Newborn Bedside Cot
A newborn crib with a bedside is a tiny sleeping device that lets babies sleep in the same room as their parents, without the dangers of co-sleeping. (The AAP warns against this due to the risk of SIDS and suffocation.) It helps you care for your baby and nurse them throughout the night.
This sleeper comes with a firm mattress that supports babies backs, reducing the chance of SIDS. It can be rotated over your adult bed to allow you to lift your baby for sunrise cuddles or nighttime nursing.
Budget
A bedside crib, also known as a bassinet or co-sleeper is a bassinet-style crib that can be attached to your bed. This allows you to reach your baby easily and safely for a nighttime feed, comforting, or cuddles. These are ideal for new parents and mums recovering after a c section because they provide easy access to the baby without needing to get out of bed.
There are many different styles available that range from basic models with just a drop-down side to more sophisticated ones that can be adjusted in a variety of ways including height and incline options. Most convert to a separate crib for napping during the daytime or when your baby is a few months old and sleeping longer at night.
Maxi-Cosi Lora is one our favorites. It was nominated in the Best Cot category for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. MFM home tester Emily said she was impressed by how chic and modern the design as well as the possibility of using it as a regular bassinet or connect it onto your bed to ensure that you can sleep side-by-side. She also appreciated 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 those suffering from reflux.
But she wasn't thrilled with the design of the non-mesh panel at the lower end, and felt it was a bit bulky to move from room to room often. When folded into its travel bag, she found it a bit heavy to carry up the stairs.
Size
A bedside cot is similar to the bassinet, which is connected to the side of your bed. It allows you to easily reach your baby during the night for feeding nappies, comforting and feeding. It's ideal for mothers recovering from a c-section.
The NHS and Lullaby Trust recommend that you keep your baby separate from you for the first six months, to reduce the risk of SIDS. A crib that is placed near your bed is a safe method to accomplish this since it has low sides and allows you to easily access your newborn at night.
It is essential that your baby sleeps on a firm mattress since it is safer than a soft one. A soft mattress can increase the risk of suffocation for newborns, since they lack the motor control necessary to turn. The soft, breathable fabric and skin-friendly materials make the mattress comfortable for your baby, but sufficient to ensure 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 it to be the perfect size for a newborn. The mattress she rated as also good quality, unlike those that feel cheap and thin. She also loves the fact that it has storage space underneath for bedding and clothes which other bassinets don't.
Mehack is an MFM mom who tried the product at home, likes the ability to remove the wall on the side to make it easier to access your baby. She also loves that legs fold under the bed so it doesn't appear big or take up a lot of floor space. She is also impressed by how it was simple to move around her house when she needed to for check-ins and feedings during the night.
The CoZee Air crib is a favorite among parents. It won the Gold Award at the 2021 Mother and Baby Awards. It is designed with four pulleys built-in to raise or lower the crib and has a large storage basket for toys, blankets and other necessities. It's also easy to put together and lightweight that is great for travelling with your baby.
Safety
When choosing a new baby's bedside cot it's important to keep safety in mind. The Lullaby Trust, as well as the NHS, recommend that babies don't sleep in the parents' beds due to the risk of suffocation and sudden infant death syndrome. Bassinets that are placed in bed allow parents to keep their newborn close by to help with nighttime feedings as well as monitoring and comforting without the need to get out of bed.
This close proximity also supports breastfeeding mothers by allowing them to attend to their baby's needs without waking up in the middle of the night and help keep milk supply steady and enhance the breastfeeding experience. Some bedside cots have adjustable height options, which can ensure that the bassinet is a comfortable height for both mother and baby for easy access for middle-of-the-night feedings or care.
Many bassinets have mattresses that are firm and designed to decrease the chance of suffocation and conforms to industry standards. It is important to support the bones of a newborn since they are still fragile and aren't fully formed. The mattress should be covered in a fitted cover to minimize the risk of suffocation from dust mites or other allergens. It should also be kept clean and free of allergens.
foldable bedside crib can be tilted. This is helpful for babies suffering from reflux or digestive issues. But, it should be done slowly and with caution. It's also important to stay clear of adding pillows, duvets, or padded crib bumpers to the bassinet, as they could pose a suffocation risk for your baby and should only be used when the cot is set on flat surfaces.
It is also recommended to consider a bassinet that has a secure attachment system. This can be connected to your bed without the use of tools. This is particularly beneficial for parents who struggle to lift their child into and out of the crib or are worried about their child accidentally rolling over while sleeping. If your bassinet is equipped with an attachment that is secure it is a good idea to check it regularly. Check to ensure there aren't any gaps and that the system is securely connected.
Comfort
If you're a soon-to-be parent, the comfort of your child is one of your main concerns. There's a great sleep solution that lets you keep your baby close to you throughout the night, without any of the risks that come with sharing a bed. The newborn bedside cot is an essentially a bassinet-style crib that is attached to the bed's side, allowing you to safely lift them out towards you to feed them at night and soothe. It's also a great option for mothers who are recovering from a C-section as it will not require you to get up or bend over.
Modern bedside cots for babies should be fitted with a firm, flat mattress to promote safe sleeping habits and reduce the risk Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. The bedding should be kept as simple as possible with just the sheet for the cot and blanket that is tightly tucked into the bottom. Avoid toys, bumpers or pillows as these can fall on your baby and pose a danger of suffocation. If your baby is familiar with being swaddled, you can make use of a swaddle, or a baby sleep bag for the first few weeks, however it is best to remove it as soon as possible once they've gained the strength and confidence to pull themselves out of the wrap.
Some bedside cribs have a drop-down or removable side that allows 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 maintain a close bond with their child while still following NHS guidelines on sleep. However, if you're planning to co-sleep in the same bed as your child, it's important to understand that this practice has been linked to a higher risk of SIDS especially in the event that a parent is able to roll onto their infant while they sleep.
A breathable fabric is another important safety feature, as it's designed to keep your baby cool and comfortable throughout the night. This is especially crucial if you plan to sleep with your newborn, since the risk of being overheated when sleeping increases. The SnuzPod4 features a unique breathable mesh side panel that helps improve airflow and keep your baby comfortable in their mattress.