Newborn Bedside Cot
A newborn bedside cot is a small sleeper that allows babies to sleep in the same room as their parents, without the dangers of co-sleeping (which the AAP cautions against due suffocation and SIDS). It also makes middle-of-the-night nursing sessions and care much easier.
This sleeper has an extremely firm mattress that can support babies backs, reducing the chance of SIDS. It can be rotated over your adult bed to lift your baby to snuggle them at sunrise or for nighttime nursing.
Budget
A bedside crib, also referred to as a bassinet or cosleeper is a bassinet-style crib for babies that attaches to your bed. This lets you comfortably and safely reach your baby for mid-night feeding, comforting or cuddles. These are great for moms and babies recovering from a csection because they provide easy access to the baby without having to get up from bed.
There are lots of different designs on the market that range from basic models with only a drop-down side, to more sophisticated ones that can be adjusted in a variety of ways including height and incline options. The majority of them can be converted into a standalone crib for napping during the daytime or when your baby is around a few months old and is sleeping more at night.
One of our favourites is the Maxi-Cosi Lora, that was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby awards, including the categories of Best Cot Crib, Best Cot, or Moses Basket. MFM home tester Emily noted how stylish and modern the design was. She also liked the fact that it could be used as a bassinet, or clipped to your bed for safe side-byside sleeping. She also appreciated its luxurious mattress that passed our firmness tests and it also has an adjustable manual inclining feature for those suffering from reflux.
She wasn't a fan of the fact that it had a non-mesh panel on the bottom and she thought it was too heavy to move around from room to room. When folded into a travel bag, she found it to be quite heavy to carry up the stairs.
Size
A bedside cot is essentially an upholstered bassinet that is fixed to the side of the bed. It allows you to reach your baby during the night for feeding nappies, comforting and feeding. It's great for mothers recovering from an o-section.
The NHS and Lullaby Trust advise that you keep your baby in the same room as you, but separated from you for the first six months, since this will help decrease the chance of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). A crib for your bed is a safe method to achieve this because it has low sides and lets you be able to easily access your baby at night.
bedside travel cot is crucial that your infant sleeps on a firm mattress as this is safer than a soft one. A mattress that is soft increases the risk of suffocation among newborns, since they lack the motor control necessary to turn. The soft, breathable fabric and skin-friendly materials make the mattress comfortable for your baby, but sufficiently firm to be safe for your baby.
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 baby. She also said that the mattress was of good quality unlike other cribs that feel thin and flimsy. bedside cot for twins appreciates that it has a storage space beneath to store blankets and clothing which she claims most bassinets do not have.
MFM mum home test Mehack is a huge fan of the side wall with a removable design that lets you lower it to make it easier access to your baby. She also likes that legs fold under the bed so that it does not look bulky or take up too much floor space. She's also amazed by how easy it is to move around the house whenever you need to for ease during late-night meals and check-ins.
The CoZee Air crib is a popular choice for parents. It won the Gold Award at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It features a smart design with four pulleys that are built-in to raise or lower the crib. It also includes a large storage basket for toys, blankets and other essentials. It's also simple to put together and light in weight, which is useful for travelling with your baby.
Safety
It's important to consider the safety aspect when selecting the crib for your newborn. The Lullaby Trust, as well as the NHS, recommend that babies not sleep in their parents' beds because of the risk of suffocation or sudden infant death syndrome. Bedside bassinets let parents keep their baby close to help with nighttime feedings as well as monitoring and comforting without the need to leave their bed.
This close proximity also helps breastfeeding mothers by allowing them to take care of their infant's needs without having to get up completely and can help keep milk supply steady and enhance the breastfeeding experience. Some bedside cots have adjustable height features, which will help ensure that the bassinet is an ideal height for mother and baby for ease of access during feedings or for care.
Many bassinets have a mattress that is designed to reduce the risk of suffocation, and conforms to industry standards. This is important because a newborn's bones are soft and not fully developed and must be supported to avoid damage. The mattress should be covered in a fitted sheet to reduce the risk of suffocation caused by dust mites or other allergens and kept hygienically clean and free from irritants.
Some cots for bedside use have the capability of being tilted. This can be useful for babies with reflux or digestive issues, but it should be done with extreme caution and at a gentle angle. Avoid placing pillows, duvets, or padded crib bumpers to the bassinet. These could create the risk of suffocation to your baby.
It's also worth looking into an adjustable bassinet with a secure attachment system that can be easily fixed to your bed without the need for tools. This can be especially useful for parents who struggle to lift their baby into and out of the cot, or concerned about the possibility of rolling over in the night. If your bassinet is equipped with a secure attachment, it is a good idea to check it frequently. Make sure there are no gaps, and that the system is securely connected.
Comfort
If you are a soon-to-be parent, your baby's safety is one of your primary concerns. There's a new sleep solution that allows you to keep your baby close in the evening, without the risk of sharing a bed. The infant bedside crib is a bassinet-style cot that can be attached to the side of the bed. It lets you safely carry your baby to you for feedings at night and comfort. It's an excellent option for mothers who are recovering from a C section as it will not require you to stand or to bend over.
A modern cot for infants should have a sturdy, flat mattress to help ensure a safe sleep and decrease the chance of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Bedding should be easy comprising a cot sheets and a blanket that is tightly tucked on the bottom. Avoid toys, bumpers or pillows because they could fall on your baby and pose a risk of suffocation. If your baby is used to being swaddled during a few weeks then you can use the swaddle or baby sleep bag. However, this should be removed once they have the strength to take them off.
Some cribs for bedside use an open or removable side for easy access to your baby's feeds and comforting. This is a great feature for parents who want to keep a close relationship with their child but still adhere to NHS guidelines for sleep. If you plan to co-sleep with your child, it's crucial to be aware that this practice could increase the chance of SIDS. This is especially the case if a parent is able to roll their infant over when they are asleep.
bedside cot for twins 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 plan to sleep with your newborn since the chance of overheating increases when you sleep. The SnuzPod4 features a unique mesh side panel that is breathable that helps improve airflow and keep your baby warm in their bed.