Newborn Bedside Cot
A newborn bedside cot is a small sleeper that allows babies to sleep in the same room as their parents, without the risk of sleeping together (which the AAP recommends against due to suffocation and SIDS). It makes it easier to care for your baby and give them a bottle throughout the night.
This sleeper has a firm mattress that supports babies backs, which reduces the risk of SIDS. It can swivel over your bed to allow you to get your baby for nighttime nursing or cuddles at sunrise.
Budget
A bedside crib, also referred to as a bassinet or cosleeper is a bassinet type crib that can be attached to your existing bed. This allows you to comfortably and safely reach your baby during the night for feeding, comforting or cuddles. These are great for new parents and mums recovering from a c-section because they allow the baby to be easily accessible without having to get up from bed.
There are a variety of designs available, ranging from simple ones with an upside-down side to more sophisticated models that have various adjustment options, such as the ability to tilt or raise. Most convert to a standalone crib for daytime naps or when your baby is around a few months old and is sleeping more at night.
Maxi-Cosi Lora is one our top picks. It was shortlisted 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 could be used as a bassinet or attached to your existing bed to ensure safe side-by-side sleeping. She also appreciated its luxurious mattress which has passed our tests for firmness, and that it has an adjustable manual inclining feature for those suffering from reflux.
She wasn't a fan of the fact that it had a non-mesh panel at the bottom, and considered it too bulky to move from room to room. It also felt a bit heavy to carry up and down the stairs when folded away into its travel bag.
Size
A bedside cot is the bassinet, which is attached to the bed's side. It is easy to reach your baby to feed them, change nappies or comforting in the middle of the night. It's also great for mums recovering from C-sections.
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. A bedside crib is a safe method to accomplish this since it has low sides and lets you be able to easily access your baby during the night.
It is crucial that your baby sleeps on a firm, not a soft mattress. A soft mattress can increase the risk of suffocation among newborns, since they lack the motor control necessary to turn. The breathable fabric and skin-friendly materials make the mattress comfortable for your baby, but firm enough for safety.
Mum Jasmin was pleased that the crib didn't occupy too the entire space in her room and thought it was the perfect size for a newborn. She said the mattress was also of good quality, as opposed to those that feel cheap and thin. She also loves the fact that it has a storage area underneath for bedding and clothes which many bassinets don't have.
MFM mom home test Mehack is a fan of the side wall with a removable design that lets you drop it to make it easier access to your infant. She also appreciates that legs can be placed under the bed to look less bulky and take up less area on the floor. She is also impressed by how it was simple to move around her home in the event of checks and feedings during the night.
The CoZee Air crib is a favorite among parents. It won the Gold Award in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It features a smart design with four built-in pulleys to raise or lower the crib. large bedside cot has a large storage basket for blankets, toys and other essentials. It's also easy to assemble and lightweight, which is useful for travelling with your baby.
Safety
It is crucial to think about the safety of a newborn bedside crib. The Lullaby Trust, as well as the NHS advise that babies don't be placed in parents' beds due to the possibility of suffocation or sudden infant death syndrome. Bassinets for bedside use allow parents to keep their infant close and allow for night-time feedings, comforting and monitoring without needing to leave their bed.
This close proximity also assists breastfeeding mothers by allowing them to attend to their baby's needs without waking up in the middle of the night and can help maintain milk supply and support the breastfeeding experience. Some cots with a bedside are equipped with adjustable height features, which can ensure that the bassinet is at a comfortable height for both mother and baby, allowing easy access to mid-night feedings or care.
Many bassinets come with a firm mattress that is designed to minimize the chance of suffocation and meets industry standards. This is important because a newborn's bones are brittle and not fully developed and require support to prevent damage. The mattress should be encased in a fitted cover to minimize the risk of suffocation from dust mites and other allergens, and kept clean and free of allergens.
Some cots for bedside use have the capability of being tilted, which can be beneficial for babies with reflux or digestive issues, but this should always be done with a lot of care and at a gentle angle. Avoid putting pillows, duvets, or padded crib bumpers in the bassinet. They could pose a risk of suffocation for your baby.
You should also consider an infant bassinet with a secure attachment system. It can be connected to your bed without the need for tools. This can be especially beneficial for parents who struggle to get their child in and out of the cot, or concerned about the possibility of falling asleep. If your bassinet is equipped with an attachment that is secure it is a good idea for you to regularly check it. Check to ensure there are no gaps, and that the system is securely attached.
Comfort
If you're expecting your first child, the safety of your infant is undoubtedly one of your main concerns. There's a new sleep solution that allows you to keep your baby close to you in the evening, without the risk of sharing a bed. The crib for newborns is a bassinet-style cot that attaches to the side of the bed. It allows you to safely lift your baby out to you for feedings at night and soothing. It's also a great choice for mothers who are recovering from a C-section since it eliminates the need to get up or bend over.
Modern bedside cots for babies should have a flat, firm mattress to promote safe sleeping habits and reduce the risk Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. The bedding should be kept simple and consist of only the cot sheet and a blanket tucked in tightly at the bottom. Avoid toys, bumpers and pillows that could fall on your baby, posing a suffocation risk. If your baby is familiar with being swaddled, you can use a swaddle or a baby sleep bag for the initial few weeks, but this should be removed when possible after they've developed the strength to pull themselves out of the wrap.
Some cribs for bedside use an option to remove or drop down the side that provides the baby to be easily accessible to feed and comfort them in the middle of the night. This feature is ideal for parents who wish to keep a close relationship with their child, while still following NHS guidelines on sleep. However, if you're planning to sleep in the same bed as your baby it's important to know that this practice has been linked to a higher risk of SIDS particularly when a parent accidentally rolls onto their child during sleep.
A fabric that is breathable is an important safety factor, since it's designed to keep your baby cool and comfortable throughout the night. This is especially crucial if you plan to sleep with your baby as the risk of overheating during sleep increases. The SnuzPod4 features an exclusive breathable side panel that aids in improving the flow of air, keeping your baby comfortable.