Newborn Bedside Cot
A newborn bedside cot is a compact sleeper that allows babies to share the same room as their parents without the risks of true co-sleeping (which the AAP recommends against due to suffocation and SIDS). It makes it easier to care for your infant and feed them during the night.
This sleeper features a firm mattress that is designed to help babies' backs and decrease the risk of SIDS. It can be swiveled on your adult bed so that you can carry your baby to the top to snuggle them at sunrise or for late night nursing.
Budget
A bedside cot, sometimes referred to as a co-sleeper, an infant cot with a bassinet design that is attached or clipped to your existing bed. This allows you to reach your baby comfortably and safely for a nighttime feed, comforting, or cuddles. These are ideal for mothers and new parents recovering after a c section as they allow easy access to the baby without needing to get out of the bed.
There are many different designs available, from the simple ones with a drop down side to more sophisticated models that have numerous adjustment options, like incline or height. Many convert to an independent crib for naps during the day or when your baby is about months old and sleeps longer at night.
One of our top picks is the Maxi-Cosi Lora, which was shortlisted for 2021 Mother&Baby awards in Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket. MFM home tester Emily said she was impressed by how chic and modern the design as well as the possibility of using it as a regular bassinet or connect it to a bed to ensure that you can sleep side-by-side. She also admired the soft mattress, which passed our firmness test, and the fact that it has an automatic rocking feature that can be set to a slight incline for reflux sufferers.
She wasn't a fan of the fact that it had a non-mesh panel on the bottom and thought it was too bulky to move around from room to room. She also found it a bit heavy to carry up and down the stairs, especially when folded into a travel bag.
Size
A bedside cot is basically a bassinet-style cot that fixes to the side of the bed. It allows you to reach your newborn for middle-of-the-night feeding, nappies and comforting. It's ideal for mothers who are recovering from a c-section.
The NHS and Lullaby Trust advise that you place your baby in the same space as you but separate from you for the first six months, as this can help reduce the risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). A crib that is placed near your bed is a safe method to achieve this as it has low sides and allows you to be able to easily access your baby during the night.
It's important that your newborn sleeps on a firm bed as it is more secure than a soft one. A soft mattress can increase the risk of suffocation among infants as they lack the motor control necessary to turn. The mattress is made of skin-friendly and breathe-able materials. It is comfortable for your baby, but firm enough to be safe.
Mum home tester Jasmin was pleased with the fact that the crib doesn't take up too much space in her bedroom. Also, she found the size perfect for a baby. She also said that the mattress was also good quality, unlike those that feel cheap and thin. She also likes that it has a storage area beneath for blankets and clothes which she claims most bassinets do not have.
Mehack Mehack, an MFM mom who tried the product at home, loves that you can take off the wall on the side to allow for easier access to your baby. She also appreciates that legs can be placed under the bed to make it appear less bulky and take up less area on the floor. She's also impressed with how easy it is to move around the house as you'd like, for convenience during middle-of-the-night feedings and check-ins.
The CoZee Air crib is a favorite among parents. It was awarded the Gold Award in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It is a clever design with four pulleys which can be used to raise or lower your crib. There is also a large basket for toys, blankets, and other items. It is also lightweight and easy to put together, making it ideal to travel with your baby.
Safety
It's important to consider the safety aspect when selecting the right crib for your baby's bed. The Lullaby Trust, as well as the NHS advise that babies not be placed in parents bed due to the risk of suffocation or sudden infant death syndrome. Bassinets for bedside use let parents keep their baby close and allow for feeding at night as well as monitoring and comforting without having to get up from their beds.
This close proximity also supports breastfeeding mothers as they can attend to the needs of their infant without having to wake up in the middle of the night, which can help to keep the supply of milk steady and help the breastfeeding experience. Some bedside cots have adjustable height features that can ensure that the bassinet is at a comfortable height for both mother and baby to allow easy access for middle-of-the-night feedings or for care.
Many bassinets come with a mattress that is designed to minimize the chance of suffocation and is in line with industry standards. It is important to provide support for the bones of a newborn because they are still squishy and are not fully formed. The mattress should be covered with a fitted sheet to minimize the risk of suffocation caused by dust mites and other allergens. It should also be kept clean and free of irritants.
Some bedside cribs can be tilted. This is beneficial for babies suffering from reflux or digestive issues. However, it should be done slowly and with care. Avoid adding pillows, duvets or padded crib bumpers in the bassinet. These could create a risk of suffocation for your baby.
It's also worth thinking about a bassinet with a secure attachment system that can be easily fixed to your existing bed without the need for tools. This can be especially helpful for parents who may struggle to lift their baby into and out of the cot or who are concerned about rolling over in the night. If cot for bedside is equipped with secured attachments it's a good idea to regularly check that it's securely attached and that there aren't gaps or loose parts that could cause danger.
Comfort
If you're expecting your first child, the comfort of your child is definitely one of your top priorities. Thankfully, there's an innovative sleep solution that lets you keep your baby close during the night - without any of the dangers that come with sharing beds. The newborn bedside crib is a bassinet-style cot that attaches to the side of the bed. It lets you safely carry your baby towards you for feedings and calming. It's also an excellent choice for mothers recovering from a c-section since it makes it less necessary to bend over too much or even to get out of bed.
A modern bedside cot for newborns should have a firm, flat mattress to help in promoting safe sleeping habits and decrease the chance of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Bedding should be simple comprising a cot sheets and a blanket tightly tucked at the bottom. Avoid toys, bumpers or pillows since they could fall on your baby and pose a risk of suffocation. If your baby is used to being swaddled you can use a swaddle or a baby sleep bag for the first few weeks, however this should be removed as soon as possible once they've developed the strength to take off their wraps.
Some cribs for bedside use a removable or drop-down side to make it easy for your baby for feedings in the middle of the night and comforting. This feature is ideal for parents who wish to keep a close relationship with their child, but still adhere to NHS guidelines for sleep. However, if you're planning to sleep in the same bed as your baby, it's important to understand that this practice has been associated with an increased risk of SIDS especially 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. try what he says is particularly important if you plan to sleep with your baby because the risk of overheating during sleep increases. The SnuzPod4 is a unique, mesh side panel that is breathable that aids in improving the flow of air and keep your baby warm in their mattress.