Newborn Bedside Cot
A newborn bedside cot is a small sleeper that allows babies to share the same space as their parents without the dangers of co-sleeping (which the AAP advises against due to suffocation and SIDS). It also makes nursing sessions and child care simpler.
This sleeper has an extremely firm mattress that can support babies backs, which reduces the risk of SIDS. It can be rotated over your adult bed to allow you to carry your baby to the top to cuddle them at sunrise or during late night nursing.
Budget
A bedside cot, also known as a co-sleeper, the bassinet-style baby cot that is attached or clipped to your bed. This allows you to reach your baby quickly and safely for a mid-night feed or cuddles. These are great for mothers and new parents recovering after a c section as they allow easy access to the baby without having to get up from bed.
There are a variety of designs on the market starting with basic models that have just a drop-down side to more advanced ones that can be adjusted in several ways with incline and height options. Many can be converted into an independent crib once your baby grows older and is sleeping longer in the night.
Maxi-Cosi Lora is one our favorites. It was nominated in the Best Cot category for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. MFM home tester Emily expressed her delight at how stylish and contemporary the design is, while she appreciated the fact 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 the soft mattress that passed our firmness test, and the fact that it features an automatic rocking feature that can be set to a slight tilt for those suffering from reflux.
However, she wasn't a fan of the design of the non-mesh panel at the lower end, and thought it was a bit bulky to move from room room frequently. She also found it to be a bit heavy to carry up and down the stairs, especially when folded away into its travel bag.
Size
A bedside cot is a bassinet-style cot that fixes to the side of your bed. It allows you to easily reach your newborn for middle-of-the-night feeding nappies, feeding and comforting. It's great for mothers who are recovering from an o-section.
The NHS and Lullaby Trust advise that you keep your baby in the same space as you, but separated from you for the first six months since this will help decrease the risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). The crib at the bedside, with its low sides is a great way to do this. It allows you to be able to easily access your baby throughout the night.
It is crucial that your baby sleeps on a firm, not a soft mattress. A mattress that is soft can increase the risk of suffocation in newborns, since they lack the motor control necessary to turn. The soft, breathable fabric and skin-friendly materials make this mattress comfortable for your baby, but firm enough for safety.
Mum home tester Jasmin loved that the crib does not take up much space in her bedroom, and she found the size perfect for a newborn. She also noted that the mattress was of good quality, unlike others which are thin and fragile. She also likes the fact that it has a storage space underneath for bedding and clothes - something many other bassinets do not have.
MFM mom home test Mehack is a huge fan of the side wall that is removable that lets you lower it down for easy access to your newborn. She also likes the fact that the legs can be tucked under the bed to make it appear less bulky and take up less space on the floor. She's also amazed by how easy it is to move around the house when you want to in the middle of the night, which is convenient for feedings and check-ins.
The winner of the Gold award at the 2021 Mother and Baby Awards The CoZee Air is a popular choice amongst parents. It features a smart design with four built-in pulleys to raise or lower the crib and includes a large storage basket for toys, blankets and other essentials. It's also easy to put together and light in weight and portable, which is ideal to travel with your baby.
Safety
It's important to consider the safety aspect when selecting the crib for your newborn. The Lullaby Trust, as well as the NHS advise that babies don't sleep in their parents' beds due to the possibility of suffocation and sudden infant death syndrome. Bedside bassinets enable parents to keep their newborns close, which allows for nighttime feedings as well as monitoring without the need to get out of bed.
This close proximity also assists breastfeeding mothers by allowing them to attend to the needs of their infant without having to wake up at all times, which can help to keep milk supply steady and enhance the breastfeeding experience. Some bedside cots come with adjustable height options that can aid both the mother and baby to get into the bassinet for feedings or other activities throughout the night.
A majority of bassinets come with a mattress that is designed to reduce the risk of suffocation and is in line with industry standards. This is crucial because a newborn's bones are soft and not fully developed and require support to prevent damage. The mattress should be covered with a fitted sheet in order to decrease the risk that dust mites, as well as other allergens, could cause a child to be suffocated. It must be kept clean and free of allergens.
Some bedside cribs can be tilted. This is beneficial for babies with reflux or digestive issues. However, it should be done slowly and with care. Avoid placing pillows, duvets, or padded crib bumpers to the bassinet. They could pose the risk of suffocation to your baby.
It's also worth thinking about an infant bassinet that has a secure attachment system that can be easily fixed to your bed without the necessity of tools. This feature is especially useful for parents who find it difficult to lift their child into and out of the crib or are concerned about their child rolling over while sleeping. If your bassinet does have secured attachments it's a good idea to regularly make sure it's secure and that there aren't any gaps or loose parts that could pose a hazard.
Comfort
If you're planning to become a parent, your baby's safety is one of your primary concerns. Thankfully, there's an innovative sleep solution that allows you to keep your baby close throughout the night, without any of the risks that come with sharing a bed. The crib for newborns is a bassinet-style cot that is attached to the side of the bed. It lets you safely carry your baby to you for night feedings and comfort. It's also a great choice for mothers who are recovering from a C-section since it eliminates the need to stand up or bend over.
Modern bedside cots for babies should be fitted with a firm, flat mattress to promote safe sleeping habits and reduce the risk Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. The bedding should be simple, with just a cot sheet and blanket tucked tightly at the bottom. Avoid toys, bumpers and pillows that can fall on your baby, posing the risk of suffocation. If click here has been 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 after they are strong enough to unwrap them.
Some cribs for bedside use a removable or drop-down side that provides an easy access to your baby for feeding and comfort during the middle of the night. This feature is ideal for parents who want to maintain a close relationship with their child, but still adhere to NHS sleep guidelines. If you plan to co-sleep with your child, it's crucial to be aware that this practice can increase the risk of SIDS. This is particularly when a parent accidentally falls on their child when they are asleep.
A fabric that is breathable will keep your baby comfy and cool throughout the night. This is especially crucial if you intend to co-sleep with your newborn, as the risk of being overheated increases during sleep. The SnuzPod4 comes with an exclusive breathable side panel, which helps increase airflow, keeping your baby cool.