Newborn Bedside Cot
A newborn bedside cot is a small sleeper that allows newborns to sleep in the same space as their parents without the risks of true co-sleeping (which the AAP recommends against due to suffocation and SIDS). 4-in-1 bedside crib makes middle-of-the-night nursing sessions and child care easier.
This sleeper features a firm mattress that can support babies' backs and decrease the chance of SIDS. It can be swiveled over your adult bed so that you can carry your baby to the top for sunrise cuddles or late night nursing.
Budget
A bedside cot, sometimes referred to as a co-sleeper is a bassinet-style baby cot that is attached or clipped to your existing bed. This lets you comfortably and safely reach your baby during the night for feeding, comforting or cuddles. They are a great option for new parents or mums recovering from a c-section because they provide an easy access to baby and do not require you to get up from your bed.
There are many different styles available starting with basic models that have just a drop-down option to more advanced ones that can be adjusted in multiple ways including height and incline options. Most can be converted into a separate crib when your baby gets older and has a longer sleep time at night.
Maxi-Cosi Lora is among our favorites. bedside cosleeper was nominated in the Best Cot category for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. MFM home tester Emily commented how stylish and modern the design was. She also liked the fact that it can be used as a bassinet, or clipped to your existing bed to ensure safe side-by-side sleeping. She also appreciated the soft mattress, which has passed our test for firmness, and the fact that it comes with an automatic rocking feature that can be set to a slight incline for reflux sufferers.
However, she didn't like the design of the non-mesh panel at its lower end, and felt it was a bit bulky to move from room room often. When folded into its travel bag, she found it a bit heavy to carry up the stairs.
Size
A bedside cot is similar to a bassinet that is placed on the bed's side. You can easily reach your baby's side for feedings, changing nappies, or to comfort them during the night. It's also great for moms recovering from the C-section.
The NHS and Lullaby Trust recommend that you keep your baby separate from you during the first six month, to lower the risk of SIDS. The crib at the bedside with its low sides, is a great method to do this. It allows you to access your baby easily during the night.
It is important that your baby sleeps on a firm and not a soft mattress. A mattress that is soft can increase the risk of suffocation among infants as they lack the motor control necessary to turn. The breathable fabric and skin-friendly materials make this mattress comfortable for your baby but also sufficiently firm to be safe for your baby.
Mum home test Jasmin liked that this crib doesn't take up too much space in her bedroom. Also, she found it to be the perfect size for a newborn. She also said that the mattress was also of good quality, as opposed to others that feel thin and thin. She also loves that it has a storage space underneath for clothes and blankets - something she says many other bassinets lack.
MFM mum home test Mehack is a huge fan of the removable side wall that lets you lower it down for easy access to your baby. She also loves the fact that legs can be placed under the bed to make it appear less bulky and take up less floor space. She's also impressed by the ease of being able to move around the house whenever you want to, for convenience during middle-of-the-night feedings and check-ins.
The CoZee Air crib is a favorite among parents. It was awarded a Gold Award in the 2021 Mother and Baby Awards. It is designed with four pulleys that are built-in to raise or lower the crib. It also has a large storage basket to store your baby's toys, blankets and other necessities. It's also light and easy to assemble, making it ideal to travel with your baby.
Safety
It is crucial to think about safety when choosing the right crib for your baby's bed. The official safety sleep guidelines of both the Lullaby Trust and NHS recommends that babies not sleep in their parents' beds because of the risks of overheating, suffocation and a greater chance of suffering from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Bedside bassinets 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 also supports breastfeeding mothers by allowing them to take care of their infant's needs without having to get up completely and help maintain milk supply and support the breastfeeding experience. Some bedside cots come with adjustable height options that can make it easier for mother and child to access the bassinet for feedings or other activities during the night.
A lot of bassinets have mattresses that are firm. This is designed to minimize the risk of suffocation and is in line with the standards of the industry. It is important to provide support for the bones of a newborn, because they are still squishy and aren't fully formed. The mattress should be encased with a fitted sheet to decrease the chance of suffocation from dust mites and other allergens and kept hygienically clean and free from irritants.
Some cribs for bedside use can be tilted. This is useful for babies suffering from reflux or digestive problems. But, it should be done slowly and with caution. Avoid placing pillows, duvets, or padded crib bumpers to the bassinet. These can pose a risk of suffocation for your baby.
It's also worth considering an infant bassinet that has an attachment system that is secure and can be easily fixed to your existing bed without the need for tools. This feature can be particularly beneficial for parents who struggle to lift their child in and out of the cot, or who are worried about accidentally falling asleep. If your bassinet has an attachment system that is secure, it's a good idea 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 comfort is among your top concerns. There's a new solution to sleep that allows you to keep your baby close to you at night, without the danger of sharing the bed. The infant bedside crib is a bassinet-style cot that is attached to the side of the bed. It lets you safely carry your baby towards you for feedings and comfort. It's an excellent option for mothers recovering from a C-section since it will not require you to stand 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). Bedding should be simple comprising a cot sheets and a blanket that is tightly tucked at the bottom. Avoid toys, bumpers and pillows that can fall onto your baby posing 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 you can once they've developed the strength to unwrap themselves.
Some cribs with a bedside feature an option to remove or drop down the side that gives you an easy access to your baby to feed and comfort them in the middle of the night. This is a wonderful feature for parents looking to maintain a strong bond with their child, while adhering to NHS safe sleep guidelines. If you plan to co-sleep with your child, it's important to know that this practice can increase the chance of SIDS. This is particularly true if a parent accidentally falls on their child when they are asleep.
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 intend to sleep with your newborn, because the risk of overheating during sleep increases. The SnuzPod4 is a unique, mesh side panel that is breathable that helps improve the flow of air and keep your baby warm in their mattress.