Newborn Bedside Cot

A newborn bedside crib to cot cot is a compact sleeper that allows new babies to sleep in the same room as their parents, without the dangers of co-sleeping (which the AAP advises against due to suffocation and SIDS). It also makes middle-of-the-night nursing sessions and child care simpler.

This sleeper features a firm mattress that is designed to support the backs of babies and reduce the risk of SIDS. It can be swiveled over the bed of your adult to allow you to get your baby for nighttime cuddles or a sunrise kiss.

Budget

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

There are a variety of styles available that range from basic models with just a drop-down option to more sophisticated ones that can be adjusted in several ways, including incline and height options. The majority of them can be converted into a standalone crib for naps during the day or when your baby is a few months old and sleeps longer at night.

One of our favourites is the Maxi-Cosi Lora which was nominated for the 2021 Mother&Baby awards in best bedside cot for newborn 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 safe side-byside sleeping. She also liked the plush mattress, which has passed our test for firmness, and the fact that it features an automatic rocking feature that can be set to a slight tilt for reflux sufferers.

She didn't like the fact that it had a mesh panel at the bottom, and thought it was too bulky to move from room to room. When folded into its travel bag she found it quite heavy to carry up the stairs.

Size

A bedside cot resembles the bassinet, which is placed on the bed's side. It allows you to reach your newborn for middle-of-the-night feeding nappies, comforting and feeding. 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 room with you but separate from you for the first six months as this can help reduce the risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). A bedside crib is a secure way to achieve this as it has low sides and allows you to easily access your newborn throughout the night.

It is crucial that your infant sleeps on a firm bed as it is safer than a mattress that is soft. A mattress that is soft increases the risk of suffocation in newborns, since they do not have the motor control required to turn. The soft, breathable fabric and skin-friendly materials make this mattress a comfortable one for your baby, but sufficiently firm to be safe for your baby.

Mum home test Jasmin loved that the crib does not take up much space in her bedroom and she found it to be the perfect size for a newborn. She said the mattress was excellent quality, in contrast to some that feel flimsy and thin. She also appreciates that it has a storage compartment beneath to store blankets and clothing which she claims many other bassinets lack.

MFM mum home test Mehack is a fan of the removable side wall that allows you to drop it down for easy access to your infant. She also likes that the legs tuck under the bed so it does not look heavy or take up a lot of floor space. She's also amazed by how easy it was to move around the house in the event of check-ins and feedings during the night.

A recipient of a Gold award at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards 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 and has a large storage basket for toys, blankets and other essentials. It's also easy to assemble and lightweight, which is useful to travel with your baby.

Safety

It is important to think about safety when choosing a newborn bedside crib. Official safe sleep advice from both the Lullaby Trust and NHS recommends that babies not sleep in parent's beds due to the dangers of suffocation, heat exhaustion and a greater chance of suffering from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Bedside bassinets allow parents to keep their newborns close to them, facilitating 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 their baby's needs without having to get up completely, which can help to keep milk supply steady and enhance the breastfeeding experience. Some cots with a bedside are equipped with adjustable height features that can help to ensure that the bassinet is at a comfortable height for both mother and baby for ease of access during feedings or other care.

Many bassinets are equipped with mattresses that are firm. This is designed to minimize suffocation risk and meets the standards of the industry. It is crucial to provide support for the bones of a newborn, as they are still soft and are not fully formed. The mattress should be covered with a fitted sheet to decrease the risk that dust mites, or other allergens, could suffocate a child. It must be kept clean and free of irritants.

Some bedside rocking crib cots can be tilted, which is beneficial for babies with reflux or digestive issues, but it should be done with great caution and at a moderate angle. It is also important to stay clear of adding pillows, duvets, or padded crib bumpers to the bassinet as they could pose an obstructing risk to your baby and should only be used when the cot is on flat surfaces.

You should also consider an infant bassinet with an attachment system that is secure. It can be connected to your existing bed easily without the use of tools. This feature is especially beneficial for parents who find it difficult to carry their child into and out of the crib or are concerned about their child rolling over while sleeping. If your bassinet is equipped with an attachment system that is secure, it's a good idea to regularly ensure that it's securely secured and that there aren't any gaps or loose parts that could pose a hazard.

Comfort

If you're a soon-to-be parent, your baby's comfort is among your top concerns. There's a brand new sleep solution that lets you keep your baby close at night, without the danger of bed-sharing. The baby bedside cot (Wikimapia.org) is essentially a bassinet-style cot that is attached to the side of your bed, allowing you to safely move them towards you for feeding at night and calming. It's also a great choice for mothers who are recovering from a C-section since it removes the need to get up or to bend over.

A modern bedside cot for newborns should have a sturdy flat mattress to in promoting safe sleeping habits and lower the chance of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). The bedding should be kept simple and consist of only the sheets for the cot and a blanket tucked tightly at the bottom. Avoid toys, bumpers and pillows that can fall onto your baby posing the risk of suffocation. If your baby is used to being swaddled during a few weeks, you can use either the swaddle or baby sleep bag. However, it is recommended that this be removed after they are strong enough to remove them.

Some bedside cribs have an open or removable side to make it easy for your newborn for middle-of-the-night feeds and comforting. This is a good feature for parents looking to maintain an intimate relationship with their child while still following NHS safe sleep guidelines. However, if you're considering sleeping in the same bed with your baby it's important to know that this practice has been linked to an increased risk of SIDS, particularly if a parent unintentionally rolls onto their infant while they sleep.

A fabric that is breathable is an important safety feature, as 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, as the risk of overheating is higher during sleep. The SnuzPod4 has a unique, breathable side panel, which helps increase the flow of air, keeping your baby warm.