Newborn Bedside Cot
A newborn bedside crib is a tiny sleeper that lets babies sleep in the same room as their parents without the dangers of co-sleeping. (The AAP warns against this because of the risk of SIDS and the risk of suffocation.) It helps you care for your baby and give them a bottle in the middle of the night.
This sleeper comes with an extremely firm mattress that can support babies backs, reducing the chance of SIDS. It can be rotated over your adult bed to allow you to carry your baby to the top for sunrise cuddles or midnight nursing.
Budget
A bedside crib, also referred to as a co-sleeper or bassinet is a bassinet-style crib for babies that attaches to your bed. This lets you easily and safely reach your baby during the night for feeding or cuddles. These are perfect for new parents and mums recovering after a c section because they allow easy access to the baby without needing to get out of bed.
There are many different designs on the market, from basic models with just a drop-down side to more sophisticated models that can be adjusted in multiple ways, including incline and height options. Many convert to a separate crib for napping during the daytime or when your baby is a few months old and sleeps longer at night.
One of our favorites is the Maxi-Cosi Lora, which was nominated for the 2021 Mother&Baby awards, including the categories of Best Cot Crib, Best Cot, or Moses Basket. MFM home tester Emily noted how stylish and modern the design was. She also liked the fact that it could be used as a bassinet, or a clip to your existing bed, for a safe side-by-side sleep. She also liked the plush mattress that passed our firmness test and the fact that it has a manual rocking feature that can be set to a slight incline for those suffering from reflux.
However, she didn't like the feature of a non-mesh panel at its bottom and thought it was a bit heavy to move from room to room often. She also found it to be a bit heavy to carry up and down the stairs when it was folded up into its travel bag.
Size
A bedside cot is essentially an upholstered bassinet that is fixed to the side of your bed. You can easily reach your baby to feed them, change nappies or comforting in the middle of the night. It's also great for mothers recovering from a C-section.
The NHS and Lullaby Trust recommend that you keep your baby separate from you in the first 6 months to decrease the chance of SIDS. The crib that is placed beside your bed, with its low sides is a great way to do this. It allows you to access your baby easily throughout the night.
It is important that your baby is sleeping on a firm, not an extremely soft mattress. A mattress that is soft can increase the risk of suffocation among newborns, as they lack the motor control needed to turn. bedside co sleeper is made from skin-friendly and air-tight materials. It's comfortable for your baby but firm enough to ensure safety.
Mum Jasmin was delighted that the crib didn't occupy too much space in her bedroom and thought it was the perfect size for a newborn. She also stated that the mattress was of high-quality, unlike others which feel thin and flimsy. She also likes the fact that it has a storage compartment beneath to store blankets and clothing - something she says many bassinets don't have.
MFM mum home tester Mehack is a fan of the side wall that is removable that lets you lower it down for easy access to your baby. She also loves the fact 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 simple to move around her house in the event of check-ins and feedings in the middle of the night.
A winner of a Gold award in the 2021 Mother and Baby Awards The CoZee Air is a popular choice for parents. It is designed with four pulleys built-in to raise or lower the crib. It comes with a large storage bin for your baby's toys, blankets and other essentials. It's also easy to put together and light in weight, which is useful for traveling with your baby.
Safety
When choosing a baby's bedside cot, you must keep the safety of your baby in your mind. Official safe sleep advice from both the Lullaby Trust and NHS recommends that babies not be sleeping in the bed of their parents due to the dangers of suffocation, overheating and a higher chance of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Bassinets for bedside use allow parents to keep their newborn close by, facilitating feeding at night, comforting and monitoring without having to leave their bed.
This close proximity also helps breastfeeding mothers by allowing them to attend to the needs of their infant without waking up at all times and can help keep the supply of milk steady and help the breastfeeding experience. Some cots for bedside use adjustable height features that can make it easier for both the mother and baby to get into the bassinet to feed or take care of other needs during the night.
Many bassinets are equipped with mattresses that are firm, which is designed to minimize the risk of suffocation, and also meets the standards of the industry. This is important because a baby's bones are fragile and not fully developed and need to be supported to prevent damage. The mattress should be encased in a fitted cover to reduce the risk of suffocation caused by dust mites and other allergens. It should also be kept clean and free of irritants.
Some cots with a bedside have the capability of being tilted. This can be useful for babies with reflux or digestive issues, however it should be done with great caution and at a gentle angle. It is also essential to avoid adding pillows, duvets or padded crib bumpers to the bassinet as they can create an obstructing risk to your baby and should only be used when the cot is on flat surfaces.
You should also consider the bassinet with a secure attachment system. It can be connected to your existing bed easily without the need for tools. This feature can be particularly helpful for parents who may struggle to lift their baby in and out of the cot or who are worried about accidentally rolling over in the night. If your bassinet is equipped with secured attachments it is a good idea to check it regularly. Check to ensure there are no gaps and that the system is securely connected.
Comfort
If you're planning to become a parent, your baby's safety is one of your primary concerns. There's a new solution to sleep that allows you to keep your baby close in the evening, without the risk of bed-sharing. The infant bedside crib is a cot that resembles a bassinet that can be attached to the side of the bed. It lets you safely carry your baby to you for night feedings and calming. It is also a great option for mothers recovering from a C-section since it will not require you to stand or to bend over.
Modern bedside cots for babies should be fitted with a firm, flat mattress to promote safe sleeping practices and reduce the risk Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Bedding should be easy with just a cot sheet and a blanket tightly tucked at the bottom. Avoid toys, bumpers and pillows since they can fall on your baby and create a 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, however this should be removed as soon as you can once they've developed the strength to pull themselves out of the wrap.
Some bedside cribs feature an option to remove or drop down the 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 keep a close relationship with their child while adhering to NHS sleep guidelines. If you plan to co-sleep with your child, it's crucial to be aware that this practice may increase the chance of SIDS. This is especially true if a parent accidentally falls on their child while sleeping.
A fabric that is breathable will keep your baby comfortable and cool throughout the night. This is especially important if you plan to sleep with your baby since the chance of being overheated increases when you sleep. The SnuzPod4 has an exclusive breathable side panel, which helps increase airflow, keeping your baby comfortable.