Newborn Bedside Cot
A newborn bedside cot is a small sleeper that allows newborns to sleep in the same room as their parents, without the risk of sleeping together (which the AAP advises against due to suffocation and SIDS). It also makes mid-night nursing sessions and care much easier.
This sleeper features a firm mattress that is designed to support babies' backs and reduce the chance of SIDS. It can be swiveled over the bed of your adult to allow you to carry your baby out for midnight nursing or sunrise cuddles.
Budget
A bedside cot, also known as a co-sleeper, is an infant cot with a bassinet design that clips or attaches to your existing bed. This lets you easily and safely reach your newborn for middle-of-the-night feeding, comforting or cuddles. These are ideal for moms and babies recovering from a csection because they allow the baby to be easily accessible without needing to get out of bed.
There are lots of different designs available that range from basic models with just a drop-down option to more sophisticated models that can be adjusted in a variety of ways with incline and height options. similar site of them can be converted into a standalone crib for naps during the day or when your baby is around a few months old and sleeping longer at night.
One of our favorites is the Maxi-Cosi Lora which was nominated for the 2021 Mother&Baby awards for the categories of Best Cot Crib, Best Cot or Moses Basket. MFM home tester Emily commented how stylish and modern the design was. She also liked the fact that it could be used as a bassinet, or a clip to your existing bed for safe side-byside sleeping. She also adored its soft mattress that has passed our tests for firmness and it also has an adjustable manual inclining feature for those who suffer from reflux.
She didn't like 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. When it was folded into its travel bag she found it somewhat heavy to carry up the stairs.
Size
A bedside cot is the bassinet style cot that can be fixed to the side of the bed. You can easily reach your baby's side to feed, change nappies, or to comfort them during the night. It's great for mothers recovering from a c-section.
The NHS and Lullaby Trust advise you to keep your baby in the same room with you but separate from you for the first six months, because this will reduce the risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). The crib that is placed beside your bed with its low sides is a great method to do this. It allows you to access your baby easily throughout the night.
It is essential that your baby sleeps on a firm mattress since it is safer than a mattress that is soft. A mattress that is soft can increase the risk of suffocation for newborns, as they do not have the motor control required to turn. The mattress is made of skin-friendly and air-tight materials. It's comfortable for your baby but sufficient to be secure.
Mum home tester Jasmin was pleased with the fact that the crib doesn't take up too much space in her bedroom and she found the size perfect for a baby. She also noted that the mattress was of high-quality and not like other mattresses that feel thin and flimsy. She also appreciates the fact that it has a storage space beneath for blankets and clothes which she believes many bassinets don't have.
MFM mum home test Mehack is a fan of the side wall that is removable that lets you lower it down to give easy access to your newborn. She also loves the fact that legs can be placed under the bed to make it appear less bulky and take up less space on the floor. She's also impressed by the ease of being able to move around the house as you'd like for ease during late-night feedings and check-ins.
The CoZee Air crib is a favourite among parents. It won a Gold Award at the 2021 Mother and Baby Awards. It is designed with four pulleys that are built-in to raise or lower the crib and includes a large storage basket for your baby's blankets, toys and other necessities. It's also easy to put together and light, which is useful for travelling with your baby.
Safety
When choosing a baby's bedside cot, you must keep the safety aspect in your mind. The official safe sleep guidelines from both the Lullaby Trust and NHS recommends that babies should not be sleeping in the bed of their parents due to the risk of overheating, suffocation and a higher risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Bassinets for bedside use allow parents to keep their babies close, facilitating night time feedings as well as comforting and monitoring without having to leave their bed.
This close proximity can also help breastfeeding mothers as it allows them to attend to the needs of their infant while also sleeping. This can help maintain the supply of milk and also encourage breastfeeding. Some cots for bedside use adjustable height features that can make it easier for the mother and child to reach the bassinet for feedings or other activities during the night.
Many bassinets are equipped with mattresses that are firm, which is designed to decrease the risk of suffocation and is in line with the standards of the industry. This is essential because baby's bones are fragile and not fully developed, and need to be supported to prevent injury. The mattress should be encased in a fitted cover to minimize the risk of suffocation caused by dust mites or other allergens, and kept clean and free of irritants.
Some cots for bedside use have the ability to be tilted, which is useful for babies with reflux or digestive issues, but this should always be done with great caution and at a gentle angle. It is also important to stay clear of adding pillows, duvets, or padded crib bumpers to the bassinet since these can pose the risk of suffocation for your baby and should only be used when the cot is set on an even surface.
It's also worth looking into an adjustable bassinet with a secure attachment system that can be easily attached to your bed without the necessity of tools. This feature is especially useful for parents who find it difficult to carry their child into and out of the crib or are worried about their baby accidentally falling asleep. If your bassinet does have secured attachments it's recommended to regularly check that it's securely attached and that there aren't any gaps or loose parts that could cause danger.
Comfort
If you are a soon-to-be parent, your baby's safety is among your top concerns. Thankfully, there's an innovative sleep solution that allows you to keep your baby close to you throughout the night - without any of the risks associated with sharing a bed. The newborn bedside crib is a bassinet style cot that can be attached to the side of the bed. It lets you safely lift your baby out towards you for feedings and calming. It also makes the perfect choice for mothers recovering from a csection, since it makes it less necessary to bend down too far or even take a step out of bed.
A modern newborn bedside cot should have a firm, 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 at the bottom. Avoid toys, bumpers and pillows that may fall onto your baby posing a suffocation risk. If your baby is used to being swaddled for a few weeks and you want to use the swaddle or baby sleep bag. However, it is recommended that this be removed when they have the strength to remove them.
Some cribs for bedside use a removable or drop-down side that provides easy access to your baby for feeding and comfort in the middle of the night. This is a good feature for parents who want to maintain a strong bond with their child while still following NHS safe sleep advice. However, if you're planning to co-sleep in the same bed as your child, it's important to understand that this practice has been linked to a higher risk of SIDS, particularly if a parent unintentionally is able to roll onto their infant while they sleep.
A fabric that is breathable is an important 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, as the risk of overheating in the night increases. The SnuzPod4 has an exclusive breathable side panel that aids in improving the airflow and keeps your baby warm.