Newborn Bedside Cot
A newborn bedside cot is a small sleeper that allows new babies to share a room as their parents without the risk of sleeping together (which the AAP recommends against due to SIDS and suffocation). It helps you care for your infant and feed them in the middle of the night.
This sleeper features a firm mattress to support the backs of babies and decrease the risk of SIDS. It can swivel over your bed to make it easier for you to lift your child out for midnight nursing or cuddles at sunrise.
Budget
A bedside crib, also referred to as a bassinet or cosleeper is a bassinet type crib for babies that attaches to your bed. This allows you to 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 c-section as they allow an easy access to baby and don't require you to get up from your bed.
There are a variety of styles available, ranging from simple ones with the drop-down side, to more sophisticated models that offer multiple adjustment options, including incline or height. The majority of them can be converted into a separate crib for naps during the day or when your baby is around a few months old and sleeps longer at night.
One of our favourites is the Maxi-Cosi Lora, which was nominated for the 2021 Mother&Baby awards in 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 could be used as a bassinet, or attached to your existing bed for a safe side-by-side sleep. She also liked its plush mattress which passed our firmness tests, and that it has an option to manually tilt it for those suffering from reflux.
However, she didn't like the design of the non-mesh panel on the lower end, and felt it was a bit bulky to move from room to room often. When it was folded into its
travel bedside crib bag, she found it somewhat heavy to carry up the stairs.
Size
A bedside cot resembles an infant bassinet that is connected to the side of your bed. It allows you to reach your baby during the night for feeding nappies, comforting and feeding. It's perfect for mothers recovering from the c-section.
The NHS and Lullaby Trust advise that you keep your baby in the same space as you, but separated from you for the first six months, as this can help reduce the chance of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). The crib that is placed beside your bed with its low sides, is a great method to achieve this. It lets you access your baby easily at night.
It is essential that your baby sleeps on a firm mattress as it is more secure than a mattress that is soft. Babies don't have motor control to rotate and a mattress that is soft could increase the chance of being suffocated. The breathable fabric and skin-friendly materials make the mattress comfortable for your baby but also firm enough for safety.
Mum home test Jasmin was pleased with the fact that the crib does not take up a lot of space in her bedroom and she found the size to be perfect for a newborn. The mattress she rated as also good quality, unlike some that feel flimsy and thin. She also likes the fact that it has a storage area underneath for clothes and bedding which other bassinets do not have.
MFM mum home tester Mehack is a fan of the side wall with a removable design that lets you drop it down for easy access to your infant. She also likes the fact that the legs can be put under the bed to make it appear less bulky and occupy less floor space. She's also impressed with the ease of being able to move around the house as you want to for ease during late-night feedings and check-ins.
The CoZee Air crib is a favorite among parents. It won a 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. It also comes with a large basket for toys, blankets, and other essentials. It's also simple to put together and light in weight and portable, which is ideal for traveling with your baby.
Safety
It is important to think about the safety aspect when selecting the crib for your newborn. The Lullaby Trust, as well as the NHS recommend that babies not sleep in the parents' beds due to the risk of suffocation and sudden infant death syndrome. Bedside bassinets let parents keep their newborn close by and allow for feeding at night, comforting and monitoring without having to get up from their beds.
This close proximity also supports breastfeeding mothers as they can attend to their baby's needs without having to wake up in the middle of the night, which can help to maintain milk supply and support the breastfeeding experience. Some cots with a bedside are equipped with adjustable height options that can make it easier for both the mother and baby to get into the bassinet to feed or take care of other needs throughout the night.
Many bassinets come with a firm mattress that is designed to reduce the chance of suffocation and is in line with industry standards. This is essential because newborn's bones are brittle and not fully developed, and must be supported to avoid damage. The mattress should be covered with a fitted sheet to reduce the risk of suffocation caused by dust mites or other allergens. It should also be kept clean and free of allergens.
Some cribs for bedside use can be tilted. This is useful for babies with reflux or digestive issues. However, this should be done with care and with caution. Avoid putting pillows, duvets, or padded crib bumpers to the bassinet. These can pose the risk of suffocation to your baby.
It's also worth looking into an infant bassinet that has a secure attachment system that can be easily fixed to your bed without the necessity of tools. This is especially useful for parents who struggle to get their child in and out of the crib or who are worried about accidentally rolling over during sleep. If your bassinet has an attachment system that is secure, it's a good idea to regularly make sure it's secure and that there aren't any gaps or loose parts that could pose a hazard.
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 taking on any of the dangers that come with bed-sharing. The baby
bedside cot bed cot (
Going at Lovewiki) is essentially a bassinet-style cot that fixes to the bed's side and allows you to lift them out towards you for feeding at night and calming. It's also a great choice for mothers who are recovering from a C-section as it removes the need to get up or sit up.
Modern bedside cots for babies should be fitted with a firm, flat mattress to encourage safe sleeping habits and lower the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. The bedding should be simple, with only the sheet for the cot and blanket that is tightly tucked into the bottom. Avoid bumpers, toys and pillows that may be thrown over your baby, creating a suffocation risk. 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 developed the strength to pull themselves out of the wrap.
Some cribs with a
bedside crib and travel cot have a drop-down or removable side for easy access to your newborn for middle-of-the-night feeds and comforting. This is a great feature for parents who want to keep an intimate relationship with their child, but still adhere to NHS safe sleep advice. If you plan to co-sleep with your child, it's important to be aware that this practice may increase the risk of SIDS. This is especially true if a parent accidentally is able to roll their infant over while sleeping.
A fabric that breathes will keep your baby comfy and cool throughout the night. This is particularly important if you plan to co-sleep with your newborn because the risk of overheating is higher when you sleep. The SnuzPod4 features a unique side panel made of breathable mesh, which helps to improve the flow of air and keep your baby snug in their mattress.