Newborn Bedside Cot
A newborn bedside cot is a compact sleeper that allows newborns to share a space as their parents without the risks of true co-sleeping (which the AAP cautions against due SIDS and suffocation). It makes it easier to care for your infant and feed them throughout the night.
This sleeper has a sturdy mattress to support the backs of babies and reduce the risk of SIDS. It can swivel over your adult bed to make it easier for you to carry your baby out for midnight nursing or cuddles at sunrise.
Budget
A bedside crib, also called a bassinet or co-sleeper is a bassinet-style baby cot that clips to your bed. This allows you to reach your baby comfortably and safely for a late-night feed, comforting, or cuddles. These are ideal for moms and babies recovering from a c-section as they allow easy access to the baby without having to get up from bed.
There are many different designs available that range from basic models with only a drop-down side, to more sophisticated ones that can be adjusted in several ways including height and incline options. Most convert to a standalone crib for napping during the daytime or when your baby is around a few months old and is sleeping more at night.
One of our favorites is the Maxi-Cosi Lora, which was nominated for the 2021 Mother&Baby awards for Best Cot Crib, Best Cot 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 a clip to your existing bed, to ensure safe side-by-side sleeping. She also liked its plush mattress which was able to pass our tests of firmness and also that it comes with an adjustable manual inclining feature for those who suffer from reflux.
However, she didn't like the design of the non-mesh panel on the foot end and thought it was a bit heavy to move from room to room often. When it was folded into its travel bag she found it somewhat heavy to carry up the stairs.
Size
A bedside cot is basically the bassinet style cot that can be fixed to the side of the bed. It allows you to easily reach your newborn for middle-of-the-night feeding, nappies and comforting. It's also great for mums recovering from a C-section.
The NHS and Lullaby Trust advise that you keep your baby in the same space as you, but separated from you for the first six months as this can help reduce the risk 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 allows you to be able to easily access your baby during the night.
It is essential that your baby sleeps on a firm and not a soft mattress. A mattress that is soft can increase the risk of suffocation in infants as they lack the motor control necessary to turn. The soft, breathable fabric and skin-friendly materials make this mattress a comfortable one for your baby but also firm enough for safety.
Mum home test Jasmin was pleased with the fact that the crib doesn't take up too much space in her bedroom and she found the size to be perfect for a newborn. She also stated that the mattress was of good quality unlike other cribs that seem thin and flimsy. She also appreciates the fact that it has a storage compartment beneath to store blankets and clothing which she believes most bassinets do not have.
Mehack is an MFM mum who tested the product at home, is thrilled the ability to remove the side wall to make it easier to access your baby. travel bedside crib loves that the legs tuck under the bed so it doesn't appear heavy or take up a lot of floor space. She's also impressed with the ease of being able to move around the house whenever you need to for ease during late-night feedings and check-ins.
The CoZee Air crib is a favourite among parents. It was awarded the Gold Award in the 2021 Mother and Baby Awards. It features a smart design with four built-in pulleys to raise or lower the crib and has a large storage basket for blankets, toys and other essentials. It is also light and easy to put together which makes it perfect for 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 recommend that babies don't sleep in their parents bed due to the risk of suffocation or sudden infant death syndrome. Bassinets for bedside use let parents keep their infant close, facilitating nighttime feedings, comforting and monitoring without having to leave their bed.
This close proximity also assists breastfeeding mothers by allowing them to attend to the needs of their infant without having to get up in the middle of the night and help keep milk supply steady and enhance 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 at night.
Many bassinets come with mattresses that are firm and designed to decrease the risk of suffocation and conforms to industry standards. It is crucial to provide support for the bones of a newborn, as they are still soft and not fully formed. The mattress should be encased in a fitted sheet to minimize the risk of suffocation from dust mites or other allergens. It should also be kept clean and free of allergens.
Some cots for bedside use have the ability to be tilted, which can be useful for babies with reflux or digestive issues, however this should be done with great caution and at a moderate angle. Avoid adding pillows, duvets, or padded crib bumpers in the bassinet. These could create the risk of suffocation to 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 necessity of tools. This feature is especially beneficial for parents who struggle to lift their child into and out of the crib or are worried about their child accidentally falling asleep. If your bassinet has a secure attachment it is a great idea for you to check it regularly. Check to ensure there are no gaps and that the system is securely connected.
Comfort
If you are a soon-to-be parent, your baby's comfort is among your top concerns. There's a great sleep solution that allows you to keep your baby close throughout the night without taking on any of the risks associated with sharing a bed. The infant bedside cot basically a bassinet-style cot that fixes to the side of your bed and allows you to move them towards you for night feeding and soothing. It's also a great option for mothers recovering from a C-section as it eliminates the need to stand or sit up.
Modern bedside cots for newborns should include a firm, flat mattress to encourage safe sleep practices 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 tightly at the bottom. Avoid bumpers, toys and pillows that could fall onto your baby posing the risk of suffocation. If your baby has been used to being swaddled during a few weeks, you can use either an swaddle or baby sleep bag. However, it is recommended that this be removed when they have the strength to remove them.
Some bedside cribs have an open or removable side for easy access to your baby's feeds and comforting. This feature is ideal for parents who want to keep a close relationship with their child while adhering to NHS sleep guidelines. If you're planning to sleep with your child, it's important to be aware that this practice can increase the chance of SIDS. This is particularly when a parent accidentally is able to roll their infant over during sleep.
A fabric that is breathable is an essential safety feature, as it's designed to keep your baby cool and comfortable throughout the night. This is especially important if you plan to sleep with your baby since the risk of being overheated when sleeping increases. The SnuzPod4 features a unique, breathable side panel, which helps increase the flow of air, keeping your baby warm.