Newborn Bedside Cot
A crib for newborns is a tiny sleeper that allows babies to sleep in the same space as their parents, without the dangers of co-sleeping. (The AAP warns against this due to the risk of SIDS and inhalation.) It also makes mid-night nursing sessions and care much more convenient.
This sleeper has a sturdy mattress that can support the backs of babies and minimize the chance of SIDS. It can be swiveled on your adult bed so that you can lift your baby to cuddle them at sunrise or during midnight nursing.
Budget
A bedside crib, also known as a bassinet or co-sleeper is a bassinet type crib for babies that attaches to your existing bed. This lets you easily and safely reach your newborn for middle-of-the-night feeding or comforting cuddles. These are ideal for moms and babies recovering after a c section as they allow easy access to the baby without needing to get out of bed.
There are many different designs available, ranging from basic ones with just an upside-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 is older and is sleeping longer at night.
One of our top picks is the Maxi-Cosi Lora, which was nominated for the 2021 Mother&Baby awards for the categories of Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket. MFM home tester Emily commented how stylish and modern the design was. She also appreciated the fact that it could be used as a bassinet, or clipped to your bed for a safe side-by-side sleep. She also liked the plush mattress that was able to pass our test of firmness, and the fact that it features a manual rocking feature that can be adjusted to a slight slope for those suffering from reflux.
She didn't like that it had a non mesh panel on the bottom and thought it was too bulky to move around from room to room. She also found it to be a little heavy to carry up and down the stairs, especially when folded into a travel bag.
Size
A bedside cot is the bassinet style cot that can be fixed to your side of the bed. It allows you to easily reach your baby during the night for feeding nappies, feeding and comforting. It's also great for mothers recovering from the C-section.
The NHS and Lullaby Trust recommend that you keep your baby away from you for the first six months, to reduce the risk of SIDS. The crib at the bedside with its low sides, is a great way to do this. It allows you to access your baby easily throughout the night.
It is essential that your baby is sleeping on a firm, not an extremely soft mattress. Newborns don't have the motor control to turn over and a soft mattress could increase the chance of being suffocated. The breathable fabric and skin-friendly materials make the mattress comfortable for your baby but also sufficiently firm to be safe for your baby.
Mum Jasmin was pleased that the crib didn't take up much space in her bedroom and found it to be the ideal size for a newborn. The mattress she rated as excellent quality, in contrast to some that feel flimsy and thin. She also loves the fact that it has storage space underneath for clothes and bedding - something many other bassinets do not have.
MFM mum home test Mehack is a fan of the side wall that is removable that lets you lower it to make it easier access to your newborn. She also likes the fact that the legs can be tucked under the bed to look less bulky and take up less floor space. She's also impressed with the ease of being able to move around the house whenever you want to in the middle of the night, which is convenient for feedings and check-ins.
The winner of the Gold award in the 2021 Mother and Baby Awards and the CoZee Air is a popular choice for parents. It has a clever design with four pulleys that are built-in to raise or lower the crib. It comes with a large storage bin to store your baby's toys, blankets and other essentials. It is also lightweight and easy to assemble which makes it perfect for traveling with your baby.
Safety
When choosing a new baby's bedside cot it's important to keep the safety of your baby in your mind. The official safety sleep guidelines of both the Lullaby Trust and NHS recommends that babies do not sleep in their parents' beds due to the dangers of overheating, suffocation and a greater chance of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Bedside bassinets allow parents to keep their infants close to them, facilitating nighttime feedings, comforting, and monitoring without having to get up.
This close proximity also supports breastfeeding mothers as they can take care of their infant's needs without having to wake up completely, which can help to keep milk supply steady and enhance the breastfeeding experience. Some cots with a bedside are equipped with adjustable height options, which can help to ensure that the bassinet is at an appropriate height for mother and baby for easy access to mid-night feedings or other care.
Many bassinets have mattresses that are firm and designed to reduce the risk of suffocation, and is in line with industry standards. It is important to provide support for the bones of a newborn as they are still soft and are not fully formed. The mattress should be encased in a fitted cover to reduce the risk of suffocation from dust mites or other allergens. It should also be kept clean and free of allergens.
Some bedside cots have the ability to be tilted, which is useful for babies with reflux or digestive issues, however this should always be done with great caution and at a moderate angle. It is also important to avoid putting pillows, duvets, or padded crib bumpers to the bassinet as these can pose the risk of suffocation for your baby. They should only be used when the cot is on an even surface.
You should also think about the bassinet with an attachment system that is secure. This can be attached to your existing bed easily without the need for tools. This is particularly beneficial for parents who have difficulty get their child in and out of the crib or are worried about their baby accidentally rolling over during sleep. If your bassinet is equipped with secured attachments it is a good idea for you to regularly check it. Make sure there aren't any gaps and that the system is securely connected.
bedside cot co sleeper
If you're a parent-to-be and you're worried about the safety 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 newborn bedside crib is a bassinet style cot that is attached to the side of the bed. It allows you to safely lift your baby out towards you for feedings and comfort. It is also a great option for mothers who are recovering from a C section as it will not require you to get up or sit up.
A modern cot for infants should have a firm and flat mattress that can in promoting safe sleeping habits and decrease the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). The bedding should be kept simple with just the cot sheet and a blanket tucked in tightly at the bottom. Avoid bumpers, toys or pillows as these can fall on your baby and cause suffocation hazard. If your baby is used to being swaddled for several weeks and you want to use a swaddle, or a baby sleep bag. But, it should be removed once they have the strength to take them off.
Some cribs for bedside use an adjustable or drop-down side that allows for the baby to be easily accessible for comforting and feeding in the middle of the night. This is a good feature for parents who want to maintain a strong bond with their child while still following NHS safe sleep guidelines. If you're planning to co-sleep in the same bed as your child, it's important to understand 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 important safety factor, since it's designed to keep your baby cool and comfortable throughout the night. This is particularly crucial if you plan to co-sleep your newborn because the risk of overheating when sleeping increases. The SnuzPod4 is a unique, mesh side panel that is breathable that helps improve the flow of air and keep your baby snug in their mattress.