Newborn Bedside Cot
A newborn bedside cot is a compact sleeper that allows newborns to share the same space as their parents without the risks of true co-sleeping (which the AAP cautions against due suffocation and SIDS). It helps you care for your baby and give them a bottle in the middle of the night.
This sleeper has an extremely firm mattress that can support babies' backs, reducing the chance of SIDS. It can be swiveled on 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 co-sleeper or bassinet is a bassinet type crib for babies that attaches to your bed. This lets you easily and safely reach your baby for mid-night feeding or cuddles. They are a great option for new parents or mums recovering from a csection as they allow an easy access to baby and do not require you to get up from your bed.
There are many different designs that are available, from the basic ones with just the drop-down side, to more sophisticated ones that offer numerous adjustment options, like the ability to tilt or raise. Many can be converted into an independent crib once your baby is older and is sleeping longer in the night.
One of our favourites is the Maxi-Cosi Lora which was nominated for the 2021 Mother&Baby awards for Best Cot Crib, Best Cot, or Moses Basket. MFM home tester Emily commented on how stylish and modern the design as well as the possibility of using it as a regular bassinet or attach it to a bed to sleep side-by-side in a safe and secure manner. She also adored its soft mattress, which was able to pass our tests of firmness, and that it has a manual inclining function for those who suffer from reflux.
She wasn't a fan of the fact that it had a mesh panel at the bottom and considered it too bulky to move around from room to room. When folded into its travel bag, she found it quite heavy to carry up the stairs.
Size
A bedside cot is basically the bassinet style cot that can be fixed 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 room with you, but keep them separate from you for the first six months, as this can help reduce the chance of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). A crib that is placed near your bed is a safe method to achieve this because it has low sides and allows you to easily reach your baby at night.
It's important that your newborn sleeps on a firm mattress since this is safer than a mattress that is soft. A soft mattress can increase the risk of suffocation for infants as they lack the motor control needed to turn. The breathable fabric and skin-friendly materials make the mattress comfortable for your baby but sufficient to ensure safety.
Mum home tester Jasmin loved that the crib does not take up much space in her bedroom and she found the size to be perfect for a newborn. She also said that the mattress was also good quality, unlike others that feel thin and thin. www.cots4tots.co.uk appreciates that it has storage space underneath for bedding and clothes which many bassinets don't.
Mehack Mehack, an MFM mom who tried the product at home, likes the ability to remove the side wall to allow easier access to your baby. She also loves that legs slide under the bed so it doesn't appear heavy or take up too much floor space. She's also impressed with the ease of being able to move around the house whenever you'd like for ease during late-night feedings and check-ins.
The CoZee Air crib is a favorite among parents. It won the Gold Award in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It is designed with four pulleys built-in to raise or lower the crib. It includes a large storage basket for blankets, toys and other necessities. It is also lightweight and easy to put together which makes it perfect for travel with your baby.
Safety
It is crucial to think about safety when choosing the right crib for your baby's bed. The Lullaby Trust, as well as the NHS recommend that babies not sleep in their parents bed due to the risk of suffocation as well as sudden infant death syndrome. Bedside bassinets enable parents to keep their infants close to them, facilitating nighttime feedings, comforting, and monitoring without having to get out of bed.
This close proximity also supports breastfeeding mothers as they can attend to the needs of their infant without waking up in the middle of the night and can help keep the supply of milk steady and help the breastfeeding experience. Some bedside cots have adjustable height features, which can ensure that the bassinet is a comfortable height for both mother and baby, allowing ease of access during feedings or other care.
A lot of bassinets have a firm mattress, which is designed to decrease the risk of suffocation and is in line with the standards of the industry. It is crucial to provide support for the bones of a newborn, as they are still soft and aren't fully formed. The mattress should be covered with a fitted sheet to decrease the risk that dust mites, or other allergens, can cause a child to be suffocated. It must also be kept free of allergens and clean.
Some cots with a bedside can be tilted, which is beneficial for babies suffering from reflux or digestive issues, but it should be done with a lot of care and at a moderate angle. Avoid putting pillows, duvets or padded crib bumpers to the bassinet. They could pose a risk of suffocation for your baby.
It is also recommended to consider an infant bassinet with an attachment system that is secure. It can be connected to your existing bed easily without the need for tools. This is especially useful for parents who struggle to lift their child into and out of the cot, or concerned about the possibility of falling asleep. If your bassinet has a secure attachment, it is a good idea for you to check it frequently. Check to ensure there aren't any gaps and that the system is securely attached.
Comfort
If you're expecting a child, the safety of your infant is undoubtedly one of your top concerns. There's a new solution to sleep that allows you to keep your baby close at night without the risk of bed-sharing. The infant bedside crib is a bassinet style cot that attaches to the side of the bed. It lets you safely carry your baby to you for night feedings and calming. It is an excellent option for mothers who are recovering from a C-section as it will not require you to stand or to bend over.
Modern bedside cots for newborns should be fitted with a firm, flat mattress to encourage safe sleep habits and lower the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. The bedding should be simple, comprising a cot sheets and blanket tucked tightly on the bottom. Avoid bumpers, toys, and pillows that may be thrown over your baby, creating an obstructive risk. If your baby is used to being swaddled, you can use a swaddle or baby sleep bag for the first few weeks, although it is best to remove it as soon as possible once they've gained the strength and confidence to take off their wraps.
Some cribs with a bedside feature a removable or drop-down side that allows for easy access to your baby for feeding and comfort in the middle of the night. This feature is perfect for parents who want to keep a close relationship with their child while still following NHS sleep guidelines. If you plan to co-sleep with your child, it's important to be aware that this practice may increase the risk of SIDS. This is especially when a parent accidentally is able to roll their infant over during 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 crucial if you intend to sleep with your newborn because the risk of overheating increases when you sleep. The SnuzPod4 has a unique, breathable side panel that helps improve the flow of air, keeping your baby warm.