Newborn Bedside Cot
A newborn bedside cot is a compact sleeper that allows babies to share a room as their parents without the risks of true co-sleeping (which the AAP advises against due to SIDS and suffocation). It makes it easier to take care of your baby and give them a bottle throughout the night.
This mattress is a firm mattress that is designed to help babies' backs and decrease the chance of SIDS. It can be swiveled on your adult bed to carry your baby to the top to snuggle them at sunrise or for nighttime nursing.
Budget
A bedside crib, also known as a bassinet or co-sleeper is a bassinet type baby cot that clips to your bed. This lets you reach your baby easily and safely for a nighttime feed or comforting cuddle. These are perfect for mothers and new parents recovering from a c-section as they allow the baby to be easily accessible without needing to get out of the bed.
There are a variety of styles available, ranging from simple ones with a drop down side to more sophisticated ones that offer multiple adjustment options, including incline or height. Many convert to an independent crib for naps during the day or when your baby is a few months old and is sleeping more at night.
Maxi-Cosi Lora is one our top picks. It was selected in the Best Cot category for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. MFM home tester Emily commented how stylish and modern the design was. She also liked the fact that it could be used as a bassinet, or attached to your existing bed, for a safe side-by-side sleep. She also liked the plush mattress, which was able to pass our test of firmness, and the fact that it comes with an automatic rocking feature that can be adjusted to a slight slope for those suffering from reflux.
She didn't like that it had a non mesh panel at the bottom and thought it was too bulky to move around from room to room. It also felt a little heavy to carry up and down the stairs, especially when it was folded up into its bag for travel.
Size
A bedside cot is the bassinet style cot that can be fixed to the side of the bed. You can easily reach your baby to feed them, change nappies, or to comfort them during the night. It's also great for moms recovering from the C-section.
The NHS and Lullaby Trust recommend that you keep your baby away from you for the first six months, to decrease the chance of SIDS. The crib at the bedside, with its low sides is a great way to do this. It lets you access your baby easily throughout the night.
It's important that your newborn sleeps on a firm bed as it is safer than a mattress that is soft. Newborns don't have the motor control to turn over and a soft mattress could increase the chance of drowning. The breathable fabric and skin-friendly materials make this mattress comfortable for your baby but firm enough for safety.
Mum home tester Jasmin liked that this crib doesn't take up too much space in her bedroom. Also, she found it to be the perfect size for a newborn. She said the mattress was also good quality, unlike some that feel flimsy and thin. She also likes the fact that it has a storage area beneath for bedding and clothes - something many other bassinets do not have.
Mehack is an MFM mum who tested the product at home, loves that you can take off the wall on the side to allow for easier access to your baby. She also appreciates that legs can be placed under the bed to make it look less bulky and take up less area on the floor. She's also impressed by how easy it is to move around the house whenever you'd like for ease during late-night feedings and check-ins.
The CoZee Air crib is a favourite among parents. It won the Gold Award at the 2021 Mother and Baby Awards. It is a clever design that has four pulleys that can be used to raise or lower your crib. It also comes with a large basket for blankets, toys, and other necessities. It is also lightweight and easy to put together which makes it perfect for traveling with your baby.
Safety
When selecting a newborn bedside cot it's important to keep safety in your thoughts. The Lullaby Trust, as well as the NHS advise that babies don't sleep in the parents' beds because of the risk of suffocation and sudden infant death syndrome. Bedside bassinets enable parents to keep their newborns close, facilitating night time feedings as well as comforting and monitoring without having to leave their bed.
This close proximity can support breastfeeding mothers, as it allows them to be attentive to the baby's needs while still sleeping. This can help maintain the supply of milk and also encourage breastfeeding. Some bedside cots have adjustable height features that can help to ensure that the bassinet is an appropriate height for mother and baby for easy access to mid-night feedings or for care.
Many bassinets come with a mattress that is designed to decrease the chance of suffocation and conforms to industry standards. It is important to provide support for the bones of a newborn, because they are still squishy and are not fully formed. The mattress should be covered in a fitted cover to minimize the risk of suffocation due to dust mites and other allergens, and kept clean and free of irritants.
Some cribs on the bed can be tilted. This is helpful for babies with reflux or digestive issues. However, this should be done with care and with care. Avoid adding pillows, duvets, or padded crib bumpers in the bassinet. They could pose a risk of suffocation for your baby.
It is also recommended to consider the bassinet with an attachment system that is secure. It can be attached to your existing bed easily without the need of tools. This feature is especially beneficial for parents who struggle to carry their child into and out of the crib or are concerned about their baby accidentally rolling over while sleeping. If your bassinet is equipped with an attachment that is secure it is a good idea for you to check it regularly. Check to ensure there are no gaps and that the system is securely attached.
Comfort
If you're expecting a child, the comfort of your child is definitely one of your main concerns. There's a great sleep solution that allows you to keep your baby close throughout the night without taking on any of the risks associated with sharing a bed. The baby bedside cot is essentially a bassinet-style cot that is attached to the bed's side that allows you to take them away to feed them at night and soothe. It is also a great option for mothers who are recovering from a C-section since it will not require you to stand up or to bend over.
Modern cots for infants should be fitted with a firm, flat mattress to encourage safe sleeping practices and reduce the risk Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. The bedding should be kept as simple as possible with just the cot sheet and a blanket that is tightly tucked into the bottom. Avoid toys, bumpers or pillows since they can be thrown over your baby and pose a risk of suffocation. If your baby is used to being swaddled for a few weeks, you can use either a swaddle, or a baby sleep bag. But, it should be removed when they are strong enough to take them off.
Some bedside cribs feature a removable or drop-down side that provides an easy access to your baby to feed and comfort them during the middle of the night. This is a good option for parents who wish to maintain the bond between them and their child, but still adhere to NHS safe sleep guidelines. If you plan to co-sleep with your child, it is important to know that this practice could increase the risk of SIDS. This is particularly the case if a parent rolls on their infant during sleep.
A fabric that is breathable is an important 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 since the chance of being overheated increases during sleep. baby bedside sleeper comes with a unique breathable side panel that aids in improving the airflow and keeps your baby cool.