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 recommends against due to suffocation and SIDS). It also makes middle-of-the-night nursing sessions and child care simpler.
This sleeper has an extremely firm mattress that can support babies' backs, reducing the risk of SIDS. It can be swiveled on your adult bed to lift your baby to snuggle them at sunrise or for midnight nursing.
Budget
A bedside cot, sometimes referred to as a co-sleeper, is a bassinet-style baby cot that clips or attaches to your existing bed. This lets you reach your baby comfortably and safely for a late-night feed, comforting, or cuddles. These are great for moms and babies recovering from a csection because they provide easy access to the baby without having to get up from bed.
There are a variety of styles available, ranging from basic ones with just a drop down side to more sophisticated ones with multiple adjustment options, including an incline or a height. The majority of them can be converted to a standalone crib when your baby grows older and sleeps 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 said she was impressed by how chic and contemporary the design is, while she appreciated the possibility of using it as a regular bassinet, or clip it to a bed to ensure that you can sleep side-by-side. She also adored its soft mattress that passed our firmness tests and it also has a manual inclining function for those suffering from reflux.
However, she didn't like the fact that it had a non-mesh panel at the bottom and thought it was a bit heavy to move from room room frequently. When folded into its travel bag she found it a bit heavy to carry up the stairs.
Size
bedside cots cots4tots is a bassinet that is attached to the side of your bed. It is easy to reach your baby's mouth to feed them, change nappies or just to soothe them during the night. It's perfect for mothers recovering from an o-section.
The NHS and Lullaby Trust advise you to keep your baby in the same room as you but separate from you for the first six months, because this will reduce the chance of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). The bedside crib with its low sides, is a great way to do this. It lets you be able to easily access your baby during the night.
It is crucial that your baby sleeps on a firm and not an extremely soft mattress. A soft mattress can increase the risk of suffocation for infants as they lack the motor control necessary to turn. This mattress is made from skin-friendly and air-tight materials. It is comfortable for your baby, yet firm enough to be safe.
Mum Jasmin was happy that the crib didn't occupy too the entire space in her room and found it to be the ideal size for a baby. She also said that the mattress was of high-quality unlike other cribs that feel thin and flimsy. She also likes the fact that it has a storage area underneath for clothes and blankets which she believes many bassinets don't 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 likes that legs fold under 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 when you'd like in the middle of the night, which is convenient for feedings and check-ins.
A winner of a Gold award at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, the CoZee Air is a popular choice amongst parents. It features a unique design that has four pulleys that can be used to raise or lower your crib. There is also a large basket for blankets, toys and other essentials. It is also light and easy to assemble, making it ideal for traveling with your baby.
Safety
It's important to consider safety when choosing the crib for your newborn. The Lullaby Trust, as well as the NHS, recommend that babies not sleep in their parents' beds due to the risk of suffocation and sudden infant death syndrome. Bassinets that are placed in bed let parents keep their baby close and allow for nighttime feedings, comforting and monitoring without needing to leave their bed.
This close proximity also helps breastfeeding mothers by allowing them to attend to their baby's needs without waking up at all times, which can help to keep milk supply steady and enhance the breastfeeding experience. Some cots for bedside use adjustable height features that can help mother and child to access the bassinet for feedings or other care throughout the night.
Many bassinets are equipped with a firm mattress, which is designed to decrease the risk of suffocation and is in line with industry standards. This is important because a baby's bones are fragile and not fully developed, and require support to avoid damage. The mattress should be covered with an appropriate sheet to minimize the chance that dust mites or other allergens, can suffocate a child. It must be kept free of allergens and clean.
Some cots with a bedside have the ability to be tilted, which can be beneficial for babies suffering from reflux or digestive issues, but it should be done with extreme caution and at a moderate angle. Avoid putting pillows, duvets, or padded crib bumpers in the bassinet. They could pose the risk of suffocation to your baby.
It's also worth thinking about a bassinet with a secure attachment system that can be easily attached to your existing bed without the need for tools. This is particularly beneficial for parents who struggle to lift their child into and out of the crib or are worried about their child falling asleep. 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 connected.
Comfort
If you're a soon-to-be parent, the comfort of your child is among your top concerns. Thankfully, there's an innovative sleep solution that allows you to keep your baby close during the night - without any of the dangers that come with bed-sharing. The infant bedside cot an essentially a bassinet-style crib which is fixed to the bed's side, allowing you to safely take them away to feed them at night and soothe. It's also a great choice for mothers who are recovering from a C-section since it eliminates the need to stand up or bend over.
A modern cot for infants should have a sturdy and flat mattress that can ensure a safe sleep and reduce the chance of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). The bedding should be simple, with only the cot sheet and a blanket tucked tightly at the bottom. Avoid bumpers, toys or pillows since they could fall on your baby and cause danger of suffocation. If your baby is used to being swaddled you can use a swaddle or baby sleep bag for the initial few weeks, but it should be removed as soon as you can once they've gained the strength to unwrap themselves.
Some cribs with a bedside have an open or removable side for easy access to your baby's feeds and comforting. This is a wonderful feature for parents looking to maintain a strong bond with their child, while adhering to NHS safe sleep advice. However, if you're considering sleeping in the same bed as your baby it's important to know that this practice has been associated with an increased risk of SIDS particularly if a parent unintentionally falls 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 particularly crucial if you intend to co-sleep with your newborn, as the risk of overheating is higher when you sleep. The SnuzPod4 features a unique, breathable side panel, which helps increase the flow of air, keeping your baby cool.