Newborn Bedside Cot

A newborn bedside cot is a compact sleeper that allows newborns to share a room as their parents without the risks of true co-sleeping (which the AAP advises against due to suffocation and SIDS). It makes it easier to care for your baby and give them a bottle in the middle of the night.

This sleeper has an extremely firm mattress that can support babies backs, which reduces the chance of SIDS. It can be swiveled over your adult bed to carry your baby to the top to snuggle them at sunrise or for nighttime nursing.

Budget

A bedside crib, also referred to as a co-sleeper or bassinet is a bassinet type crib that can be attached to your existing bed. This allows you to safely and easily reach your baby during the night for feeding, comforting or cuddles. These are perfect for moms and babies recovering from a csection as they allow easy access to the baby without needing to get out of bed.

There are many different designs available that range from basic models with just a drop-down option to more sophisticated ones that can be adjusted in several ways including height and incline options. Many can be converted into a separate crib when your baby gets older and is sleeping longer at night.

One of our favourites is the Maxi-Cosi Lura, which was shortlisted for 2021 Mother&Baby awards in the categories of best bedside cot uk Cot Crib, best bedside cots Cot or Moses Basket. MFM home tester Emily commented how stylish and modern the design was. She also appreciated the fact that it could be used as a bassinet, or attached to your existing bed, to ensure safe side-by-side sleeping. She also liked the plush mattress, which was able to pass our test of firmness and also the fact that it comes with a manual rocking feature that can be set to a slight tilt for those suffering from reflux.

However, she didn't like the feature of a non-mesh panel on the bottom and thought it was a bit heavy to move from room room often. She also found it to be a little heavy to carry up and down the stairs once folded into a travel bag.

Size

A bedside cot is basically an upholstered bassinet that is fixed to your side of the bed. It allows you to reach your newborn for middle-of-the-night feeding nappies, feeding and comforting. It's ideal for mothers who are recovering from a c-section.

The NHS and Lullaby Trust recommend that you keep your baby separate from you during the first 6 months to reduce the risk of SIDS. The crib at the bedside with its low sides, is a great method to accomplish this. It lets you access your baby easily at night.

It is essential that your baby sleeps on a firm mattress as this is safer than a soft one. Newborns don't have the motor control needed to turn and a mattress that is soft can increase the chance of drowning. The soft, breathable fabric and skin-friendly materials make the mattress comfortable for your baby but sufficiently firm to be safe for your baby.

Mum Jasmin was happy that the crib didn't occupy too much space in her room and found it to be the ideal size for a newborn. The mattress she rated as also of good quality, as opposed to others that feel thin and thin. She also appreciates that it has storage space underneath for clothes and bedding which other bassinets do not have.

Mehack, a MFM mom who tried the product at home, is thrilled the ability to remove the wall on the side to allow for easier access to your baby. She also likes that the legs tuck under the bed so that it doesn't appear bulky or take up a lot of floor space. She's also impressed with how easy it is to move around the house as you want to for ease during late-night meals and check-ins.

A recipient of a Gold award in the 2021 Mother and Baby Awards The CoZee Air is a popular choice for parents. It features a smart design with four pulleys built-in to raise or lower the crib and comes with a large storage bin for your baby's blankets, toys and other necessities. It's also easy to assemble and lightweight, which is useful for traveling with your baby.

Safety

It is important to think about the safety aspect when selecting a newborn bedside crib. The official safe sleep guidelines from both the Lullaby Trust and NHS recommends that babies not sleep in parent's beds due to the risk of suffocation, heat exhaustion and a higher chance of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). bedside crib or cot bassinets enable parents to keep their babies close to them, facilitating nighttime feedings as well as monitoring without needing to get out of bed.

This close proximity can also support breastfeeding mothers, as it allows them to attend to the needs of their baby while they sleep. This can help to maintain the supply of milk and encourage breastfeeding. Some bedside cots have adjustable height features, which can help to ensure that the bassinet is at an ideal height for mother and baby to allow ease of access during feedings or care.

Many bassinets come with a firm mattress, which is designed to minimize suffocation risk and meets industry standards. It is essential to provide support for the bones of a newborn, since they are still fragile and aren't fully formed. The mattress should be covered with an appropriate sheet to reduce the risk that dust mites, as well as other allergens, can cause a child to be suffocated. It must be kept clean and free of irritants.

Some cribs on the bed can be tilted. This is beneficial for babies suffering from digestive or reflux issues. However, this should only be done gently and with caution. It is also essential to avoid putting pillows, duvets or padded crib bumpers to the bassinet as they can create the risk of suffocation for your baby and should only be used when the cot is set on flat surfaces.

It's also worth considering an adjustable bassinet with an attached system that is secure and can be easily attached to your bed without the necessity of tools. This is especially useful for parents who struggle to lift their baby in and out of the cot or concerned about the possibility of rolling over in the night. If your bassinet is equipped with secured attachments, it is a good idea for you to regularly check it. Check to ensure there are no gaps and that the system is securely connected.

Comfort

If you're a soon-to-be parent, your baby's comfort is one of your main concerns. Thankfully, there's an innovative sleep solution that lets you keep your baby close during the night without taking on any of the dangers that come with sharing beds. The newborn bedside crib is a bassinet-style cot that can be attached to the side of the bed. It lets you safely lift your baby out to you for feedings at night and soothing. It is also a great option for mothers who are recovering from a C-section since it eliminates the need to get up or to bend over.

Modern bedside cots for babies should include a firm, flat mattress to encourage safe sleeping habits and lower the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. The bedding should be kept as simple as possible with just the sheets for the cot and a blanket tucked in tightly at the bottom. Avoid bumpers, toys or pillows because they could be thrown over your baby and create a risk of suffocation. If your baby is used to being swaddled for several weeks, you can use either the swaddle or baby sleep bag. However, it is recommended that this be removed once they are strong enough to unwrap them.

Some bedside cribs have an open or removable side to make it easy for your baby for feedings in the middle of the night and comforting. This feature is perfect for parents who wish to keep a close relationship with their child, while still following NHS guidelines on sleep. If you are planning to sleep with your child, it's important to know that this practice could increase the risk of SIDS. This is particularly the case if a parent is able to roll their infant over during sleep.

A breathable fabric is another important safety factor, since it's designed to keep your baby cool and comfortable throughout the night. This is especially crucial if you intend to sleep with your newborn because the risk of overheating increases when you sleep. The SnuzPod4 comes with a unique, breathable side panel, which helps increase airflow, keeping your baby comfortable.