newborn
bedside crib and cot cot (
this page)
A newborn
wooden bedside cot cot is a compact sleeper that allows babies to share the same space as their parents without the risk of sleeping together (which the AAP recommends against due to suffocation and SIDS). It helps you care for your infant and feed them throughout the night.
This mattress is a firm mattress that can support babies' backs and decrease the risk of SIDS. It can be swiveled over your adult bed so that you can carry your baby to the top for sunrise cuddles or late night nursing.
Budget
A bedside crib, also known as a bassinet or cosleeper is a bassinet-style baby cot that clips to your bed. This lets you safely and easily reach your baby during the night for feeding or comforting cuddles. They are a great option for mothers or new parents recovering from a c-section because they allow easy access to baby and don't require you to get up.
There are a variety of designs available, from the basic ones with just the drop-down side, to more sophisticated models with various adjustment options, such as incline or height. The majority of them can be converted to a separate crib when your baby grows older and is sleeping longer at night.
Maxi-Cosi Lora is one our favorites. It was selected in the Best Cot category for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. MFM home tester Emily said she was impressed by how chic and modern the design was. She also appreciated the fact that it could be used as a bassinet or attached to your existing bed, for safe side-byside sleeping. She also admired the soft mattress, which was able to pass our test of firmness and the fact that it comes with an automatic 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 on the bottom and thought it was too bulky to move from room to room. When folded into its travel bag, she found it to be somewhat heavy to carry up the stairs.
Size
A bedside cot is essentially an upholstered bassinet that is fixed to the side of your bed. It's easy to reach your baby's mouth 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 advise you to keep your baby in the same space as you, but separated from you for the first six months, as this can help reduce the risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). The crib that is placed beside your bed, with its low sides, is a great option to do this. It allows you to access your baby easily at night.
It's important that your newborn sleeps on a firm bed as it is safer than a soft one. Babies don't have motor control to turn over and a mattress that is soft can increase the risk of suffocation. This mattress is made from skin-friendly and air-tight materials. It is a comfortable fit for your baby, yet sufficient to be secure.
Mum home test Jasmin liked that this crib doesn't take up too much space in her bedroom. Also, she found the size perfect for a baby. She also noted that the mattress was of high-quality, unlike others which feel thin and flimsy. She also loves that it has a storage area beneath to store blankets and clothing - something she says most bassinets do not have.
MFM mum home tester Mehack is a big fan of the removable side wall that lets you drop it down to give easy access to your newborn. She also loves the fact that the legs can be tucked under the bed to look less bulky and occupy less space on the floor. She's also impressed by the ease of being able to move around the house when you'd like in the middle of the night, which is convenient for meals and check-ins.
A winner of the Gold award in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards The CoZee Air is a popular choice among parents. It has a clever design that has four pulleys that can be used to raise or lower your crib. It also comes with an enormous basket that can be used to store toys, blankets, and other items. It's also simple to put together and light in weight that is great for traveling with your baby.
Safety
It's important to consider the safety aspect when selecting a newborn bedside crib. The Lullaby Trust, as well as the NHS, recommend that babies not be placed in parents' beds due to the risk of suffocation or sudden infant death syndrome. Bassinets that are placed in bed allow parents to keep their baby close and allow for night-time feedings, comforting and monitoring without the need to get out of bed.
This close proximity also assists breastfeeding mothers by allowing them to attend to the needs of their infant without having to get up at all times and can help keep the supply of milk steady and help the breastfeeding experience. Some bedside cots have adjustable height features, which can help to ensure that the bassinet is an appropriate height for mother and baby for ease of access during feedings or other care.
Many bassinets have a mattress that is designed to minimize the chance of suffocation and meets industry standards. This is crucial because a newborn's bones are soft and aren't fully developed. They require support to prevent injury. The mattress should be encased with a fitted sheet to reduce the risk of suffocation from dust mites and other allergens and kept hygienically clean and free of allergens.
Some bedside cots have the capability of being tilted, which is beneficial for babies suffering from reflux or digestive issues, but it should be done with a lot of care and at a gentle angle. It is also important to avoid putting pillows, duvets or crib bumpers to the bassinet, as they could pose a suffocation risk for your baby. They should only be used when the cot is set on flat surfaces.
It's also worth considering a bassinet with an attachment system that is secure and can be easily attached to your existing bed without the need for tools. This can be especially helpful for parents who may struggle to lift their baby in and out of the crib or who are worried about accidentally rolling over during sleep. If your bassinet does have an attachment system that is secure it's an excellent idea to periodically make sure it's secure and that there aren't gaps or loose components that could cause danger.
Comfort
If you're expecting a child, the comfort of your infant is undoubtedly one of your main concerns. There's a great sleep solution that lets you keep your baby close throughout the night - without any of the dangers that come with sharing beds. The infant bedside crib is a bassinet-style cot that can be attached to the side of the bed. It allows you to safely lift your baby out to you for feedings at night and soothing. It's also a great option for mothers who are recovering from a C-section since it removes the need to get up or to bend over.
Modern bedside cots for newborns should have a flat, firm mattress to encourage safe sleep habits and reduce the risk Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. The bedding should be simple, with just a cot sheet and a blanket that is tightly tucked on the bottom. Avoid bumpers, toys or pillows since they can be thrown over your baby and cause danger 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 is best to remove it when possible after they've developed the strength to unwrap themselves.
Some cribs with a
bedside cosleeper feature an option to remove or drop down the side that allows for an 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, but still adhere to NHS safe sleep guidelines. If you're planning to 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 if a parent unintentionally rolls onto their infant while they sleep.
A breathable fabric is another essential safety feature, as it's designed to keep your baby cool and comfortable throughout the night. This is especially important if you intend to sleep with your newborn, since the risk of being overheated when sleeping increases. The SnuzPod4 features a unique side panel made of breathable mesh that helps improve the flow of air and keep your baby comfortable in their bed.