Newborn Bedside Cot
A newborn bedside cot is a small sleeper that allows newborns to share a space as their parents without the risks of true co-sleeping (which the AAP advises against due to SIDS and suffocation). It also makes middle-of-the-night nursing sessions and child care easier.
This sleeper has a sturdy mattress that is designed to support the backs of babies and decrease the chance of SIDS. It can swivel over your adult bed to allow you to carry your baby out for midnight nursing or cuddles at sunrise.
Budget
A bedside cot, also known as a co-sleeper, the bassinet-style baby cot that is attached or clipped to your existing bed. This lets you reach your baby quickly and safely for a nighttime feed or cuddles. These are perfect for moms and babies recovering from a c-section because they provide easy access to the baby without having to get up from bed.
There are a variety of designs available, from the simple ones with the drop-down side, to more sophisticated models that have various adjustment options, such as incline or height. Most can be converted into a separate crib when your baby grows older and has a longer sleep time at night.
One of our favourites is the Maxi-Cosi Lora that was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby awards for Best Cot Crib, Best Cot or Moses Basket. MFM home tester Emily commented on how stylish and modern the design is as well as the feature that you can use it as a regular bassinet or attach it to a bed for safe side-by-side sleeping. She also liked the plush mattress that has passed our test for firmness and also the fact that it has a manual rocking function that can be adjusted to a slight slope for those suffering from reflux.
But she wasn't thrilled with the fact that it had a non-mesh panel at its bottom and thought it was a bit bulky to move from room room frequently. When folded into its travel bag, she found it quite heavy to carry up the stairs.
Size
A bedside cot is basically the bassinet style cot that can be fixed to the side of the bed. It's easy to reach your baby's mouth for feedings, changing nappies, or to comfort them during the night. It's also great for mothers recovering from the C-section.
The NHS and Lullaby Trust recommend that you keep your baby separated from you during the first six months, to decrease the chance of SIDS. A crib that is placed near your bed is a safe method to accomplish this since it has low sides and lets you easily access your newborn throughout the night.
It is important that your baby sleeps on a firm and not an extremely soft mattress. Infants don't have the motor control to turn over and a mattress that is soft can increase the chance of drowning. This mattress is made from skin-friendly and air-tight materials. It is comfortable for your baby, yet firm enough to ensure safety.
Mum Jasmin was delighted that the crib didn't take up much space in her bedroom and found it to be the ideal size for a newborn. She also said that the mattress was also good quality, unlike those that feel cheap and thin. She also appreciates that it has a storage compartment beneath for blankets and clothes which she claims many other bassinets lack.
MFM mum home test Mehack is a huge fan of the side wall that is removable that lets you drop it down to give easy access to your baby. She also loves that legs fold into the bed so it doesn't appear heavy or take up a lot of floor space. She's also impressed with how it was simple to move around her home in the event of checks and feedings during the night.
The CoZee Air crib is a favorite among parents. It was awarded the Gold Award in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It features a smart design with four pulleys that are built-in to raise or lower the crib. It also has a large storage basket to store your baby's blankets, toys and other necessities. It is also light and easy to assemble, making it ideal to travel with your baby.
Safety
It's important to consider safety when choosing a newborn bedside crib. The official safety sleep guidelines of both the Lullaby Trust and NHS recommends that babies should not sleep in parent's beds due to the risk of overheating, suffocation and a greater chance of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Bassinets for bedside use let parents keep their infant close to help with night-time feedings and monitoring without needing 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 in the middle of the night and help keep the supply of milk steady and help the breastfeeding experience. Some cots for bedside have adjustable height features that will help ensure that the bassinet is at an appropriate height for mother and baby, allowing easy access to mid-night feedings or other care.
A majority of bassinets come with a mattress that is designed to decrease the risk of suffocation and meets industry standards. It is important to support the bones of a newborn, since they are still fragile and are not fully formed. The mattress should be covered with a fitted sheet in order to decrease the risk that dust mites, or other allergens, can choke a child. It must be kept clean and free of allergens.
Some bedside cribs can be tilted. This is beneficial for babies who have digestive or reflux issues. But, it should be done with care and with care. Avoid placing pillows, duvets, or padded crib bumpers to the bassinet. These could create the risk of suffocation your baby.
You should also think about a bassinet that has a secure attachment system. This can be connected to your bed without the need of tools. This can be especially beneficial for parents who struggle to lift their child in and out of the cot, or concerned about the possibility of rolling over during sleep. If your bassinet is equipped with secured attachments, it is a good idea to check it frequently. Check to ensure there aren't any gaps and that the system is securely attached.
Comfort
If you're a soon-to-be parent, your baby's safety is one of your main concerns. Thankfully, there's an innovative sleep solution that allows you to keep your baby close throughout the night - without any of the dangers that come with sharing a bed. The newborn bedside cot is essentially a bassinet-style cot that fixes to the side of your bed, allowing you to safely take them away to feed them at night and soothe. It is also a great choice for mothers recovering from a C-section as it will not require you to get up or sit up.
Modern cots for infants should be fitted with a firm, flat mattress to encourage safe sleep habits and lower the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. The bedding should be kept as simple as possible, with only the sheets for the cot and a blanket tucked in tightly at the bottom. Avoid bedside crib and travel cot , toys or pillows since they could be thrown over your baby and pose a suffocation hazard. If your baby is used to being swaddled, you can use a swaddle or a baby sleep bag for the initial few weeks, but it should be removed as soon as you can once they've developed the strength to unwrap themselves.
Some cribs for bedside use a removable or drop-down side that allows for the baby to be easily accessible to feed and comfort them in the middle of the night. This is a wonderful option for parents who wish to maintain a strong bond with their child, while adhering to NHS safe sleep guidelines. However, if you're planning to sleep in the same bed as your baby it's important to know that this practice has been linked to a higher risk of SIDS, particularly if a parent unintentionally falls on their infant during sleep.
A fabric that is breathable is an essential safety feature, as it's designed to keep your baby cool and comfortable throughout the night. bedside crib and travel cot is particularly important if you plan to co-sleep your newborn because the risk of overheating during sleep increases. The SnuzPod4 has a unique breathable side panel that aids in improving airflow, keeping your baby cool.