Newborn bedside cot for twins Cot

A newborn crib with a bedside is a small sleeping device that allows babies to sleep in the same space as their parents without the dangers of co sleeper bedside cot-sleeping. (The AAP warns against this due to the risk of SIDS and inhalation.) It also makes mid-night nursing sessions and care much easier.

This sleeper comes with a mattress that is firm and supports babies backs, which reduces the chance of SIDS. It can slide over your bed to allow you to carry your child out for midnight nursing or sunrise cuddles.

Budget

A bedside cot, also known as a co-sleeper, a bassinet-style baby cot that can be attached to your existing bed. This lets you comfortably and safely reach your newborn for middle-of-the-night feeding, comforting or cuddles. These are ideal for new parents and mums recovering after a c section because they provide easy access to the baby without needing to get out of bed.

There are a variety of styles that are available, from the basic ones that have the drop-down side, to more sophisticated ones that offer various adjustment options, such as incline or height. Most can be converted into a standalone crib when your baby gets older and has a longer sleep time at night.

One of our top picks is the Maxi-Cosi Lora which was shortlisted for 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 contemporary the design is and she was impressed by the fact 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 appreciated its luxurious mattress, which passed our firmness tests and also that it comes with an option to manually tilt it for reflux sufferers.

However, she wasn't a fan of the design of the non-mesh panel at the lower end, and felt it was a bit heavy to move from room room frequently. When it was folded into its travel cot bedside crib bag, she found it quite heavy to carry up the stairs.

Size

A bedside cot is essentially a bassinet-style cot that fixes to the side of the bed. It allows you to reach your baby for mid-night feeding nappies, feeding and comforting. It's also great for mums recovering from C-sections.

The NHS and Lullaby Trust recommend that you keep your baby separate from you for the first six months, to reduce the risk of SIDS. A crib that is placed near your bed is a safe method to accomplish this since it has low sides and lets you be able to easily access your baby during the night.

It is essential that your baby sleeps on a firm mattress since it is safer than a soft one. Newborns don't have the motor control to turn over and a soft mattress could increase the chance of being suffocated. The soft, 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 tester Jasmin loved that the crib does not take up a lot of space in her bedroom, and she found it to be the perfect size for a newborn. She also said that the mattress was also of good quality, as opposed to others that feel thin and thin. She also appreciates that it has a storage space beneath to store blankets and clothing - something she says many other bassinets lack.

Mehack, a MFM mum who tested the product at home, loves the ability to remove the side wall to make it easier to access your baby. She also appreciates that the legs can be tucked under the bed to make it appear less bulky and take up less space on the floor. She's also impressed with how easy it was to move around the house when she needed to for feeds and check-ins during the night.

The CoZee Air crib is a favorite among parents. It was awarded a Gold Award at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It has a clever design with four pulleys that can be used to raise or lower your crib. There's also a large basket for toys, blankets, and other essentials. It is also light and easy to put together which makes it perfect for travel with your baby.

Safety

When selecting a newborn bedside cot, it is important to keep the safety aspect in mind. Official safe sleep advice from both the Lullaby Trust and NHS recommends that babies should not be sleeping in the bed of their parents due to the dangers of overheating, suffocation and a higher risk of suffering from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Bedside bassinets allow parents to keep their babies close, facilitating night time feedings, comforting, and monitoring without the need to get up.

This close proximity can aid breastfeeding mothers since it allows them to attend to the baby's needs while still sleeping. This can help to maintain the supply of milk and also encourage breastfeeding. Some bedside cots have adjustable height options, which can help to ensure that the bassinet is at an ideal height for mother and baby to allow ease of access during feedings or care.

A lot of bassinets have a firm mattress, which is designed to minimize the risk of suffocation, and also meets industry standards. It is crucial to support the bones of a newborn, because they are still squishy and are not fully formed. The mattress should be encased in a fitted cover to reduce the risk of suffocation caused by dust mites and other allergens, and kept clean and free from irritants.

Some bedside cots can be tilted, which can be useful for babies with reflux or digestive issues, however it should be done with great caution and at a gentle angle. It's also important to stay clear of adding pillows, duvets or padded crib bumpers to the bassinet, as these can pose the risk of suffocation for your baby. They should only be used when the cot is placed on flat surfaces.

You should also consider an infant bassinet with an attachment system that is secure. It can be connected to your bed without the use of tools. This is particularly beneficial for parents who struggle to lift their child into and out of the crib or are worried about their child accidentally rolling over while sleeping. If your bassinet is equipped with an attachment that is secure, it is a good idea to check it frequently. Make sure there aren't any gaps and that the system is securely connected.

Comfort

If you're expecting your first child, the comfort of your infant is undoubtedly one of your top priorities. There's a great sleep solution that lets you keep your baby close to you throughout the night - without any of the risks that come with bed-sharing. The infant bedside cot essentially a bassinet-style cot that fixes to the side of your bed that allows you to lift them out towards you for night feeding and soothing. It also makes the perfect choice for mothers recovering from a c-section since it makes it less necessary to bend too much or even to get out of bed.

Modern bedside cots for newborns should have a flat, firm mattress to encourage safe sleep habits and lower the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. The bedding should be kept simple and consist of only the sheet for the cot and blanket tucked tightly at the bottom. Avoid bumpers, toys, and pillows that may fall on your baby, posing an obstructive risk. If your baby is used to being swaddled you can use a swaddle or a baby sleep bag for the first few weeks, however it is best bedside cots 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 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 great feature for parents looking to maintain an intimate relationship with their child while still following NHS safe sleep advice. If you are planning to sleep with your child, it's crucial to be aware that this practice may increase the chance of SIDS. This is especially true if a parent accidentally rolls on their infant while sleeping.

A breathable fabric is another important safety factor, since it's designed to keep your baby cool and comfortable throughout the night. This is especially important if you plan to co-sleep with your newborn, as the risk of overheating is higher when you sleep. The SnuzPod4 features a unique breathable mesh side panel that aids in improving airflow and keep your baby comfortable in their mattress.