to bend over.
A modern bedside cot for newborns should have a sturdy, flat mattress to help ensure a safe sleep and reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Bedding should be simple comprising a cot sheets and a blanket tightly tucked on the bottom. Avoid toys, bumpers or pillows because they can be thrown over your baby and create a risk of suffocation. If your baby is used to being swaddled you can use a swaddle or baby sleep bag for the first few weeks, although it should be removed as soon as possible once they've developed the strength to take off their wraps.
Some cribs with a bedside feature an option to remove or drop down the side that gives you easy access to your baby to feed and comfort them during the middle of the night. This is a wonderful feature for parents who want to keep the bond between them and their child while still following NHS safe sleep guidelines. If you're planning to sleep with your child, it's important to know that this practice may increase the risk of SIDS. This is especially when a parent accidentally is able to roll their infant over while sleeping.
A breathable fabric is another important safety factor, since it's designed to keep your baby cool and comfortable throughout the night. This is especially important if you plan to sleep with your newborn, because the risk of overheating in the night increases. The SnuzPod4 comes with a unique breathable side panel that aids in improving the flow of air, keeping your baby comfortable.