Newborn Bedside Cot
A newborn bedside cot is a tiny sleeper that allows new 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 middle-of-the-night nursing sessions and baby care more convenient.
This sleeper comes with a mattress that is firm and supports babies backs, reducing the risk of SIDS. It can slide over your adult bed to make it easier for you to lift your child out for midnight nursing or sunrise cuddles.
Budget
A bedside crib, also called a bassinet or cosleeper, is a bassinet style crib that can be attached to your bed. This allows you to easily and safely reach your newborn for middle-of-the-night feeding or comforting cuddles. They are a great option for mums or new parents recovering from a c-section as they provide easy access to baby and don't require you to get out of bed.
There are lots of different designs available that range from basic models with just a drop-down option to more sophisticated ones that can be adjusted in multiple ways, including incline and height options. The majority of them can be converted into a standalone crib for daytime naps or when your baby is a few months old and is sleeping more at night.
Maxi-Cosi Lora is among our favorites. It was shortlisted in the Best Cot category for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. bedside crib or cot commented how stylish and modern the design was. She also appreciated the fact that it could be used as a bassinet or attached to your bed to ensure safe side-by-side sleeping. She also admired the soft mattress, which has passed our test for firmness, and the fact that it features a manual rocking feature that can be adjusted to a slight slope for reflux sufferers.
She didn't like the fact that it had a non-mesh panel at the bottom, and thought it was too bulky to move around from room to room. When folded into its travel bag, she found it to be quite heavy to carry up the stairs.
Size
A bedside cot is similar to the bassinet, which is connected to the side of your bed. It's easy to reach your baby's side to feed them, change nappies or comforting in the middle of the night. It's also great for mothers recovering from C-sections.
The NHS and Lullaby Trust recommend that you keep your baby separated from you for the first six months, to decrease the chance of SIDS. A crib that is placed near your bed is a safe method to achieve this because it is low-sided and allows you to easily reach your baby at night.
It is essential that your baby sleeps on a firm mattress since it is safer than a mattress that is soft. A mattress that is soft can increase the risk of suffocation among newborns, 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 home test Jasmin liked that this crib does not take up a lot of space in her bedroom and she found the size perfect for a baby. She also said that the mattress was of good quality unlike other cribs that feel thin and flimsy. She also loves the fact that it has a storage compartment underneath for clothes and blankets which she believes most bassinets do not have.
MFM mum home tester Mehack is a huge fan of the side wall that is removable that allows you to drop it to make it easier access to your newborn. She also loves the fact that legs can be placed under the bed to make it appear less bulky and take up less space on the floor. She's also impressed with the ease of being able to move around the house when you'd like, for convenience during middle-of-the-night meals and check-ins.
The CoZee Air crib is a popular choice for parents. It was awarded a Gold Award at the 2021 Mother and Baby Awards. It has a clever design with four pulleys that are built-in to raise or lower the crib and includes a large storage basket for your baby's blankets, toys and other necessities. It's also easy to assemble and light, which is useful for traveling with your baby.
Safety
It's important to consider the safety of the crib for your newborn. The official safe sleep guidelines from both the Lullaby Trust and NHS recommends that babies not be sleeping in the bed of their parents due to the risk of suffocation, overheating and a higher chance of suffering from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Bedside bassinets allow parents to keep their infants close, which allows for nighttime feedings, comforting, and monitoring without having to get out of bed.
This close proximity can support breastfeeding mothers, as it allows them to attend to the baby's needs while still sleeping. This can help to maintain the supply of milk and encourage breastfeeding. Some cots with a bedside are equipped with adjustable height options that can make it easier for mother and child to access the bassinet for feedings or other activities at night.
Many bassinets have a mattress that is designed to reduce the chance of suffocation and conforms to industry standards. This is essential because newborn's bones are brittle and aren't fully developed. They require support to prevent damage. The mattress should be covered in a fitted cover to reduce the risk of suffocation caused by dust mites or other allergens and kept hygienically clean and free from irritants.
Some cots with a bedside can be tilted, which can be beneficial for babies suffering from reflux or digestive issues, however this should be done with extreme caution and at a gentle angle. It is also important to avoid adding pillows, duvets or padded crib bumpers to the bassinet, as they could pose an obstructing risk to your baby and should only be used when the cot is placed on flat surfaces.
You should also consider an infant bassinet with a secure attachment system. This can be attached to your existing bed easily without the need for tools. This is particularly beneficial for parents who struggle to get their child in and out of the crib or are concerned about their child rolling over while sleeping. If your bassinet is equipped with secured attachments, it is a good idea to check it regularly. Check to ensure there aren't any gaps and that the system is securely connected.
Comfort
If you're expecting your first child and you're worried about the safety of your infant is undoubtedly one of your top concerns. There's a new sleep solution that allows you to keep your baby close at night, without the danger of bed-sharing. The newborn bedside cot is essentially a bassinet-style cot that is attached to the side of your bed and allows you to move them towards you to feed them at night and soothe. It is also the perfect choice for mothers recovering from a c-section, as it reduces the need to bend down too far or even take a step out of the bed.
A modern newborn bedside cot should have a sturdy flat mattress to in promoting safe sleeping habits and decrease the chance of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Bedding should be simple with just a cot sheet and a blanket that is tightly tucked on the bottom. Avoid bumpers, toys and pillows that may fall onto your baby posing an obstructive risk. If your baby is familiar with being swaddled, you can use a swaddle or baby sleep bag for the initial few weeks, but this should be removed as soon as possible once they've gained the strength to pull themselves out of the wrap.
Some bedside cribs have an open or removable side for easy access to your baby for feedings in the middle of the night and comforting. This is a good option for parents who wish to maintain an intimate relationship with their child, but still adhere to NHS safe sleep advice. If you're considering sleeping in the same bed with your child it's important to recognize that this practice has been associated with an increased risk of SIDS, particularly in the event that a parent rolls onto 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 particularly important if you plan to sleep with your baby since the risk of being overheated in the night increases. The SnuzPod4 has an exclusive breathable side panel that aids in improving the airflow and keeps your baby cool.