Newborn Bedside Cot
A newborn bedside cot is a small sleeper that allows newborns to share the same space as their parents without the risk of sleeping together (which the AAP cautions against due SIDS and suffocation). It also makes nursing sessions and child care easier.
This mattress is a firm mattress that can support the backs of babies and decrease the risk of SIDS. It can be rotated over your adult bed so that you can carry your baby to the top to snuggle them at sunrise or for nighttime nursing.
Budget
A bedside cot, also known as a co-sleeper, a bassinet-style baby cot that can be attached to your bed. This allows you to reach your baby easily and safely for a mid-night feed or comforting cuddle. These are great for new parents and mums recovering after a c section because they provide the baby to be easily accessible without having to get up from bed.
There are a variety of designs available that range from basic models with just a drop-down option to more sophisticated ones that can be adjusted in several ways including height and incline options. The majority of them can be converted into an independent crib for daytime naps or when your baby is around a few months old and sleeping longer at night.
One of our favorites is the Maxi-Cosi Lora, which was shortlisted for 2021 Mother&Baby awards in the categories of Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket. MFM home tester Emily commented how stylish and modern the design was. She also appreciated the fact that it can be used as a bassinet or attached to your existing bed, for a safe side-by-side sleep. She also appreciated its luxurious mattress which passed our firmness tests and it also has a manual inclining function for those who suffer from reflux.
However, she wasn't a fan of the fact that it had a non-mesh panel at its bottom and thought it was a bit bulky to move from room room often. When it was folded into its travel bag, she found it to be a bit heavy to carry up the stairs.
Size
A bedside cot is similar to a bassinet that is placed on the side of your bed. It allows you to easily reach your baby for mid-night feeding nappies, comforting and feeding. It's great for mothers who are recovering from the c-section.
The NHS and Lullaby Trust advise that you place your baby in the same room with you, but keep them separate from you for the first six months as this can help reduce the chance of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). The bedside crib with its low sides is a great way to achieve this. It allows you to access your baby easily throughout the night.
It is crucial that your infant sleeps on a firm mattress since it is safer than a soft one. Babies don't have motor control to rotate and a mattress that is soft can increase the chance of being suffocated. The mattress is made of skin-friendly and air-tight materials. It's comfortable for your baby, but firm enough to ensure safety.
Mum home test Jasmin liked that this crib does not take up much space in her bedroom. Also, she found it to be the perfect size for a newborn. She also noted that the mattress was of high-quality and not like other mattresses that seem thin and flimsy. She also appreciates that it has storage space beneath for bedding and clothes which many bassinets don't have.
Mehack is an MFM mum who tested the product at home, is thrilled the ability to remove the wall on the side to make it easier to access your baby. She also loves the fact that the legs can be put under the bed to make it appear less bulky and take up less area on the floor. She's also amazed by how it was easy to move around her house in the event of check-ins and feedings in the middle of the night.
The CoZee Air crib is a favourite among parents. It won a Gold Award in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It has a clever design with four pulleys which can be used to raise or lower your crib. There is also a large basket for toys, blankets, and other essentials. It is also light and easy to put together, making it ideal for traveling with your baby.
Safety
When selecting a newborn bedside cot it's important to keep the safety of your baby in mind. Official safe sleep advice from both the Lullaby Trust and NHS recommends that babies do not be sleeping in the bed of their parents due to the risk of suffocation, overheating and a higher chance of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Bedside bassinets let parents keep their infant close and allow for nighttime feedings as well as monitoring and comforting without needing to get out of bed.
This close proximity also supports breastfeeding mothers by allowing them to take care of their infant's needs without having to get up in the middle of the night and help keep the supply of milk steady and help the breastfeeding experience. Some bedside cots come with adjustable height options that can help mother and child to access the bassinet for feedings or other care at night.
Many bassinets come with a firm mattress, which is designed to decrease suffocation risk and meets the standards of the industry. This is important because a newborn's bones are soft and not fully developed and must be supported to prevent damage. The mattress should be covered with a fitted sheet to decrease the risk that dust mites, as well as other allergens, can choke a child. It must be kept free of allergens and clean.
Some cots for bedside use can be tilted. This can be useful for babies with reflux or digestive issues, but this should be done with extreme caution and at a gentle angle. It is also essential to avoid putting pillows, duvets, or padded crib bumpers to the bassinet, as they can create the risk of suffocation for your baby and should only be used when the cot is placed on flat surfaces.
It's also worth considering a bassinet with an attached system that is secure and can be easily fixed to your existing bed without the necessity of tools. This can be especially useful for parents who struggle to lift their child into and out of the cot or who are concerned about rolling over in the night. If bedside cot 6 months plus has secured attachments it is a good idea to check it regularly. Make sure 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 primary concerns. There's a great sleep solution that lets you keep your baby close throughout the night, without any of the risks that come with bed-sharing. The infant bedside crib is a bassinet-style cot that can be attached to the side of the bed. It lets you safely carry your baby to you for night feedings and soothing. It's also a great choice for mothers who are recovering from a C-section as it eliminates the need to stand or to bend over.
A modern newborn bedside cot should have a firm, flat mattress to help in promoting safe sleeping habits and decrease the chance of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). The bedding should be kept as simple as possible, with only the sheets for the cot and a blanket that is tightly tucked into the bottom. Avoid toys, bumpers and pillows since they could fall on your baby and create a danger of suffocation. If your baby is used to being swaddled you can use a swaddle or a baby sleep bag for the initial few weeks, but it should be removed when possible after they've developed the strength to pull themselves out of the wrap.
Some bedside cribs have a removable or drop-down side for 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 strong bond with their child, but still adhere to NHS safe sleep advice. However, if you're planning to sleep in the same bed as your baby it's important to recognize that this practice has been associated with an increased risk of SIDS, particularly if a parent unintentionally falls on their infant while they sleep.
A fabric that breathes will keep your baby cool and cool throughout the night. This is especially crucial if you plan to sleep with your baby as the risk of overheating in the night increases. The SnuzPod4 has a unique mesh side panel that is breathable that aids in improving the flow of air and keep your baby warm in their mattress.