Newborn Bedside Cot
A newborn bedside cot is a tiny sleeper that allows babies to share a space as their parents without the risks of true co-sleeping (which the AAP advises against due to suffocation and SIDS). It also makes mid-night nursing sessions and care much easier.
This mattress has a mattress that is firm and supports babies backs, which reduces the risk of SIDS. bedside cot crib can slide over the bed of your adult to make it easier for you to lift your baby for nighttime nursing or cuddles at sunrise.
Budget
A bedside cot, sometimes referred to as a co-sleeper is the bassinet-style baby cot that can be attached to your bed. This allows you to reach your baby easily and safely for a nighttime feed or cuddles. These are great for mothers and new parents recovering from a c-section because they allow easy access to the baby without needing to get out of the bed.
There are a variety of styles available, from the basic ones that have an upside-down side to more sophisticated ones that have various adjustment options, such as incline or height. Many can be converted into an independent crib once your baby gets older and has a longer sleep time at night.
One of our favourites is the Maxi-Cosi Lura, which was shortlisted for 2021 Mother&Baby awards, including Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket. MFM home tester Emily commented on how stylish and modern the design, while she appreciated the possibility of using it as a regular bassinet or attach it onto your bed to sleep side-by-side in a safe and secure manner. She also appreciated its luxurious mattress, which has passed our tests for firmness and it also has an adjustable manual inclining feature for those who suffer from reflux.
But she wasn't thrilled with the design of the non-mesh panel at the foot end and felt it was a bit bulky to move from room to room frequently. When folded into its travel bag she found it a bit heavy to carry up the stairs.
Size
A bedside cot is essentially the bassinet style cot that can be fixed to your side of the bed. It's easy to reach your baby's side for feedings, changing nappies or just to soothe them during the night. It's also great for mothers recovering from the C-section.
The NHS and Lullaby Trust advise that you place your baby in the same room as you but separate from you for the first six months because this will reduce the risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). The crib at the bedside with its low sides, is a great option to do this. It allows you to be able to easily access your baby throughout the night.
It's important that your newborn sleeps on a firm mattress since it is more secure than a mattress that is soft. A soft mattress can increase the risk of suffocation in newborns, as they lack the motor control needed to turn. This mattress is made of skin-friendly and breathable materials. It's comfortable for your baby, but firm enough to ensure safety.
Mum home test Jasmin was pleased with the fact that the crib does not take up much space in her bedroom and she found the size perfect for a newborn. She also said that the mattress was of good quality, unlike others which feel thin and flimsy. She also appreciates that it has a storage area beneath for blankets and clothes - something she says most bassinets do not have.
MFM mom home test Mehack is a huge fan of the removable side wall that allows you to drop it down for easy access to your newborn. She also likes the fact that the legs can be tucked under the bed to make it look less bulky and occupy less area on the floor. She's also impressed with the ease of being able to move around the house whenever you need to, for convenience during middle-of-the-night meals and check-ins.
The CoZee Air crib is a favourite among parents. It was awarded a Gold Award in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It is designed with four pulleys built-in to raise or lower the crib. It comes with a large storage bin for toys, blankets and other essentials. It is also lightweight and easy to assemble which makes it perfect for travel with your baby.
Safety
When choosing a new baby's bedside cot, it is important to keep the safety aspect in mind. The Lullaby Trust, as well as the NHS advise that babies do not be placed in parents bed due to the possibility of suffocation and sudden infant death syndrome. Bassinets that are placed in bed let parents keep their newborn close by to help with nighttime feedings and monitoring without having to get up from their beds.
This close proximity also supports breastfeeding mothers as they can take care of their infant's needs without having to wake up completely, which can help to maintain milk supply and support the breastfeeding experience. Some cots for bedside have adjustable height features, which 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 other care.
A majority of bassinets come with a firm mattress that is designed to reduce the chance of suffocation and is in line with industry standards. It is important to provide support for the bones of a newborn, since they are still fragile and are not fully formed. The mattress should be covered with a fitted sheet to reduce the risk of suffocation caused by dust mites and other allergens. It should also be kept clean and free of allergens.
Some bedside cots have the ability to be tilted. This can be beneficial for babies with reflux or digestive issues, however this should always be done with great caution and at a gentle angle. It is also important to avoid adding pillows, duvets or crib bumpers to the bassinet since they can create a suffocation risk for your baby and should only be used when the cot is set on flat surfaces.
You should also consider an infant bassinet with an attachment system that is secure. It can be attached to your bed without the use of tools. This feature is especially useful for parents who struggle to get their child in and out of the crib or are worried about their baby accidentally falling asleep. If your bassinet has an attachment system that is secure, it's recommended to regularly make sure it's secure and that there aren't any gaps or loose parts that could cause danger.
Comfort
If you're 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 dangers that come with sharing a bed. The newborn 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 towards you for feedings and calming. It's an excellent option for mothers who are recovering from a C-section since it removes the need to get up or bend over.
Modern bedside cots for newborns should be fitted with a firm, flat mattress to encourage safe sleeping practices and reduce the risk Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. The bedding should be simple and consist of only the sheet for the cot and blanket that is tightly tucked into the bottom. Avoid toys, bumpers or pillows as these could fall on your baby and create a suffocation hazard. If your baby is used to being swaddled during a few weeks and you want to use the swaddle or baby sleep bag. However, this should be removed when they are strong enough to take them off.
Some bedside cribs feature an adjustable or drop-down side that gives you easy access to your baby to feed and comfort them during the middle of the night. This is a great option for parents who wish to maintain the bond between them and their child while still following NHS safe sleep advice. If you plan to co-sleep with your child, it's crucial to be aware that this practice may increase the risk of SIDS. This is especially the case if a parent falls on their child when they are asleep.
A fabric that is breathable will keep your baby cool and cool throughout the night. This is especially important if you plan to sleep with your newborn, since the risk of being overheated during sleep increases. The SnuzPod4 features a unique breathable mesh side panel that helps improve airflow and keep your baby comfortable in their bed.