Newborn Bedside Cot
A newborn bedside cot is a small sleeper that allows babies to sleep in the same space as their parents without the dangers of co-sleeping (which the AAP recommends against due to SIDS and suffocation). It helps you take care of your baby and nurse them throughout the night.
This mattress is a firm mattress that is designed to support babies' backs and minimize the chance of SIDS. It can be rotated over your adult bed so that you can carry your baby to the top to snuggle them at sunrise or for nighttime nursing.
Budget
A bedside crib, also referred to as a bassinet or cosleeper is a bassinet-style crib that can be attached to your existing bed. This allows you to easily and safely reach your newborn for middle-of-the-night feeding or cuddles. These are perfect for mothers and new parents recovering from a c-section because they provide the baby to be easily accessible without having to get up from the bed.
There are lots of different designs on the market that range from basic models with just a drop-down option to more sophisticated models that can be adjusted in several ways with incline and height options. Many convert to a separate crib for daytime naps or when your baby is about months old and sleeping longer at night.
One of our favourites is the Maxi-Cosi Lura, which was shortlisted for 2021 Mother&Baby awards in Best Cot Crib, Best Cot, or Moses Basket. MFM home tester Emily noted how stylish and modern the design was. She also appreciated the fact that it could be used as a bassinet or clipped 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 a manual rocking feature that can be set to a slight tilt for those suffering from reflux.
But she wasn't thrilled with the fact that it had a non-mesh panel on the bottom and felt it was a bit bulky to move from room room regularly. When it was folded into its travel bag she found it to be somewhat heavy to carry up the stairs.
Size
A bedside cot is the bassinet, which is placed on the bed's side. It is easy to reach your baby's mouth to feed, change nappies or just to soothe them during the night. It's great for mothers recovering from the c-section.
The NHS and Lullaby Trust recommend that you keep your baby away from you during the first six month, to reduce the risk of SIDS. A crib that is placed near your bed is a secure way to achieve this because it has low sides and lets you be able to easily access your baby at night.
It is crucial that your infant sleeps on a firm mattress since this is safer than a mattress that is soft. A mattress that is soft can increase the risk of suffocation for newborns, since they lack the motor control necessary to turn. This mattress is made of skin-friendly and air-tight materials. It is comfortable for your baby but firm enough to be safe.
Mum Jasmin was happy that the crib didn't take up much space in her bedroom and thought it was the ideal size for a baby. She also said that the mattress was of high-quality and not like other mattresses that seem thin and flimsy. She also appreciates that it has a storage compartment beneath for blankets and clothes - something she says most bassinets do not have.
MFM mom home tester Mehack is a huge fan of the removable side wall that lets you lower it to make it easier access to your infant. She also loves the fact that legs can be placed under the bed to make it look less bulky and take up less floor space. She's also impressed with how it was easy to move around her home in the event of checks and feedings in the middle of the night.
The CoZee Air crib is a popular choice for parents. It won the Gold Award at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It is a clever design with four pulleys which can be used to raise or lower your crib. It also comes with an ample basket for blankets, toys and other necessities. It is also lightweight and easy to put together, making it ideal to travel with your baby.
Safety
When selecting a newborn bedside cot it's important to keep safety in mind. The official safe sleep guidelines from both the Lullaby Trust and NHS recommends that babies do not sleep in parent's beds because of the risks of overheating, suffocation and a higher chance of suffering from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Bedside bassinets allow parents to keep their newborns close, which allows for nighttime feedings as well as comforting and monitoring without the need to get out of bed.
This close proximity can support breastfeeding mothers, as it allows them to be attentive to the needs of their infant while also sleeping. This can help maintain the supply of milk and also encourage breastfeeding. Some cots with a bedside are equipped with adjustable height options, which can help to ensure that the bassinet is an ideal height for mother and baby to allow ease of access during feedings or care.
A majority of bassinets come with a mattress that is designed to decrease the risk of suffocation, and meets industry standards. It is essential 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 minimize the chance that dust mites or other allergens, could suffocate a child. It must be kept clean and free of irritants.
Some cots with a bedside have the capability of being tilted, which can be beneficial for babies with reflux or digestive issues, but this should be done with great caution and at a moderate angle. Avoid putting pillows, duvets, or padded crib bumpers in the bassinet. bedside cot crib could pose a risk of suffocation for your baby.
It's also worth considering an adjustable bassinet with a secure attachment system that can be easily fixed to your existing bed without the need for tools. This feature is especially useful for parents who struggle to get their child in and out of the crib or are concerned about their child falling asleep. If your bassinet does have a secure attachment system, it's an excellent idea to periodically ensure that it's securely secured and that there aren't gaps or loose parts that could pose a hazard.
Comfort
If you're expecting a child, the safety of your baby is surely one of your top concerns. There's bedside cot bed that allows you to keep your baby close during the night without taking on any of the risks that come with bed-sharing. The newborn bedside cot is essentially a bassinet-style cot that fixes to the bed's side that allows you to move them towards you for night feeding and soothing. It is an excellent option for mothers who are recovering from a C section as it eliminates the need to stand or sit up.
Modern bedside cots for newborns should include a firm, flat mattress to promote safe sleeping practices and reduce the risk Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. The bedding should be kept simple with just the cot sheet and a blanket tucked in tightly at the bottom. Avoid bumpers, toys and pillows that can fall on your baby, posing the risk of suffocation. If your baby is used to being swaddled, you can make use of a swaddle, or a baby sleep bag for the first few weeks, although it should be removed as soon as you can once they've gained the strength and confidence to pull themselves out of the wrap.
Some cribs for bedside use an option to remove or drop down the side that allows for easy access to your baby for feeding and comfort during the middle of the night. This is a great feature for parents who want to keep a strong bond with their child, but still adhere to NHS safe sleep guidelines. However, if you're considering sleeping in the same bed as your child, it's important to understand that this practice has been linked to a higher risk of SIDS especially in the event that a parent falls on their child during sleep.
A breathable fabric will keep your baby comfortable and cool throughout the night. This is particularly important if you plan to sleep with your newborn, as the risk of being overheated increases during sleep. The SnuzPod4 is a unique, side panel made of breathable mesh that aids in improving airflow and keep your baby snug in their bed.