Newborn Bedside Cot
A newborn bedside cot is a compact sleeper that allows newborns to share a room as their parents, without the risks of true co-sleeping (which the AAP recommends against due to SIDS and suffocation). It also makes mid-night nursing sessions and care much more convenient.
This sleeper comes with an extremely firm mattress that can support babies backs, which reduces the risk of SIDS. It can be swiveled over your adult bed to make it easier for you to get your baby for nighttime cuddles or a sunrise kiss.
Budget
A bedside crib, also known as a co-sleeper or bassinet is a bassinet type crib for babies that attaches to your bed. This lets you reach your baby easily and safely for a late-night feed or comforting cuddle. They are a great choice for new parents or mums recovering from a csection as they allow the baby with easy access and don't require you to get up from your bed.
There are many different designs available, ranging from basic ones with just an upside-down side to more sophisticated models with multiple adjustment options, including an incline or a height. Many can be converted into an independent crib once your baby gets older and sleeps longer in the night.
Maxi-Cosi Lora is one of our top picks. It was selected in the Best Cot category for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. MFM home tester Emily said she was impressed by how chic and modern the design is, while she appreciated the possibility of using it as a regular bassinet, or connect it onto your bed to sleep side-by-side in a safe and secure manner. She also liked its plush mattress, which passed our firmness tests and it also has an adjustable manual inclining feature for reflux sufferers.
However, she wasn't a fan of the fact that it had a non-mesh panel at its bottom and thought it was a bit heavy to move from room room frequently. When folded into a travel bag, she found it a bit heavy to carry up the stairs.
Size
A bedside cot resembles the bassinet, which is attached to the bed's side. It lets you easily reach your baby for mid-night feeding, nappies and comforting. It's also great for moms recovering from a C-section.
The NHS and Lullaby Trust advise you to keep your baby in the same room with you, but separated 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 method to achieve this. It lets you be able to easily access your baby throughout the night.
It is important that your baby is sleeping on a firm and not a soft mattress. Newborns don't have the motor control needed to turn and a mattress that is soft can increase the risk of suffocation. The soft, breathable fabric and skin-friendly materials make the mattress comfortable for your baby but sufficient to ensure safety.
Mum Jasmin was delighted that the crib didn't take up the entire space in her room and found it to be the ideal size for a baby. She also said that the mattress was of good quality and not like other mattresses that seem thin and flimsy. She also appreciates that it has a storage area beneath for bedding and clothes which other bassinets do not have.
Mehack is an MFM mom who tried the product at home, likes that you can take off the side wall to allow for easier access to your baby. She also appreciates that legs can be placed under the bed to make it look less bulky and occupy less space on the floor. She is also impressed by how easy it was to move around her house when she needed to do check-ins and feedings during the night.
A recipient of the Gold award at the 2021 Mother and Baby Awards, the CoZee Air is a popular choice for parents. It has a clever design with four built-in pulleys to raise or lower the crib. It also has a large storage basket for toys, blankets and other necessities. It's also simple to put together and lightweight that is great for travelling with your baby.
Safety
When choosing a new baby's bedside cot, you must keep safety in your thoughts. The official safe sleep guidelines from both the Lullaby Trust and NHS recommends that babies should not sleep in their parents' beds because of the risks of suffocation, overheating and a greater chance of suffering from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Bassinets that are placed in bed allow parents to keep their infant close, facilitating nighttime feedings, comforting and monitoring without needing to get up from their beds.
This close proximity can support breastfeeding mothers, as it lets them attend to the baby's needs while also sleeping. This can help to maintain the supply of milk and encourage breastfeeding. Some cots with a bedside are equipped with adjustable height features, which will help ensure that the bassinet is a comfortable height for both mother and baby to allow ease of access during feedings or care.
Many bassinets have mattresses that are firm and designed to minimize the risk of suffocation and meets industry standards. It is crucial to support 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 decrease the chance of suffocation due to dust mites or other allergens, and kept clean and free from irritants.
Some cots for bedside use have the capability of being 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 placing pillows, duvets, or padded crib bumpers to the bassinet. They could pose a risk of suffocation for your baby.
You should also consider an infant bassinet with an attachment system that is secure. It can be connected to your existing bed easily without the need of tools. This can be especially useful for parents who struggle to lift their child into and out of the cot, or who are concerned about rolling over in the night. If your bassinet has secured attachments it is a good idea to regularly check it. Check to ensure there aren't any gaps and that the system is securely connected.
Comfort
If you're expecting your first child, the safety of your child is definitely one of your main concerns. There's a brand new sleep solution that lets you keep your baby close to you in the evening, without the risk of sharing a bed. The infant bedside cot essentially a bassinet-style cot that fixes to the side of your bed and allows you to take them away to feed them at night and soothe. It is an excellent option for mothers who are recovering from a C section as it eliminates the need to stand up or to bend over.
A modern newborn bedside cot should have a sturdy, flat mattress to help promote safe sleeping practices and decrease the chance of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). The bedding should be simple, with only the sheet for the cot and blanket that is tightly tucked into the bottom. Avoid bumpers, toys and pillows that could fall on your baby, posing an obstructive risk. If your baby is used to being swaddled for a few weeks then you can use an swaddle or baby sleep bag. However, this should be removed after they have the strength to unwrap them.
Some cribs with a bedside feature an option to remove or drop down the side that allows for an easy access to your baby for comforting and feeding during the middle of the night. This feature is perfect for parents who want to keep a close relationship with their child, while adhering to NHS guidelines for sleep. If you plan to co-sleep with your child, it is important to be aware that this practice can increase the risk of SIDS. bedside crib vs cot is especially true if a parent accidentally is able to roll their infant over when they are asleep.
A breathable fabric will keep your baby comfortable and cool throughout the night. This is especially important if you plan to co-sleep with your newborn because the risk of overheating is higher when you sleep. The SnuzPod4 comes with a unique, breathable side panel that helps improve airflow, keeping your baby comfortable.