Newborn Bedside Cot
A newborn bedside cot is a tiny sleeper that allows newborns to share the same room as their parents without the risks of true co-sleeping (which the AAP recommends against due to suffocation and SIDS). It helps you care for your infant and feed them throughout the night.
This sleeper comes with a firm mattress that supports babies backs, reducing the risk of SIDS. It can be swiveled over your adult bed so that you can raise your baby for sunrise cuddles or late night nursing.
Budget
A bedside cot, also referred to as a co-sleeper, is a bassinet-style baby cot that clips or attaches to your existing bed. This allows you to reach your baby comfortably and safely for a nighttime feed or comforting cuddle. These are ideal for moms and babies recovering from a c-section because they allow the baby to be easily accessible without needing to get out of the bed.
There are lots of different styles available, from basic models with only a drop-down side, to more sophisticated models that can be adjusted in several ways with incline and height options. Many convert to an independent crib for naps during the day or when your baby is about months old and sleeping longer at night.
Maxi-Cosi Lora is one of our favorites. It was shortlisted in the Best Cot category for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. MFM home tester Emily expressed her delight at how stylish and modern the design is and she was impressed by the possibility of using it as a regular bassinet, or attach it to a bed to sleep side-by-side in a safe and secure manner. She also liked its plush mattress which passed our firmness tests and it also has an adjustable manual inclining feature for reflux sufferers.
However, she didn't like the fact that it had a non-mesh panel at its foot end and thought it was a bit heavy to move from room to room often. She also found it to be a little heavy to carry up and down the stairs once folded away into its travel bag.
Size
A bedside cot is similar to a bassinet that is placed on the side of your bed. It lets you easily reach your newborn for middle-of-the-night feeding nappies, comforting and feeding. It's ideal for mothers who are recovering from a c-section.
The NHS and Lullaby Trust advise you to keep your baby in the same room as you, but keep them separate from you for the first six months, as this can help reduce the risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). bedside cosleeper at the bedside, with its low sides, is a great way to do this. It allows you to be able to easily access your baby during the night.
It is essential that your baby sleeps on a firm and not a soft mattress. A soft mattress can increase the risk of suffocation among newborns, since they lack the motor control necessary to turn. The breathable fabric and skin-friendly materials make the mattress comfortable for your baby, but sufficiently firm to be safe for your baby.
bedside co sleeper 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 baby. She also said that the mattress was of high-quality, unlike others which feel thin and flimsy. She also appreciates that it has storage space underneath for clothes and bedding - something many other bassinets don't.
Mehack is an MFM mum who tested the product at home, loves that you can remove the side wall 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 look less bulky and occupy less area on the floor. She's also impressed by the ease of being able to move around the house as you want to for ease during late-night meals and check-ins.
A recipient of a Gold award in the 2021 Mother and Baby Awards and the CoZee Air is a popular choice amongst parents. It is a clever design that has four pulleys that can be used to raise or lower your crib. There's also an ample basket for blankets, toys, and other necessities. It's also light and easy to assemble which makes it perfect to travel with your baby.
Safety
When choosing a baby's bedside cot, it is important to keep the safety aspect in your thoughts. The official safe sleep guidelines from both the Lullaby Trust and NHS recommends that babies should not sleep in their parents' beds due to the risk of suffocation, heat exhaustion and a higher risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Bedside bassinets allow parents to keep their babies close, which allows for nighttime feedings, comforting, and monitoring without the need to leave their bed.
This close proximity also helps breastfeeding mothers as they can take care of their infant's needs without having to wake up completely and help keep the supply of milk steady and help the breastfeeding experience. Some bedside cots have adjustable height options, which can help to ensure that the bassinet is a comfortable height for both mother and baby to allow easy access for middle-of-the-night feedings or care.
Many bassinets have mattresses that are firm and designed to decrease the chance of suffocation and conforms to industry standards. It is important to provide support for the bones of a newborn, since they are still fragile and not fully formed. The mattress should be covered in a fitted cover to reduce the risk of suffocation due to dust mites or other allergens, and kept clean and free of allergens.
Some cribs for bedside use can be tilted. This is helpful for babies who have digestive or reflux issues. But, it should be done slowly and with caution. Avoid placing pillows, duvets, or padded crib bumpers in the bassinet. They could pose the risk of suffocation your baby.
It's also worth considering a bassinet with a secure attachment system that can be easily attached to your bed without the necessity of tools. This feature is especially beneficial for parents who find it difficult to get their child in and out of the crib or are concerned about their child rolling over during sleep. If your bassinet is equipped with a secure attachment system it's an excellent idea to periodically check that it's securely attached and that there aren't gaps or loose components that could pose a hazard.
Comfort
If you're expecting your first child, the comfort of your child is definitely one of your main concerns. There's a brand new sleep solution that allows you to keep your baby close at night without the risk of sharing a bed. The crib for newborns is a bassinet style cot that attaches to the side of the bed. It lets you safely carry your baby towards you for feedings and calming. It's an excellent option for mothers recovering from a C-section as it will not require you to stand up or to bend over.
A modern bedside cot for newborns should have a sturdy flat mattress to promote safe sleeping practices and decrease the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). The bedding should be kept as simple as possible and consist of only the sheets for the cot and a blanket tucked in tightly at the bottom. Avoid bumpers, toys and pillows that can fall onto your baby posing an obstructive risk. 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, however it is best to remove it when possible after they've gained the strength to take off their wraps.
Some cribs for bedside use an option to remove or drop down the side that allows for an easy access to your baby for feeding and comfort in the middle of the night. This feature is perfect for parents who wish to maintain a close bond with their child but still adhere to NHS guidelines on sleep. However, if you're planning to co-sleep in the same bed with your baby it's important to know that this practice has been linked to a higher risk of SIDS particularly if a parent unintentionally is able to roll onto their infant while they sleep.
A fabric that is breathable will keep your baby comfortable and cool throughout the night. This is especially crucial if you plan to sleep with your baby as the risk of overheating when sleeping increases. The SnuzPod4 has a unique mesh side panel that is breathable that helps improve the airflow and keeps your baby comfortable in their mattress.