Newborn Bedside Cot
A crib for newborns is a tiny sleeper that lets babies sleep in the same space as their parents without the risks of co-sleeping. (The AAP warns against this due to the risk of SIDS and the risk of suffocation.) It also makes nursing sessions and baby care more convenient.
This sleeper has a sturdy mattress that can help babies' backs and minimize the risk of SIDS. It can swivel over the bed of your adult to allow you to get your baby for nighttime nursing or sunrise cuddles.
Budget
A bedside cot, also known as a co-sleeper is a bassinet-style baby cot that is attached or clipped to your bed. This lets you comfortably and safely reach your newborn for middle-of-the-night feeding, comforting or cuddles. They are a great option for mothers or new parents recovering from a csection as they provide an easy access to baby and do not require you to get out of bed.
There are many different designs that are available, from the simple ones with a drop down side to more sophisticated ones that have numerous adjustment options, like incline or height. Most convert to an independent 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 top picks. It was shortlisted 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 was. She also liked the fact that it can be used as a bassinet, or attached to your bed to ensure safe side-by-side sleeping. She also adored its soft mattress which was able to pass our tests of firmness and also that it comes with an option to manually tilt it for reflux sufferers.
But she wasn't thrilled with the design of the non-mesh panel at the bottom and thought it was a bit heavy to move from room room often. It also felt a bit heavy to carry up and down the stairs once folded into a bag for travel.
Size
A bedside cot is an infant bassinet that is attached to the side of your bed. It is easy to reach your baby's side to feed, change nappies, or to comfort them during the night. It's perfect for mothers who are recovering from an o-section.
The NHS and Lullaby Trust advise you to keep your baby in the same space as you, but separated from you for the first six months, because this will reduce the chance of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). The crib that is placed beside your bed with its low sides is a great option to do this. It allows you to access your baby easily throughout the night.
It's important that your newborn sleeps on a firm mattress as it is safer than a soft one. A soft mattress can increase the risk of suffocation among infants as they lack the motor control needed to turn. The mattress is made of skin-friendly and breathable materials. It's comfortable for your baby but sufficient to be secure.
Mum home test Jasmin liked that this crib does not take up much space in her bedroom and she found the size perfect for a baby. She also noted that the mattress was of good quality, unlike others which feel thin and flimsy. She also appreciates that it has a storage space beneath for bedding and clothes which other bassinets don't.
MFM mum home tester Mehack is a fan of the removable side wall that lets you lower it down to give easy access to your infant. She also appreciates that the legs can be tucked under the bed to look less bulky and take up less floor space. She's also amazed by the ease of being able to move around the house when you want to in the middle of the night, which is convenient for feedings and check-ins.
The CoZee Air crib is a favorite among parents. It was awarded the Gold Award in the 2021 Mother and Baby Awards. It has a clever design with four built-in pulleys to raise or lower the crib and includes a large storage basket to store your baby's blankets, toys and other necessities. It's also easy to assemble and lightweight, which is useful for traveling with your baby.
Safety
When choosing a baby's bedside cot, you must keep the safety aspect in your thoughts. Official safe sleep advice from both the Lullaby Trust and NHS recommends that babies not sleep in parent's beds due to the risk of suffocation, overheating and a greater chance of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Bedside bassinets enable parents to keep their babies close, facilitating night time feedings as well as comforting and monitoring without the need to get up.
This close proximity also supports breastfeeding mothers as they can attend to their baby's needs without having to get up at all times, which can help to keep the supply of milk steady and help the breastfeeding experience. Some bedside cots have adjustable height options, which will help ensure that the bassinet is at an appropriate height for mother and baby for ease of access during feedings or other care.
A lot of bassinets have mattresses that are firm. This is designed to decrease the risk of suffocation, and also meets industry standards. This is crucial because a newborn's bones are brittle and aren't fully developed. They need to be supported to prevent damage. The mattress should be encased with a fitted sheet to decrease the chance of suffocation due to dust mites or other allergens, and kept clean and free of irritants.
Some cots with a bedside can be tilted. This can be beneficial for babies with reflux or digestive issues, however this should be done with a lot of care and at a gentle angle. Avoid adding pillows, duvets, or padded crib bumpers in the bassinet. They could pose the risk of suffocation to your baby.
You should also consider an infant bassinet with an attachment system that is secure. It can be attached to your bed without the need for tools. This feature is especially beneficial for parents who struggle to lift their child into and out of the crib or are concerned about their baby accidentally rolling over during sleep. If your bassinet has an attachment that is secure, it is a good idea for you to regularly check it. Make sure there are no gaps, and that the system is securely attached.
Comfort
If you're planning to become a parent, your baby's safety is one of your main concerns. There's a brand new sleep solution that allows you to keep your baby close to you at night without the risk of sharing the bed. The infant bedside cot essentially a bassinet-style cot that is attached to the bed's side that allows you to move them towards you for night feeding and soothing. It is also an excellent choice for mothers recovering from a c-section as it reduces the need to bend too much or even take a step out of the bed.
A modern bedside cot for newborns should have a sturdy, flat mattress to help ensure a safe sleep and reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). The bedding should be kept simple with just the sheets for the cot and a blanket that is tightly tucked into the bottom. Avoid toys, bumpers and pillows since they can be thrown over your baby and create a risk of suffocation. If your baby has been used to being swaddled during a few weeks, you can use either a swaddle, or a baby sleep bag. But, it should be removed after they are strong enough to unwrap them.
Some cribs with a bedside feature a removable or drop-down side that provides an easy access to your baby for feeding and comfort in the middle of the night. This is a good feature for parents looking to keep an intimate relationship with their child, while adhering to NHS safe sleep guidelines. If baby bedside sleeper plan to co-sleep with your child, it is crucial to be aware that this practice can increase the risk of SIDS. This is particularly when a parent accidentally falls on their child while sleeping.
A fabric that is breathable will keep your baby comfortable and cool throughout the night. This is especially crucial if you plan to co-sleep your newborn because the risk of overheating when sleeping increases. The SnuzPod4 has a unique mesh side panel that is breathable that helps improve airflow and keep your baby snug in their bed.