Newborn Bedside Cot
A newborn bedside cot is a tiny sleeper that allows new babies to share the same room as their parents, without the risks of true co-sleeping (which the AAP recommends against due to suffocation and SIDS). It helps you care for your infant and feed them throughout the night.
This sleeper features a firm mattress to help babies' backs and minimize the chance of SIDS. It can be swiveled over your bed to make it easier for you to get your child out for midnight cuddles or a sunrise kiss.
Budget
A bedside crib, also referred to as a co-sleeper or bassinet is a bassinet-style baby cot that clips to your bed. This allows you to reach your baby quickly and safely for a late-night feed or comforting cuddle. These are great for moms and babies recovering after a c section as they allow the baby to be easily accessible without having to get up from bed.
There are lots of different designs available, from basic models with only a drop-down side, to more advanced ones that can be adjusted in a variety of ways, including incline and height options. bedside cots of them can be converted into an independent crib for naps during the day or when your baby is about months old and is sleeping more at night.
One of our favorites is the Maxi-Cosi Lora, that was shortlisted for the 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 modern the design is, while she appreciated the feature that you can use it as a regular bassinet, or clip it to a bed to ensure that you can sleep side-by-side. She also admired the soft mattress, which passed our firmness test and also the fact that it has an automatic rocking feature that can be adjusted to a slight slope for those suffering from reflux.
She didn't like the fact that it had a non-mesh panel on the bottom and considered it too bulky to move around from room to room. She also found it to be a bit heavy to carry up and down the stairs, especially when it was folded up into its travel bag.
Size
A bedside cot is a bassinet-style cot that fixes to your side of the bed. It allows you to easily reach your baby for mid-night feeding, nappies and comforting. It's ideal for mothers who are recovering from the c-section.
The NHS and Lullaby Trust advise that you keep your baby in the same room as you, but keep them separate from you for the first six months as this can help reduce the risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). The crib at the bedside, with its low sides is a great way to accomplish this. It allows you to access your baby easily at night.
It is crucial that your baby sleeps on a firm, not a soft mattress. A mattress that is soft can increase the risk of suffocation for infants as they lack the motor control needed to turn. The soft, breathable fabric and skin-friendly materials make the mattress comfortable for your baby but sufficiently firm to be safe for your baby.
Mum home tester Jasmin loved that the crib does not take up 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 good quality, unlike those that feel cheap and thin. She also likes the fact that it has a storage area underneath for clothes and blankets - something she says many bassinets don't have.
Mehack is an MFM mother who has tested the product at home, is thrilled that you can take off the wall on the side to allow easier access to your baby. She also appreciates that legs can be placed under the bed to make it appear less bulky and occupy less floor space. She's also impressed by the ease of being able to move around the house as you need to in the middle of the night, which is convenient for feedings and check-ins.
The CoZee Air crib is a favourite among parents. It was awarded the Gold Award in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It has a clever design that has four pulleys that can be used to raise or lower your crib. There's also an enormous basket that can be used to store blankets, toys, and other necessities. It is also light and easy to assemble which makes it perfect to travel with your baby.
Safety
It's important to consider the safety of a newborn bedside crib. The official safety sleep guidelines of both the Lullaby Trust and NHS recommends that babies not sleep in their parents' beds due to the risk of suffocation, heat exhaustion and a higher chance of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Bassinets for bedside use allow parents to keep their newborns close, facilitating night time feedings, comforting, and monitoring without having to leave their bed.
This close proximity also assists breastfeeding mothers as they can attend to the needs of their infant without having to wake up at all times and can help keep the supply of milk steady and help the breastfeeding experience. Some cots with a bedside are equipped with adjustable height options, which can ensure that the bassinet is an appropriate height for mother and baby, allowing easy access for middle-of-the-night feedings or care.
Many bassinets have mattresses that are firm and designed to minimize the risk of suffocation and conforms to industry standards. It is important to provide support for the bones of a newborn since they are still fragile and are not fully formed. The mattress should be covered with an appropriate sheet to minimize the chance that dust mites, as well as other allergens, can cause a child to be suffocated. It must also be kept clean and free of allergens.
Some bedside cribs can be tilted. This is beneficial for babies who have reflux or digestive issues. But, it should be done slowly and with care. Avoid adding pillows, duvets or padded crib bumpers to the bassinet. These could create the risk of suffocation your baby.
It's also worth thinking about an adjustable bassinet with an attachment system that is secure and can be easily attached to your existing bed without the necessity of tools. This can be especially useful for parents who struggle to lift their child in and out of the crib or who are worried about accidentally falling asleep. If your bassinet is equipped with an attachment that is secure it is a great idea for you to check it frequently. Check to ensure there are no gaps and that the system is securely connected.
Comfort
If you're planning to become a parent, your baby's safety is one of your main concerns. Thankfully, there's an innovative sleep solution that lets you keep your baby close throughout the night, without any of the risks that come with bed-sharing. The newborn bedside crib is a cot that resembles a bassinet that is attached to the side of the bed. It allows you to safely lift your baby out to you for feedings at night and comfort. It also makes 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.
A modern cot for infants should have a firm flat mattress to promote safe sleeping practices and decrease the chance of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Bedding should be easy comprising a cot sheets and blanket tucked tightly at the bottom. Avoid bumpers, toys and pillows that can fall on your baby, posing the risk of suffocation. If your baby is used to being swaddled, you can make use of a swaddle, or a baby sleep bag for the first few weeks, although it is best to remove it as soon as you can once they've gained the strength to pull themselves out of the wrap.
Some cribs with a bedside feature a removable or drop-down side that allows for the baby to be easily accessible to feed and comfort them during the middle of the night. This is a wonderful feature for parents looking to maintain a strong bond with their child while still following NHS safe sleep advice. If you're planning to sleep with your child, it's crucial to be aware that this practice can increase the risk of SIDS. This is especially when a parent accidentally rolls on their infant during sleep.
A fabric that is breathable is an essential safety feature, as 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, as the risk of overheating is higher during sleep. The SnuzPod4 is a unique, side panel made of breathable mesh that helps improve the airflow and keeps your baby comfortable in their mattress.