Newborn Bedside Cot
A newborn bedside cot is a small sleeper that allows babies to share the same room as their parents, without the dangers of co sleeper bedside cot-sleeping (which the AAP cautions against due SIDS and suffocation). It also makes middle-of-the-night nursing sessions and child care more convenient.
This mattress has a mattress that is firm and supports babies backs, which reduces the risk of SIDS. It can be swiveled over your bed to allow you to get your child out for midnight nursing or cuddles at sunrise.
Budget
A bedside crib, also known as a bassinet or co sleeper bedside cot-sleeper, is a bassinet style crib for babies that attaches to your existing bed. This lets you comfortably and safely reach your baby during the night for feeding or comforting cuddles. These are perfect for new parents and mums recovering after a c section because they provide the baby to be easily accessible without having to get up from bed.
There are many different designs that are available, from the basic ones that have a drop down side to more sophisticated models that offer multiple adjustment options, including an incline or a height. Many convert to a standalone crib for naps during the day or when your baby is around a few months old and sleeps longer at night.
One of our top picks is the Maxi-Cosi Lora which was shortlisted for 2021 Mother&Baby awards in the categories of Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket. MFM home tester Emily noted how stylish and modern the design was. She also appreciated the fact that it could be used as a bassinet, or attached to your existing bed for safe side-byside sleeping. She also admired the soft mattress that has passed our test for firmness, and the fact that it features an automatic rocking feature that can be set to a slight tilt for reflux sufferers.
She didn't like that it had a mesh panel at the bottom, and thought it was too bulky to move from room to room. She also found it a bit heavy to carry up and down the stairs once folded away into its travel bag.
Size
A bedside crib co sleeper cot is the bassinet, which is attached to the side of your bed. It lets you easily reach your newborn for middle-of-the-night feeding nappies, feeding and comforting. It's perfect for mothers recovering from the c-section.
The NHS and Lullaby Trust recommend that you keep your baby separated from you in the first 6 months to decrease the chance of SIDS. A crib for your bed is a safe way to achieve this as it is low-sided and lets you easily reach your baby at night.
It is important that your baby sleeps on a firm, not an extremely soft mattress. Newborns don't have the motor control needed to turn and a soft mattress could increase the chance of being suffocated. The breathable fabric and skin-friendly materials make this mattress comfortable for your baby but sufficiently firm to be safe for your baby.
Mum home test Jasmin liked that this crib does not take up much space in her bedroom and she found the size to be perfect for a newborn. She also said that the mattress was of high-quality unlike other cribs that are thin and fragile. She also loves the fact that it has a storage area beneath for blankets and clothes which she believes most bassinets do not have.
Mehack Mehack, an MFM mom who tried the product at home, is thrilled that you can take off the side wall to allow easier access to your baby. She also likes the fact that legs can be placed under the bed to look less bulky and take up less space on the floor. She's also impressed with how it was simple to move around the house when she needed to for checks and feedings in the middle of the night.
A recipient of the Gold award in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards and the CoZee Air is a popular choice for parents. It has a clever design with four pulleys that are built-in to raise or lower the crib. It comes with a large storage bin for blankets, toys and other necessities. It's also easy to put together and light in weight, which is useful for traveling with your baby.
Safety
It is crucial to think about the safety of a newborn bedside crib. Official safe sleep advice from both the Lullaby Trust and NHS recommends that babies do not sleep in parent's beds due to the dangers of suffocation, heat exhaustion and a greater chance of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Bassinets that are placed in bed let parents keep their infant close, facilitating nighttime feedings 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 wake up in the middle of the night and can help keep milk supply steady and enhance the breastfeeding experience. Some cots with a bedside are equipped with adjustable height options, which will help ensure that the bassinet is an appropriate height for mother and baby to allow easy access to mid-night feedings or other care.
Many bassinets are equipped with a firm mattress, which is designed to decrease the risk of suffocation, and also meets the standards of the industry. It is essential to provide support for the bones of a newborn, because they are still squishy and not fully formed. The mattress should be covered with a fitted sheet in order to reduce the risk that dust mites or other allergens, could choke a child. It must be kept clean and free of irritants.
Some cribs on the bed can be tilted. This is helpful for babies suffering from digestive or reflux issues. However, this should be done slowly and with care. Avoid putting pillows, duvets or padded crib bumpers to the bassinet. They could pose a risk of suffocation for your baby.
It's also worth looking into an infant bassinet that has a secure attachment system that can be easily attached to your existing bed without the need for tools. This can be especially useful for parents who struggle to get their child into and out of the crib or who are concerned about rolling over in the night. If your bassinet has a secure attachment, it is a good idea for you to check it frequently. Check to ensure there are no gaps and that the system is securely connected.
Comfort
If you're planning to become a parent, the comfort of your child is among your top concerns. There's a new sleep solution that lets you keep your baby close to you at night, without the danger of bed-sharing. The newborn bedside cot is an essentially a bassinet-style crib that is attached to the side of your bed, allowing you to safely take them away for night feeding and soothing. It's also a great choice for mothers who are recovering from a C section as it will not require you to stand or to bend over.
Modern bedside cots for babies should be fitted with a firm, flat mattress to encourage safe sleep habits and lower the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. The bedding should be kept as simple as possible with just the cot sheet and a blanket tucked tightly at the bottom. Avoid toys, bumpers and pillows that can fall onto your baby posing a suffocation risk. If your baby has been 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 take them off.
Some cribs with a bedside have a drop-down or removable side for easy access to your baby for feedings in the middle of the night and comforting. This is a great feature for parents who want to keep a close relationship with their child, but still adhere to NHS guidelines on sleep. If you plan to co-sleep with your child, it is important to be aware that this practice could increase the chance of SIDS. This is particularly when a parent accidentally rolls on their infant when they are asleep.
A breathable fabric will keep your baby cool and cool throughout the night. This is especially crucial if you intend to sleep with your baby, as the risk of being overheated increases during sleep. The SnuzPod4 is a unique, breathable mesh side panel, which helps to improve the airflow and keeps your baby comfortable in their mattress.