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 dangers of co-sleeping (which the AAP cautions against due suffocation and SIDS). It also makes middle-of-the-night nursing sessions and child care easier.
This sleeper has a sturdy mattress that is designed to help babies' backs and reduce the chance of SIDS. It can swivel over the bed of your adult to make it easier for you to get your baby for nighttime nursing or sunrise cuddles.
Budget
A bedside cot, also known as a co-sleeper is the bassinet-style baby cot that clips or attaches to your existing bed. This lets you comfortably and safely reach your baby during the night for feeding, comforting or cuddles. They are a great choice for new parents or mums recovering from a csection as they allow an easy access to baby and don't require you to get up from your bed.
There are many different designs that are available, from the basic ones that have a drop down side to more sophisticated models that have multiple adjustment options, including incline or height. Many can be converted into a standalone crib when your baby gets older and sleeps longer in the night.
One of our favourites is the Maxi-Cosi Lora which was shortlisted for 2021 Mother&Baby awards for the categories of Best Cot Crib, Best Cot or Moses Basket. MFM home tester Emily commented on how stylish and contemporary the design is, while she appreciated the possibility of using it as a regular bassinet or connect it to a bed to sleep side-by-side in a safe and secure manner. She also liked its plush mattress that passed our firmness tests and also that it comes with an adjustable manual inclining feature for those suffering from reflux.
She wasn't a fan of the fact that it had a non mesh panel on the bottom and considered it too bulky to move from room to room. She also found it a little heavy to carry up and down the stairs once it was folded up into its travel bag.
Size
A bedside cot is the bassinet style cot that can be fixed to the side of your bed. It lets you easily reach your baby for mid-night feeding nappies, comforting and feeding. It's great for mothers who are recovering from a c-section.
The NHS and Lullaby Trust recommend that you keep your baby away from you during the first 6 months to decrease the chance of SIDS. A crib that is placed near your bed is a safe method to achieve this because it has low sides and lets you be able to easily access your baby during the night.
It is crucial that your infant sleeps on a firm mattress as this is safer than a mattress that is soft. Babies don't have motor control to turn over and a mattress that is soft could increase the chance of suffocation. The breathable fabric and skin-friendly materials make this mattress comfortable for your baby, but sufficiently firm to be safe for your baby.
Mum home test Jasmin loved that the crib doesn't take up too much space in her bedroom. Also, she found the size to be perfect for a newborn. She also said that the mattress was of good quality and not like other mattresses that feel thin and flimsy. She also loves the fact that it has a storage space underneath for clothes and bedding which many bassinets do not have.
Mehack Mehack, an MFM mum who tested the product at home, loves that you can remove the wall on the side to allow for easier access to your baby. She also loves that legs fold under the bed so it does not look bulky or take up a lot of floor space. She's also amazed by how easy it is to move around the house as you'd like in the middle of the night, which is convenient for feedings and check-ins.
The CoZee Air crib is a popular choice for parents. It was awarded a Gold Award at the 2021 Mother and Baby Awards. It has a clever design that has four pulleys that can be used to raise or lower your crib. There's also an enormous basket that can be used to store blankets, toys, and other essentials. It's also easy to put together and light in weight and portable, which is ideal for travelling with your baby.
Safety
It is crucial to think about the safety of the crib for your newborn. Official safe sleep advice from both the Lullaby Trust and NHS recommends that babies not sleep in parent's beds due to the risk of overheating, suffocation and a greater chance of suffering from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Bedside bassinets allow parents to keep their infant close, facilitating night-time feedings as well as monitoring and comforting without having to get out of bed.
This close proximity can also help breastfeeding mothers as it allows them to attend to the baby's needs while they sleep. This can help maintain the supply of milk and also encourage breastfeeding. Some bedside cots come with adjustable height options that can make it easier for both the mother and baby to get into the bassinet for feedings or other care during the night.
A lot of bassinets have a firm mattress, which is designed to minimize the risk of suffocation and is in line with 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 injury. The mattress should be covered in a fitted cover to decrease the chance of suffocation from dust mites and other allergens and kept hygienically clean and free from irritants.
Some cots with a bedside can be tilted. This can be beneficial for babies suffering from reflux or digestive issues, however this should be done with great caution and at a gentle angle. 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 thinking about an infant bassinet that has an attached system that is secure and can be easily attached to your bed without the need for tools. This is particularly beneficial for parents who have difficulty carry their child into and out of the crib or are worried about their child accidentally falling asleep. If your bassinet is equipped with secured attachments, it's recommended to regularly make sure it's secure and that there aren't gaps or loose parts that could cause danger.
Comfort
If you are a soon-to-be parent, your baby's comfort is among your top concerns. Thankfully, there's an innovative sleep solution that lets you keep your baby close during the night - without any of the dangers that come with sharing beds. The crib for newborns is a bassinet-style cot that can be attached to the side of the bed. It lets you safely lift your baby out to you for feedings at night and soothing. It also makes a great choice for mums recovering from a csection, as it reduces the need to bend too much or even get out of the bed.
Modern bedside cots for newborns should include a firm, flat mattress to encourage safe sleep habits and reduce the risk Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. The bedding should be simple and consist of only the sheet for the cot and blanket that is tightly tucked into the bottom. Avoid bedside crib with wheels , toys, and pillows that could be thrown over your baby, creating the risk of suffocation. If bedside crib with wheels is familiar with being swaddled, you can use a swaddle or a baby sleep bag for the first few weeks, although this should be removed as soon as possible once they've gained the strength to pull themselves out of the wrap.
Some cribs for bedside use an open or removable side that allows easy access to your baby's feeds and comforting. This is a great feature for parents who want to keep a strong bond with their child, but still adhere to NHS safe sleep guidelines. If you are planning to sleep with your child, it is important to be aware that this practice may increase the risk of SIDS. This is particularly true if a parent accidentally 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 important if you plan to sleep with your newborn, as the risk of overheating is higher when you sleep. The SnuzPod4 has a unique breathable side panel that aids in improving the flow of air, keeping your baby warm.