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 recommends against due to SIDS and suffocation). It helps you take care of your baby and give them a bottle during the night.
This sleeper has an extremely firm mattress that can support babies' backs, reducing the risk of SIDS. It can be swiveled over your bed to allow you to get your baby out for midnight cuddles or a sunrise kiss.
Budget
A bedside cot, also referred to as a co-sleeper, is an infant cot with a bassinet design that can be attached to your bed. This allows you to comfortably and safely reach your baby for mid-night feeding or cuddles. These are great for mothers and new parents recovering after a c section as they allow the baby to be easily accessible without needing to get out of the bed.
There are many different designs on the market starting with basic models that have just a drop-down side to more sophisticated ones that can be adjusted in a variety of ways with incline and height options. Many can be converted into a separate crib when your baby grows older and sleeps longer at night.
Maxi-Cosi Lora is one our top picks. It was selected in the Best Cot category for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. 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 liked the plush mattress that passed our firmness test, and the fact that it features a manual rocking function that can be adjusted to a slight slope for reflux sufferers.
But she wasn't thrilled with the fact that it had a non-mesh panel at the foot end and felt it was a bit heavy to move from room to room often. She also found it a bit heavy to carry up and down the stairs when it was folded up into its bag for travel.
Size
A bedside cot resembles a bassinet that is connected to the side of your bed. It's easy to reach your baby's mouth to feed them, change nappies or comforting during the night. It's great for mothers who are 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 option to achieve this. It lets you be able to easily access your baby at night.
It is essential that your baby sleeps on a firm mattress as this is safer than a soft one. A mattress that is soft increases the risk of suffocation in infants as they do not have the motor control required to turn. bedside crib or cot , breathable fabric and skin-friendly materials make this mattress a comfortable one for your baby but also sufficient to ensure safety.
Mum home tester Jasmin liked that this crib doesn't take up too much space in her bedroom and she found the size to be perfect for a newborn. She said the mattress was also good quality, unlike those that feel cheap and thin. She also appreciates that it has storage space beneath for bedding and clothes which many bassinets don't have.
MFM mum home test Mehack is a huge fan of the side wall that is removable that allows you to drop it to make it easier access to your infant. She also likes that the legs tuck into the bed so it doesn't appear heavy or take up too much floor space. She's also amazed by how it was simple to move around the house when she needed to do feeds and check-ins during the night.
A winner of the Gold award in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards The CoZee Air is a popular choice amongst parents. It features a smart design with four pulleys that are built-in to raise or lower the crib. It comes with a large storage bin for toys, blankets and other necessities. It is also lightweight and easy to assemble and is ideal for 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 do not sleep in their parents' beds due to the dangers of suffocation, overheating and a higher risk of suffering from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Bassinets for bedside use allow parents to keep their infants close, which allows for nighttime feedings as well as monitoring without having to get up.
This close proximity can support breastfeeding mothers, as it allows them to be attentive to the needs of their infant while also sleeping. This can help to maintain the supply of milk and also encourage breastfeeding. Some cots for bedside use adjustable height options that can aid mother and child to access the bassinet for feedings or other care during the night.
Many bassinets come with a firm mattress that is designed to minimize the risk of suffocation, and meets industry standards. This is crucial because a baby's bones are fragile and not fully developed and need to be supported to avoid damage. The mattress should be encased with a fitted sheet to decrease the chance of suffocation caused by dust mites or other allergens. It should also be kept clean and free of allergens.
Some bedside cots have the ability to be tilted, which is beneficial for babies with reflux or digestive issues, however it should be done with a lot of care and at a moderate angle. It's also important to avoid adding pillows, duvets or crib bumpers to the bassinet as these can pose an obstructing risk to your baby. They should only be used when the cot is on flat surfaces.
It's also worth thinking about an infant bassinet that has an attachment system that is secure and can be easily attached to your bed without the necessity of tools. This is especially beneficial for parents who struggle to lift their baby into and out of the cot, or who are concerned about falling asleep. If your bassinet has a secure attachment it is a good idea for you to check it frequently. Make sure there aren't any gaps and that the system is securely connected.
Comfort
If you're expecting a child and you're worried about the safety of your infant is undoubtedly one of your top concerns. There's a great sleep solution that lets you keep your baby close throughout the night, without any of the risks associated with bed-sharing. The newborn bedside crib is a bassinet-style cot that attaches to the side of the bed. It lets you safely lift your baby out towards you for feedings and comfort. It is also a great choice for mums recovering from a c-section since it makes it less necessary to bend over too much or even take a step out of bed.
Modern cots for infants should be fitted with a firm, flat mattress to encourage safe sleep practices and reduce the risk Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. The bedding should be simple, with a cot sheet and blanket tucked tightly at the bottom. Avoid toys, bumpers or pillows as these can fall on your baby and create a suffocation hazard. If your baby is used to being swaddled, you can use a swaddle or a baby sleep bag for the first few weeks, although it should be removed as soon as possible once they've gained the strength and confidence to pull themselves out of the wrap.
Some cribs for bedside use an adjustable or drop-down side that allows for easy access to your baby for feeding and comfort during the middle of the night. This is a great feature for parents who want to keep a strong bond with their child, while adhering to NHS safe sleep guidelines. If you're planning to sleep with your child, it's important to know that this practice could increase the chance of SIDS. This is especially when a parent accidentally rolls on their infant when they are asleep.
A fabric that breathes will keep your baby cool and cool throughout the night. This is particularly important if you plan to co-sleep with your newborn since the chance of overheating is higher when you sleep. The SnuzPod4 is a unique, side panel made of breathable mesh, which helps to improve the flow of air and keep your baby warm in their bed.