Newborn Bedside Cot
A newborn bedside crib is a tiny sleeping device that lets babies sleep in the same space as their parents without the risks of co-sleeping. (The AAP warns against this due to the risk of SIDS and the risk of suffocation.) It also makes nursing sessions and baby care easier.
This sleeper comes with an extremely firm mattress that can support babies backs, which reduces the risk of SIDS. It can be rotated over your adult bed to allow you to raise your baby for sunrise cuddles or nighttime nursing.
Budget
A bedside cot, also referred to as a co-sleeper, a bassinet-style baby cot that can be attached to your bed. This lets you reach your baby comfortably and safely for a late-night feed or cuddles. These are perfect for moms and babies recovering after a c section because they provide the baby to be easily accessible without having to get up from the bed.
There are many different styles available starting with basic models that have only a drop-down side, to more sophisticated ones that can be adjusted in multiple ways with incline and height options. Many can be converted into an independent crib once your baby grows older and is sleeping longer in the night.
One of our favourites is the Maxi-Cosi Lura, which was shortlisted for 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 is, while she appreciated the feature that you can use it as a regular bassinet or attach it onto your bed to ensure that you can sleep side-by-side. She also admired the soft mattress that passed our firmness test and the fact that it features a manual rocking function 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 at the bottom and she thought it was too heavy to move from room to room. When folded into its travel bag she found it to be a bit heavy to carry up the stairs.
Size
A bedside cot is essentially a bassinet-style cot that fixes to the side of the bed. You can easily reach your baby's mouth to feed them, change nappies, or to comfort them during the night. It's also great for mums recovering from a C-section.
The NHS and Lullaby Trust recommend that you keep your baby separated from you in the first six months, to decrease the chance of SIDS. The crib that is placed beside your bed, with its low sides is a great way to do this. It lets you access your baby easily at night.
It is important that your baby sleeps on a firm, not an extremely soft mattress. Newborns don't have the motor control to turn over and a mattress that is soft can increase the risk of drowning. The breathable fabric and skin-friendly materials make the mattress comfortable for your baby but sufficiently firm to be safe for your baby.
Mum Jasmin was pleased that the crib didn't occupy too much space in her room and found it to be the ideal size for a newborn. The mattress she rated as also of good quality, as opposed to others that feel thin and thin. She also likes that it has a storage space beneath to store blankets and clothing - something she says most bassinets do not have.
MFM mom home test Mehack is a fan of the removable side wall that lets you drop it down for easy access to your newborn. She also loves that legs slide under the bed so it does not look big or take up a lot of floor space. She's also impressed by the ease of being able to move around the house as you want to, for convenience during middle-of-the-night meals and check-ins.
The CoZee Air crib is a favorite among parents. It won a Gold Award in the 2021 Mother and Baby Awards. It is designed with four built-in pulleys to raise or lower the crib. It includes a large storage basket for blankets, toys and other necessities. It's also easy to assemble and lightweight, which is useful for travelling with your baby.
Safety
It is important to think about the safety of the crib for your newborn. The Lullaby Trust, as well as the NHS recommend that babies do not sleep in their parents bed due to the risk of suffocation or sudden infant death syndrome. Bassinets for bedside use let parents keep their newborn close by, facilitating nighttime feedings as well as monitoring and comforting without the need to get out of bed.
This close proximity also helps breastfeeding mothers by allowing them to attend to the needs of their infant without waking up in the middle of the night and can help maintain milk supply and support the breastfeeding experience. Some bedside cots come with adjustable height features that can make it easier for both the mother and baby to get into the bassinet to feed or take care of other needs at night.
A majority of bassinets come with a mattress that is designed to reduce the risk of suffocation, and conforms to industry standards. This is essential because newborn's bones are brittle and not fully developed, and require support to prevent damage. The mattress should be covered with a fitted sheet to minimize the chance that dust mites, as well as other allergens, can cause a child to be suffocated. It must be kept free of allergens and clean.
Some cribs for bedside use can be tilted. This is beneficial for babies who have reflux or digestive issues. But, bedside crib travel should be done slowly and with care. It's also important to avoid adding pillows, duvets or crib bumpers to the bassinet as they could pose a suffocation risk for your baby and should only be used when the cot is on a flat surface.
It is also recommended to consider a bassinet that has an attachment system that is secure. It can be connected to your existing bed easily without the need for tools. This feature is especially useful for parents who find it difficult to lift their child into and out of the crib or are worried about their child accidentally rolling over while sleeping. If your bassinet is equipped with a secure attachment system, it's a good idea to regularly make sure it's secure and that there aren't gaps or loose components that could pose a hazard.
Comfort
If you are a soon-to-be parent, your baby's comfort is among your top concerns. There's bedside cot co sleeper that lets you keep your baby close to you at night, without the danger of sharing a bed. The newborn bedside crib is a bassinet-style cot that is attached to the side of the bed. It allows you to safely carry your baby to you for feedings at night and calming. It also makes a great choice for mums recovering from a c-section, as it reduces the need to bend down too far or even to get out of the bed.
Modern bedside cots for babies should include a firm, flat mattress to encourage safe sleep practices and reduce the risk Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Bedding should be simple with just a cot sheet and a blanket tightly tucked at the bottom. Avoid bumpers, toys or pillows as these could be thrown over your baby and cause danger of suffocation. If your baby is used to being swaddled you can use a swaddle or a baby sleep bag for the initial few weeks, but it is best to remove it as soon as you can once they've gained the strength to pull themselves out of the wrap.
Some cribs for bedside use a removable or drop-down side that allows for the baby to be easily accessible for comforting and feeding during the middle of the night. This feature is ideal for parents who wish to maintain a close bond with their child, while still following NHS guidelines for sleep. If you're considering sleeping in the same bed with your child, it's important to understand that this practice has been associated with an increased risk of SIDS, particularly in the event that a parent falls on their infant during sleep.
A breathable fabric is another essential safety feature, as it's designed to keep your baby cool and comfortable throughout the night. This is particularly crucial if you intend 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, which helps to improve the airflow and keeps your baby comfortable in their bed.