Newborn Bedside Cot
A newborn bedside cot is a tiny sleeper that allows babies to share the same room as their parents without the risks of true co-sleeping (which the AAP cautions against due suffocation and SIDS). It helps you take care of your infant and feed them throughout the night.
This sleeper has an extremely firm mattress that can support babies backs, reducing the chance of SIDS. It can swivel over your bed to make it easier for you to carry your baby for nighttime cuddles or a sunrise kiss.
Budget
A bedside crib, also called a co-sleeper or bassinet is a bassinet-style crib for babies that attaches to your bed. This allows you to comfortably and safely reach your baby for mid-night feeding or cuddles. They are a great option for new parents or mums recovering from a c-section because they allow an easy access to baby and don't require you to get up.
There are lots of different designs available, from basic models with just a drop-down option to more advanced ones that can be adjusted in multiple ways including height and incline options. Most convert to a standalone crib for daytime naps or when your baby is a few months old and sleeps longer at night.
Maxi-Cosi Lora is one of our top picks. 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 is, while she appreciated the feature that you can use it as a regular bassinet, or clip it onto your bed to sleep side-by-side in a safe and secure manner. She also appreciated its luxurious mattress that was able to pass our tests of firmness and it also has a manual inclining function for those suffering from reflux.
However, she wasn't a fan of the fact that it had a non-mesh panel at its lower end, and felt it was a bit heavy to move from room to room often. It also felt a bit heavy to carry up and down the stairs, especially when it was folded up into its bag for travel.
Size
A bedside cot is essentially a bassinet-style cot that fixes to the side of the bed. It is easy to reach your baby's side to feed them, change nappies or comforting during the night. It's great for mothers recovering from an o-section.
The NHS and Lullaby Trust recommend that you keep your baby separate from you for the first six months, to lower the risk of SIDS. The crib at the bedside, with its low sides is a great method to accomplish this. It lets you access your baby easily during the night.
It is essential that your baby sleeps on a firm bed as this is safer than a mattress that is soft. Newborns don't have the motor control to rotate and a mattress that is soft can increase the risk of suffocation. The soft, breathable fabric and skin-friendly materials make the mattress comfortable for your baby but also sufficient to ensure safety.
Mum home tester Jasmin liked that this crib does not take up much space in her bedroom and she found the size to be perfect for a baby. The mattress she rated as excellent quality, in contrast to some that feel flimsy and thin. She also likes the fact that it has a storage area underneath for bedding and clothes which many bassinets do not have.
MFM mom home tester Mehack is a fan of the side wall that is removable that lets you lower it down for easy access to your newborn. She also appreciates that the legs can be tucked under the bed to make it appear less bulky and take up less area on the floor. She's also amazed by the ease of being able to move around the house as you want to, for convenience during middle-of-the-night meals and check-ins.
The CoZee Air crib is a favorite among parents. It was awarded a Gold Award in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It features a unique design with four pulleys that can be used to raise or lower your crib. There is also an enormous basket that can be used to store blankets, toys, and other essentials. It's also easy to assemble and light, which is useful for traveling with your baby.
Safety
It is important to think about the safety of the crib for your newborn. The Lullaby Trust, as well as the NHS, recommend that babies do not sleep in their parents' beds due to the possibility of suffocation or sudden infant death syndrome. Bassinets that are placed in bed allow parents to keep their infant close to help with feeding at night, comforting and monitoring without needing to get up from their beds.
This close proximity can help breastfeeding mothers as it allows them to attend to the needs of their baby while they sleep. This can help maintain milk supply and encourage breastfeeding. Some cots with a bedside are equipped with adjustable height options, which can help to ensure that the bassinet is a comfortable height for both mother and baby for easy access to mid-night feedings or care.
Many bassinets come with a firm mattress, which is designed to minimize the risk of suffocation and is in line with the standards of the industry. It is essential to provide support for the bones of a newborn, because they are still squishy and aren't fully formed. The mattress should be encased in a fitted sheet to minimize the risk of suffocation due to dust mites and other allergens. It should also be kept clean and free of allergens.
Some cribs on the bed can be tilted. This is helpful for babies with digestive or reflux issues. However, it should be done with care and with caution. It is also important to avoid putting pillows, duvets or crib bumpers to the bassinet since these can pose an obstructing risk to your baby. They should only be used when the cot is set on an even surface.
It's also worth thinking about a bassinet with a secure attachment system that can be easily attached to your existing bed without the necessity of tools. This can be especially beneficial for parents who struggle to get their child in and out of the cot or concerned about the possibility of falling asleep. If your bassinet does have a secure attachment system it's an excellent idea to periodically make sure it's secure and that there aren't gaps or loose parts that could pose a hazard.
bedside cosleeper
If you're a parent-to-be, the comfort of your infant is undoubtedly one of your main concerns. There's a great sleep solution that allows you to keep your baby close during the night without taking on any of the risks associated with sharing a bed. The infant bedside cot an essentially a bassinet-style crib which is fixed to the side of your bed and allows you to take them away for feeding at night and calming. It is also a great choice for mothers recovering from a C-section as it removes the need to stand up or bend over.
Modern bedside cots for newborns should include a firm, flat mattress to promote safe sleeping habits and lower the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. The bedding should be simple, comprising a cot sheets and blanket tucked tightly at the bottom. Avoid toys, bumpers or pillows because they can fall on your baby and pose a danger of suffocation. If your baby is used to being swaddled you can make use of a swaddle, or a baby sleep bag for the first few weeks, although this should be removed as soon as possible once they've developed the strength to take off their wraps.
Some cribs with a bedside feature a removable or drop-down side that allows for an easy access to your baby for feeding and comfort in the middle of the night. This is a great feature for parents who want to maintain a close bond with their child, while adhering to NHS sleep guidelines. If you plan to co-sleep with your child, it's important to know that this practice could increase the chance of SIDS. This is especially true if a parent accidentally rolls on their infant when they are asleep.
A fabric that breathes will keep your baby comfortable and cool throughout the night. This is especially important if you plan to sleep with your newborn because the risk of overheating is higher during sleep. The SnuzPod4 has a unique mesh side panel that is breathable, which helps to improve the flow of air and keep your baby comfortable in their bed.