Newborn Bedside Cot
A newborn bedside cot is a compact sleeper that allows new babies to share a space as their parents without the risks of true co-sleeping (which the AAP advises against due to SIDS and suffocation). It helps you care for your baby and give them a bottle in the middle of the night.
This sleeper has an extremely firm mattress that can support babies backs, which reduces the risk of SIDS. It can slide over your adult bed to allow you to carry your baby for nighttime nursing or sunrise cuddles.
Budget
A bedside crib, also called a co-sleeper or bassinet, 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 choice for mothers or new parents recovering from a c-section as they provide easy access to baby and don't require you to get up from your bed.
There are a variety of designs that are available, from the basic ones with just a drop down side to more sophisticated models that offer numerous adjustment options, like the ability to tilt or raise. Many convert to an independent crib for daytime naps or when your baby is around a few months old and sleeps longer at night.
One of our favorites is the Maxi-Cosi Lora which was shortlisted for 2021 Mother&Baby awards, including the categories of Best Cot Crib, Best Cot or Moses Basket. MFM home tester Emily commented on how stylish and modern the design and she was impressed by the feature that you can use it as a regular bassinet, or clip it to your existing bed to sleep side-by-side in a safe and secure manner. She also admired the soft mattress that passed our firmness test, and the fact that it comes with a manual rocking feature that can be set to a slight tilt 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. When folded into a travel bag she found it to be somewhat heavy to carry up the stairs.
Size
cotsfortots is basically the bassinet style cot that can be fixed to the side of the bed. It's easy to reach your baby to feed them, change nappies or just to soothe them during the night. It's also great for moms recovering from a C-section.
The NHS and Lullaby Trust recommend that you keep your baby separated from you in the first six month, to decrease the chance of SIDS. A crib for your bed is a safe way to achieve this because it is low-sided and lets you easily access your newborn at night.
It is essential that your baby sleeps on a firm mattress as this is safer than a soft one. A mattress that is soft increases the risk of suffocation for newborns, since they do not have the motor control required to turn. This mattress is made of skin-friendly and breathe-able materials. It is a comfortable fit for your baby but firm enough to be safe.
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 baby. The mattress she rated as also good quality, unlike some that feel flimsy and thin. She also loves the fact that it has a storage space underneath for clothes and bedding which other bassinets do not have.
Mehack is an MFM mum who tested the product at home, is thrilled that you can take off the side wall to make it easier to access your baby. She also loves the fact that the legs can be put under the bed to look less bulky and take up less space on the floor. She is also impressed by how it was easy to move around her home when she needed to do checks and feedings in the middle of the night.
The CoZee Air crib is a popular choice for parents. It won the Gold Award in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It has a clever design with four built-in pulleys to raise or lower the crib. It also includes a large storage basket for your baby's toys, blankets and other necessities. It's also easy to put together and lightweight that is great to travel with your baby.
Safety
When choosing a baby's bedside cot, you must keep safety in your mind. The official safe sleep guidelines from both the Lullaby Trust and NHS recommends that babies should not be sleeping in the bed of their parents due to the risk of overheating, suffocation and a greater chance of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Bedside bassinets enable parents to keep their newborns close, which allows for nighttime feedings, comforting, and monitoring without needing to leave their bed.
This close proximity also supports breastfeeding mothers by allowing them to take care of their infant's needs without having to get up at all times and can help maintain milk supply and support the breastfeeding experience. Some cots with a bedside are equipped with adjustable height features, which can ensure that the bassinet is an appropriate height for mother and baby to allow ease of access during feedings or care.
A lot of bassinets have mattresses that are firm. This is designed to minimize the risk of suffocation and is in line with industry standards. This is essential because baby's bones are fragile and not fully developed and must be supported to prevent damage. The mattress should be covered with a fitted sheet in order to reduce the risk that dust mites or other allergens, could choke a child. It should also be kept clean and free of irritants.
Some cribs on the bed can be tilted. This is useful for babies suffering from reflux or digestive problems. But, it should be done slowly and with care. Avoid adding pillows, duvets, or padded crib bumpers to the bassinet. These can pose the risk of suffocation your baby.
It's also worth thinking about a bassinet with a secure attachment system that can be easily fixed to your bed without the necessity of tools. This feature is especially beneficial for parents who find it difficult to carry their child into and out of the crib or are concerned about their child accidentally rolling over during sleep. If your bassinet is equipped with a secure attachment system it's a good idea to regularly ensure that it's securely secured and that there aren't any gaps or loose parts that could pose a hazard.
Comfort
If you're expecting your first child, the comfort of your baby is surely one of your top priorities. There's a new solution to sleep that lets you keep your baby close to you at night, without the danger of sharing the bed. The newborn bedside crib is a bassinet style cot that attaches to the side of the bed. It allows you to safely carry your baby to you for feedings at night and comfort. It is also a great choice for mums recovering from a c-section since it makes it less necessary to bend down too far or even get out of the bed.
A modern bedside cot for newborns should have a sturdy, flat mattress to help promote safe sleeping practices and reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). The bedding should be kept simple with just the sheets for the cot and a blanket tucked in tightly at the bottom. Avoid toys, bumpers and pillows that could be thrown over your baby, creating an obstructive risk. If your baby is used to being swaddled for several weeks, you can use either an swaddle or baby sleep bag. However, it is recommended that this be removed after they are strong enough to take them off.
Some bedside cribs feature a removable or drop-down side that allows for easy access to your baby to feed and comfort them during the middle of the night. This is a good option for parents who wish to keep the bond between them and their child while still following NHS safe sleep advice. However, if you're planning to co-sleep in the same bed with your child it's important to recognize that this practice has been linked to a higher risk of SIDS, particularly in the event that a parent is able to roll onto their infant while they sleep.
A fabric that is breathable will keep your baby comfy and cool throughout the night. This is particularly important if you intend to sleep with your baby because the risk of overheating during sleep increases. The SnuzPod4 comes with a unique, breathable side panel, which helps increase the flow of air, keeping your baby warm.