A newborn bedside cot is a tiny sleeper that allows newborns to sleep in the same space as their parents without the risks of true co-sleeping (which the AAP cautions against due suffocation and SIDS). It also makes middle-of-the-night nursing sessions and child care more convenient.
This sleeper features a firm mattress to support the backs of babies and reduce the risk of SIDS. It can be swiveled over your bed to make it easier for you to get your baby for nighttime nursing or cuddles at sunrise.
Budget
A bedside crib, also known as a bassinet or co-sleeper is a bassinet-style crib for babies that attaches to your existing bed. This allows you to reach your baby easily and safely for a late-night feed or cuddles. They are a great option for mums or new parents recovering from a c-section as they offer the baby with easy access and do not require you to get up.
There are many different designs available, from the basic ones with just an upside-down side to more sophisticated models that offer various adjustment options, such as the ability to tilt or raise. Many convert to an independent crib for napping during the daytime or when your baby is a few months old and sleeps longer at night.
Maxi-Cosi Lora is one our favorites. It was selected in the Best Cot category for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. MFM home tester Emily commented how stylish and modern the design was. She also appreciated the fact that it can be used as a bassinet or attached to your existing bed for a safe side-by-side sleep. She also liked the plush mattress, which passed our firmness test and also the fact that it has an automatic rocking feature that can be set to a slight tilt for reflux sufferers.
However, she wasn't a fan of the feature of a non-mesh panel at the lower end, and felt it was a bit heavy to move from room room regularly. It also felt a bit heavy to carry up and down the stairs when folded away into its bag for travel cot bedside crib.
Size
A bedside rocking crib cot is the bassinet style cot that can be fixed to the side of the bed. You can easily reach your baby's mouth to feed, change nappies, or to comfort them in the middle of the night. It's also great for mums recovering from a C-section.
The NHS and Lullaby Trust recommend that you keep your baby separate from you for the first 6 months to decrease the chance of SIDS. The crib at the bedside with its low sides is a great option to achieve this. It lets you be able to easily access your baby at night.
It is crucial that your infant sleeps on a firm mattress since it is safer than a mattress that is soft. A soft mattress can increase the risk of suffocation in newborns, since they lack the motor control necessary to turn. This mattress is made from skin-friendly and breathe-able materials. It's comfortable for your baby but sufficient to be secure.
Mum home test Jasmin was pleased with the fact that the crib doesn't take up too much space in her bedroom and she found the size to be perfect for a baby. The mattress she rated as also of good quality, as opposed to those that feel cheap and thin. She also appreciates that it has a storage space underneath for bedding and clothes - something many other bassinets don't.
MFM mom home tester Mehack is a fan of the side wall with a removable design that lets you lower it to make it easier access to your newborn. She also loves that legs fold into the bed so it does not look big or take up a lot of floor space. She's also impressed with the ease of being able to move around the house when you'd like in the middle of the night, which is convenient for meals and check-ins.
A winner of the Gold award at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards and the CoZee Air is a popular choice among parents. It has a clever design with four built-in pulleys to raise or lower the crib. It has a large storage basket for blankets, toys and other essentials. It is also lightweight and easy to put together, making it ideal for traveling with your baby.
Safety
When selecting a newborn bedside cot, you must keep the safety of your baby in your mind. The official safe sleep guidelines from both the Lullaby Trust and NHS recommends that babies do not sleep in their parents' beds due to the dangers of suffocation, overheating and a higher chance of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Bedside bassinets allow parents to keep their baby close, facilitating nighttime feedings, comforting and monitoring without the need to get out of bed.
This close proximity also helps breastfeeding mothers as they can attend to the needs of their infant without having to get up at all times, which can help to maintain milk supply and support the breastfeeding experience. Some 4-in-1 bedside crib cots come with adjustable height features that can aid the mother and child to reach the bassinet for feedings or other activities during the night.
Many bassinets have mattresses that are firm and designed to decrease the risk of suffocation and conforms to industry standards. It is essential to support the bones of a newborn, as they are still soft and not fully formed. The mattress should be covered with a fitted sheet in order to minimize the chance that dust mites, or other allergens, will cause a child to be suffocated. It should also be kept clean and free of irritants.
Some cots for bedside use can be tilted, which can be beneficial for babies suffering from reflux or digestive issues, however this should always be done with a lot of care and at a moderate angle. Avoid adding pillows, duvets, or padded crib bumpers to the bassinet. These could create a risk of suffocation for your baby.
You should also consider the bassinet with an attachment system that is secure. It can be attached to your bed without the need of tools. This feature can be particularly useful for parents who struggle to lift their child in and out of the crib or who are worried about accidentally rolling over in the night. If your bassinet is equipped with a secure attachment it is a great idea for you to check it regularly. Make sure there aren't any gaps and that the system is securely attached.
Comfort
If you're a parent-to-be and you're worried about the safety of your infant is undoubtedly one of your top concerns. There's a great sleep solution that allows you to keep your baby close during the night - without any of the risks that come with sharing a bed. The newborn bedside cot is basically a bassinet-style cot that is attached to the side of your bed and allows you to move them towards you for night feeding and soothing. It is also a great choice for mothers who are recovering from a C section as it will not require you to stand up or bend over.
A modern cot for infants should have a sturdy and flat mattress that can in promoting safe sleeping habits and lower the chance of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). The bedding should be simple, comprising a cot sheets and a blanket that is tightly tucked at the bottom. Avoid bumpers, toys or pillows because they can fall on your baby and create a danger of suffocation. If your baby is used to being swaddled during a few weeks and you want to use an swaddle or baby sleep bag. However, it is recommended that this be removed when they are strong enough to take them off.
Some bedside crib that turns into cot cribs have an open or removable side for easy access to your newborn for middle-of-the-night feeds and comforting. This feature is ideal for parents who wish to maintain a close relationship with their child while still following NHS guidelines on sleep. If you are planning to sleep with your child, it is important to be aware that this practice may increase the chance of SIDS. This is particularly true if a parent accidentally is able to roll their infant over during sleep.
A fabric that breathes will keep your baby comfortable and cool throughout the night. This is particularly important if you plan to sleep with your baby since the chance of overheating increases during sleep. The SnuzPod4 features an exclusive breathable side panel, which helps increase airflow, keeping your baby warm.
