Newborn Bedside Cot
A crib for newborns is a small sleeping device that allows babies to sleep in the same room as their parents without the dangers of co-sleeping. (The AAP warns against this because of the dangers of SIDS and the risk of suffocation.) It makes it easier to care for your infant and feed them in the middle of the night.
This sleeper has a mattress that is firm and supports babies' backs, reducing the chance of SIDS. It can swivel over your bed to allow you to lift your baby for nighttime nursing or sunrise cuddles.
Budget
A bedside cot, sometimes referred to as a co-sleeper is an infant cot with a bassinet design that can be attached to your existing bed. This lets you easily and safely reach your newborn for middle-of-the-night feeding or cuddles. They are a great option for mums or new parents recovering from a c-section as they provide easy access to baby and do not require you to get out of bed.
There are many different designs available, from the basic ones with just an upside-down side to more sophisticated ones that have multiple adjustment options, including the ability to tilt or raise. The majority of them can be converted to a separate crib when your baby is older and sleeps longer in the night.
One of our favourites is the Maxi-Cosi Lora which was nominated for the 2021 Mother&Baby awards, including Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket. MFM home tester Emily expressed her delight at how stylish and modern the design is, while she appreciated the feature that you can use it as a regular bassinet or clip it to a bed to ensure that you can sleep side-by-side. She also appreciated its luxurious mattress which has passed our tests for firmness and it also has an adjustable manual inclining feature for those suffering from reflux.
However, she wasn't a fan of the feature of a non-mesh panel on the bottom and felt it was a bit heavy to move from room to room frequently. When it was folded into its travel bag, she found it a bit heavy to carry up the stairs.
Size
A bedside cot is the bassinet style cot that can be fixed to the side of the bed. It's easy to reach your baby for feedings, changing nappies or just to soothe them in the middle of the night. It's ideal for mothers recovering from a c-section.
The NHS and Lullaby Trust advise that you keep your baby in the same room as you, but keep them separate from you for the first six months as this can help reduce the risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). A crib for your bed is a safe method to achieve this because it is low-sided and allows you to easily reach your baby during the night.
It is crucial that your infant sleeps on a firm mattress since it is more secure than a mattress that is soft. A soft mattress can increase the risk of suffocation in infants as they do not have the motor control required to turn. The breathable fabric and skin-friendly materials make this mattress comfortable for your baby but also firm enough for safety.
Mum home test Jasmin liked that this crib does not take up much space in her bedroom and she found the size perfect for a newborn. She also said that the mattress was of high-quality, unlike others which feel thin and flimsy. She also likes the fact that it has a storage area underneath for clothes and blankets which she claims many bassinets don't have.
Mehack Mehack, an MFM mom who tried 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 appreciates that the legs can be tucked under the bed to make it appear less bulky and take up less floor space. She is also impressed by how it was easy to move around her house when she needed to do check-ins and feedings during the night.
The winner of the Gold award in the 2021 Mother and Baby Awards, the CoZee Air is a popular choice amongst parents. It is a clever design with four pulleys that can be used to raise or lower your crib. There is also baby bedside co sleeper that can be used to store blankets, toys and other items. It's also easy to assemble and lightweight and portable, which is ideal to travel with your baby.
Safety
When selecting a newborn bedside cot, it is important to keep the safety aspect in your mind. The official safety sleep guidelines of both the Lullaby Trust and NHS recommends that babies not sleep in parent's beds because of the risks of suffocation, overheating and a greater chance of suffering from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Bedside bassinets allow parents to keep their baby close, facilitating feeding at night, comforting and monitoring without having to get out of bed.
This close proximity can support breastfeeding mothers, as it lets them attend to the needs of their infant while also sleeping. This can help to maintain the supply of milk and encourage breastfeeding. Some cots for bedside have adjustable height features, which will help ensure that the bassinet is an appropriate height for mother and baby, allowing easy access for middle-of-the-night feedings or care.
Many bassinets come with a firm mattress that is designed to minimize the chance of suffocation and is in line with industry standards. This is essential because newborn's bones are brittle and not fully developed and require support to prevent damage. The mattress should be covered with a fitted sheet to minimize the chance that dust mites, or other allergens, will choke a child. It should be kept clean and free of allergens.
Some cots with a bedside can be tilted. This can be beneficial for babies with reflux or digestive issues, however this should be done with great caution and at a gentle angle. Avoid putting pillows, duvets or padded crib bumpers to the bassinet. They could pose the risk of suffocation your baby.
You should also think about the bassinet with a secure attachment system. This can be connected to your existing bed easily without the need of tools. This can be especially useful for parents who struggle to get their child into and out of the cot or who are worried about accidentally falling asleep. If your bassinet is equipped with an attachment that is secure it is a good idea for you to regularly check it. Make sure there are no gaps, and that the system is securely attached.
Comfort
If you're a parent-to-be, the safety of your infant is undoubtedly one of your top priorities. Thankfully, there's an innovative sleep solution that lets you keep your baby close to you throughout the night, without any of the risks that come with bed-sharing. The newborn bedside crib is a cot that resembles a bassinet that can be attached to the side of the bed. It allows you to safely lift your baby out to you for feedings at night and soothing. It is also a great option for mothers recovering from a C-section since it will not require you to stand or bend over.
A modern bedside cot for newborns should have a sturdy, flat mattress to help in promoting safe sleeping habits and decrease the chance of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Bedding should be simple with a cot sheet and a blanket tightly tucked at the bottom. Avoid bumpers, toys and pillows that can be thrown over your baby, creating the risk of suffocation. If your baby is used to being swaddled for a few weeks and you want to use an swaddle or baby sleep bag. However, it is recommended that this be removed once they have the strength to remove them.
Some cribs for bedside use an open or removable side for easy access to your baby's feeds and comforting. This is a wonderful feature for parents looking to keep an intimate relationship with their child, while adhering to NHS safe sleep guidelines. If you're planning to sleep in the same bed as your baby, it's important to understand that this practice has been associated with an increased risk of SIDS, particularly in the event that a parent falls on their infant during sleep.
A breathable fabric is another important safety feature, as it's designed to keep your baby cool and comfortable throughout the night. This is particularly important if you intend to co-sleep your newborn since the risk of being overheated in the night increases. The SnuzPod4 features a unique side panel made of breathable mesh that helps improve airflow and keep your baby snug in their bed.