Newborn Bedside Cot
A newborn bedside cot is a small sleeper that allows newborns to share a room as their parents without the risk of sleeping together (which the AAP recommends against due to SIDS and suffocation). It makes it easier to take care of your baby and give them a bottle in the middle of the night.
This sleeper comes with an extremely firm mattress that can support babies backs, reducing the risk of SIDS. It can be swiveled over your bed to make it easier for you to carry your baby out for midnight cuddles or a sunrise kiss.
Budget
A bedside crib, also referred to as a bassinet or cosleeper, is a bassinet style crib for babies that attaches to your existing bed. This lets you safely and easily reach your newborn for middle-of-the-night feeding or comforting cuddles. They are a great choice for new parents or mums recovering from a c-section as they provide the baby with easy access and do not require you to get up from your bed.
There are a variety of styles that are available, from the basic ones with just an upside-down side to more sophisticated models that offer various adjustment options, such as the ability to tilt or raise. Many convert to an independent crib for daytime naps or when your baby is a few months old and sleeping longer at night.
One of our top picks is the Maxi-Cosi Lura, that was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby awards in the categories of Best Cot Crib, Best Cot or Moses Basket. MFM home tester Emily commented on how stylish and modern the design is and she was impressed by the fact that you can use it as a regular bassinet, or connect it to your existing bed for safe side-by-side sleeping. She also appreciated the soft mattress that was able to pass our test of firmness and the fact that it features a manual rocking feature that can be adjusted to a slight slope for reflux sufferers.
She didn't like 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 a bit heavy to carry up the stairs.
Size
A bedside cot is a bassinet that is placed on the side of your bed. It allows you to reach your newborn for middle-of-the-night feeding, nappies and comforting. It's perfect for mothers recovering from the c-section.
The NHS and Lullaby Trust advise you to keep your baby in the same room as you, but separated from you for the first six months, as this can help reduce the chance of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). A crib that is placed near your bed is a safe way to achieve this because it is low-sided and lets you easily access your newborn during the night.
It is essential that your baby sleeps on a firm and not an extremely soft mattress. A mattress that is soft can increase the risk of suffocation in newborns, as they do not have the motor control required to turn. This mattress is made from skin-friendly and air-tight materials. It is a comfortable fit for your baby, yet firm enough to be safe.
bedside cot mattress was happy that the crib didn't occupy too much space in her room and thought it was the ideal size for a newborn. She said the mattress was also good quality, unlike some that feel flimsy and thin. She also loves the fact that it has a storage area underneath for clothes and bedding which other bassinets don't have.
MFM mom home tester Mehack is a huge fan of the removable side wall that lets you lower it to make it easier access to your baby. She also loves that legs fold into the bed so it does not look heavy or take up too much floor space. She's also impressed with how easy it is to move around the house as you'd like, for convenience during middle-of-the-night meals and check-ins.
The CoZee Air crib is a favourite among parents. It was awarded a Gold Award in the 2021 Mother and Baby Awards. It is a clever design with four pulleys that can be used to raise or lower your crib. There's also an enormous basket that can be used to store toys, blankets, and other items. It's also light and easy to put together, making it ideal to travel with your baby.
Safety
When selecting a newborn bedside cot, you must keep the safety of your baby in mind. The Lullaby Trust, as well as the NHS advise that babies do not sleep in the parents' beds due to the risk of suffocation as well as sudden infant death syndrome. Bassinets that are placed in bed let parents keep their newborn close by, facilitating nighttime feedings and monitoring without the need to get up from their beds.
This close proximity also supports breastfeeding mothers as they can take care of their infant's needs without having to wake up completely and help keep milk supply steady and enhance the breastfeeding experience. Some cots with a bedside are equipped with adjustable height options, which can help to ensure that the bassinet is an appropriate height for mother and baby to allow easy access for middle-of-the-night feedings or care.
Many bassinets come with a firm mattress, which is designed to reduce the risk of suffocation, and also meets industry standards. This is important because a newborn's bones are brittle and not fully developed and must be supported to prevent damage. The mattress should be encased in a fitted sheet to minimize the risk of suffocation due to dust mites and other allergens. It should also be kept clean and free of allergens.
Some bedside cots can be tilted, which can be useful for babies with reflux or digestive issues, however this should always be done with extreme caution and at a gentle angle. Avoid putting pillows, duvets or padded crib bumpers to the bassinet. These could create a risk of suffocation for your baby.
You should also think about a bassinet that has a secure attachment system. This can be connected to your bed without the need of tools. This feature is especially useful for parents who have difficulty get their child in and out of the crib or are worried about their child rolling over while sleeping. If your bassinet has a secure attachment it is a great idea to check it regularly. Check to ensure there are no gaps and that the system is securely attached.
Comfort
If you're planning to become a parent, the comfort of your child is one of your primary concerns. There's a new sleep solution that allows you to keep your baby close at night without the risk of sharing a bed. The infant bedside cot an essentially a bassinet-style crib that fixes to the bed's side, allowing you to safely take them away for night feeding and soothing. It is also a great choice for mothers recovering from a C-section as it will not require you to stand or to bend over.
Modern bedside cots for newborns should be fitted with a firm, flat mattress to encourage safe sleep habits and reduce the risk Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. The bedding should be kept simple and consist of only the sheet for the cot and blanket tucked tightly at the bottom. Avoid bumpers, toys or pillows since they could fall on your baby and create a danger of suffocation. If your baby has been used to being swaddled for several weeks, you can use either an swaddle or baby sleep bag. However, this should be removed when they are strong enough to unwrap them.
Some cribs for bedside use an option to remove or drop down the side that gives you the baby to be easily accessible for feeding and comfort in the middle of the night. This is a wonderful feature for parents who want to keep a strong bond with their child, but still adhere to NHS safe sleep advice. If you're planning to sleep with your child, it's crucial to be aware that this practice may increase the chance of SIDS. This is especially true if a parent accidentally is able to roll their infant over while sleeping.
A fabric that is breathable will keep your baby cool and cool throughout the night. This is particularly important if you intend to co-sleep your newborn since the risk of being overheated in the night increases. The SnuzPod4 has a unique mesh side panel that is breathable that aids in improving the airflow and keeps your baby warm in their bed.