Newborn Bedside Cot
A newborn bedside cot is a compact sleeper that allows new babies to sleep in the same space as their parents without the risk of sleeping together (which the AAP cautions against due SIDS and suffocation). It helps you care for your baby and give them a bottle throughout the night.
This sleeper has a sturdy mattress that is designed to support the backs of babies and reduce the chance of SIDS. It can be rotated over your adult bed so that you can raise your baby to cuddle them at sunrise or during nighttime nursing.
Budget
A bedside crib, also known as a co-sleeper or bassinet is a bassinet-style crib that can be attached to your existing bed. This allows you to reach your baby comfortably and safely for a late-night feed or comforting cuddle. These are ideal for mothers and new parents recovering from a c-section because they allow the baby to be easily accessible without having to get up from the bed.
There are a variety of designs available that range from basic models with just a drop-down side to more sophisticated ones that can be adjusted in multiple ways, including incline and height options. Most can be converted into a standalone crib when your baby grows older and is sleeping longer 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 on how stylish and modern the design is and she was impressed by the feature that you can use it as a regular bassinet, or clip it to a bed to sleep side-by-side in a safe and secure manner. She also appreciated the soft mattress, which passed our firmness test and also the fact that it features a manual rocking feature that can be adjusted to a slight slope for reflux sufferers.
However, she didn't like the design of the non-mesh panel on the bottom and thought it was a bit bulky to move from room to room frequently. She also found it a little heavy to carry up and down the stairs, especially when folded away into its travel bag.
Size
A bedside cot is basically a bassinet-style cot that fixes to your side of the bed. It lets you easily reach your newborn for middle-of-the-night feeding, nappies and comforting. It's great for mothers who are recovering from an o-section.
The NHS and Lullaby Trust advise you to keep your baby in the same space as you, but separated from you for the first six months as this can help reduce the risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). The bedside crib, with its low sides, is a great option to do this. It allows you to be able to easily access your baby during the night.
It is crucial that your baby sleeps on a firm, not an extremely soft mattress. Infants don't have the motor control needed to turn and a mattress that is soft can increase the chance of drowning. This mattress is made of skin-friendly and air-tight materials. It is comfortable for your baby, but firm enough to be safe.
Mum Jasmin was pleased that the crib didn't take up the entire space in her room and thought it was the ideal size for a newborn. The mattress she rated as also of good quality, as opposed to some that feel flimsy and thin. She also loves that it has a storage compartment beneath to store blankets and clothing - something she says many bassinets don't have.
MFM mum home test Mehack is a fan of the side wall with a removable design that lets you lower it to make it easier access to your baby. bedside crib or cot likes the fact that legs fold into the bed so it doesn't appear big or take up a lot of floor space. She's also amazed by how easy it is to move around the house when you need to, for convenience during middle-of-the-night feedings and check-ins.
The CoZee Air crib is a favourite among parents. It was awarded the Gold Award in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It is a clever design with four pulleys that can be used to raise or lower your crib. There's also an ample basket for blankets, toys and other items. It's also easy to assemble and light and portable, which is ideal for travelling with your baby.
Safety
It is crucial to think about safety when choosing a newborn bedside crib. The official safety sleep guidelines of both the Lullaby Trust and NHS recommends that babies do not be sleeping in the bed of their parents due to the risk of overheating, suffocation and a higher chance of suffering from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). 4-in-1 bedside crib enable parents to keep their babies close, facilitating night time feedings as well as comforting and monitoring without having to get up.
This close proximity also supports breastfeeding mothers by allowing them to attend to their baby's needs without waking up in the middle of the night and can help keep milk supply steady and enhance the breastfeeding experience. Some cots with a bedside are equipped with adjustable height options, which will help ensure that the bassinet is a comfortable height for both mother and baby for easy access to mid-night feedings or other care.
Many bassinets come with a firm mattress that is designed to minimize the risk of suffocation and is in line with industry standards. It is crucial to support the bones of a newborn as they are still soft and are not fully formed. The mattress should be covered with a fitted sheet to decrease the risk that dust mites, or other allergens, can choke a child. It must be kept free of allergens and clean.
Some cribs on the bed can be tilted. This is helpful for babies with digestive or reflux issues. However, this should only be done gently and with caution. Avoid adding pillows, duvets or padded crib bumpers to the bassinet. These could create the risk of suffocation to your baby.
It's also worth considering an adjustable bassinet with a secure attachment system that can be easily attached to your bed without the need for tools. This feature is especially useful for parents who find it difficult to carry their child into and out of the crib or are concerned about their child falling asleep. If your bassinet has secured attachments it is a good idea to check it regularly. Check to ensure there aren't any gaps and that the system is securely connected.
Comfort
If you are a soon-to-be parent, your baby's safety is one of your primary concerns. There's a new solution to sleep that lets you keep your baby close to you at night without the risk of sharing a bed. The crib for newborns is a cot that resembles a bassinet that can be attached to the side of the bed. It lets you safely lift your baby out to you for night feedings and soothing. It also makes an excellent choice for mothers recovering from a c-section, since it makes it less necessary to bend too much or even take a step out of bed.
Modern bedside cots for newborns should have a flat, firm mattress to encourage safe sleeping habits and reduce the risk Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. The bedding should be simple, with only the sheet for the cot and blanket that is tightly tucked into the bottom. Avoid toys, bumpers and pillows that can be thrown over your baby, creating the risk 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 this should be removed when possible after they've developed the strength to unwrap themselves.
Some cribs with a bedside have an open or removable side for easy access to your baby for feedings in the middle of the night and comforting. This feature is perfect for parents who wish to maintain a close relationship with their child but still adhere to NHS guidelines on sleep. If you're planning to sleep with your child, it is important to know that this practice may increase the risk of SIDS. This is especially the case if a parent falls on their child during sleep.
A fabric that breathes will keep your baby comfy and cool throughout the night. This is especially crucial if you intend to co-sleep with your newborn since the chance of overheating increases during sleep. The SnuzPod4 is a unique, breathable mesh side panel that aids in improving the airflow and keeps your baby comfortable in their bed.