Newborn Bedside Cot
A newborn bedside cot is a small sleeper that allows new babies to share the same room as their parents without the risk of sleeping together (which the AAP advises against due to suffocation and SIDS). It also makes nursing sessions and child care simpler.
This sleeper features a firm mattress to support the backs of babies and minimize the risk of SIDS. It can slide over your bed to allow you to lift your baby out for midnight cuddles or a sunrise kiss.
Budget
A bedside cot, also referred to as a co-sleeper, an infant cot with a bassinet design that clips or attaches to your existing bed. This lets you safely and easily reach your baby during the night for feeding, comforting or cuddles. These are ideal for new parents and mums recovering after a c section as they allow easy access to the baby without needing to get out of bed.
There are lots of different designs available, from basic models with just a drop-down side to more sophisticated models that can be adjusted in several ways with incline and height options. Most can be converted into a separate crib when your baby gets older and sleeps longer at night.
One of our favorites is the Maxi-Cosi Lura, which was shortlisted for 2021 Mother&Baby awards for the categories of Best Cot Crib, Best Cot, or Moses Basket. MFM home tester Emily commented on how stylish and contemporary the design is and she was impressed by the feature that you can use it as a regular bassinet or clip it to your existing bed to ensure that you can sleep side-by-side. She also appreciated its luxurious mattress, which passed our firmness tests and also that it comes with an adjustable manual inclining feature for those who suffer from reflux.
However, bedside cot used didn't like the feature of a non-mesh panel at the lower end, and thought it was a bit heavy to move from room to room regularly. When folded into a travel bag she found it a bit 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's easy to reach your baby's mouth to feed them, change nappies or just to soothe them in the middle of the night. It's also great for moms recovering from the C-section.
The NHS and Lullaby Trust advise you to keep your baby in the same space as you but separate from you for the first six months since this will help decrease the chance of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). A crib for your bed is a safe method to accomplish this since it has low sides and allows you to easily access your newborn during the night.
It is crucial that your baby is sleeping on a firm, not a soft mattress. Babies don't have motor control to rotate and a soft mattress could increase the risk of being suffocated. The breathable fabric and skin-friendly materials make the mattress comfortable for your baby, but firm enough for safety.
Mum Jasmin was pleased that the crib didn't take up much space in her room and found it to be the perfect size for a newborn. She also noted that the mattress was of high-quality, unlike others which are thin and fragile. She also loves the fact that it has a storage area beneath for blankets and clothes which she believes many other bassinets lack.
MFM mom home tester Mehack is a big fan of the side wall with a removable design that allows you to drop it down for easy access to your infant. She also likes that legs fold into the bed so it doesn't look bulky or take up a lot of floor space. She's also amazed by how easy it is to move around the house whenever you want 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 has a clever design with four pulleys that are built-in to raise or lower the crib. It also includes a large storage basket to store your baby's toys, blankets and other essentials. It's also light and easy to assemble, making it ideal for traveling with your baby.
Safety
When choosing a new baby's bedside cot, it is important to keep the safety aspect in your mind. The official safe sleep guidelines from both the Lullaby Trust and NHS recommends that babies do not sleep in their parents' beds due to the risk of suffocation, heat exhaustion and a higher chance of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Bedside bassinets allow parents to keep their babies close to them, facilitating nighttime feedings, comforting, and monitoring without having to get up.
This close proximity also helps breastfeeding mothers as they can take care of their infant's needs without waking up completely and can help keep the supply of milk steady and help the breastfeeding experience. Some bedside cots come with adjustable height features that can help both the mother and baby to get into the bassinet for feedings or other care during the night.
A majority of bassinets come with mattresses that are firm and designed to decrease the chance of suffocation and meets industry standards. It is essential to provide support for the bones of a newborn because they are still squishy and are not fully formed. The mattress should be covered with an appropriate sheet to decrease the risk that dust mites, or other allergens, can cause a child to be suffocated. It must be kept clean and free of allergens.
Some cribs for bedside use can be tilted. This is helpful for babies with reflux or digestive problems. However, it should be done slowly and with caution. It is also essential to avoid adding pillows, duvets or crib bumpers to the bassinet since they could pose an obstructing risk to your baby and should only be used when the cot is set on a flat surface.
It's also worth thinking about an adjustable bassinet with a secure attachment system that can be easily fixed to your existing bed without the need for tools. This is especially beneficial for parents who struggle to lift their baby into and out of the crib or who are worried about accidentally rolling over during sleep. If your bassinet is equipped with an attachment that is secure it is a great idea to check it frequently. 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 main concerns. There's a great sleep solution that allows you to keep your baby close throughout the night - without any of the risks associated with sharing a bed. The crib for newborns is a bassinet style cot that is attached to the side of the bed. It allows you to safely carry your baby to you for feedings at night and soothing. It's an excellent option for mothers recovering from a C-section since it eliminates the need to get up or to bend over.
A modern newborn bedside cot should have a firm flat mattress to in promoting safe sleeping habits and reduce the chance of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). The bedding should be kept as simple as possible with just the cot sheet and a blanket tucked in tightly at the bottom. Avoid bumpers, toys, and pillows that may fall onto your baby posing a suffocation risk. If your baby is used to being swaddled for a few weeks then you can use the swaddle or baby sleep bag. However, travel cot bedside crib should be removed once they are strong enough to take them off.
Some cribs with a bedside feature an adjustable or drop-down side that allows for an easy access to your baby for comforting and feeding in the middle of the night. This feature is perfect for parents who want to maintain a close bond with their child, while adhering to NHS guidelines for sleep. If you're planning to sleep with your child, it is crucial to be aware that this practice can increase the risk of SIDS. This is especially the case if a parent rolls on their infant when they are asleep.
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 crucial if you intend to sleep with your newborn, as the risk of overheating increases when you sleep. The SnuzPod4 has a unique breathable side panel that helps improve the airflow and keeps your baby warm.