A newborn bedside cot is a tiny sleeper that allows babies to sleep in the same space as their parents without the risk of sleeping together (which the AAP cautions against due SIDS and suffocation). It helps you take care of your baby and nurse them throughout the night.
This sleeper has a sturdy mattress that can help babies' backs and reduce the chance of SIDS. It can be swiveled over your adult bed to carry your baby to the top for sunrise cuddles or late night 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 existing bed. This allows you to reach your baby quickly and safely for a late-night feed or cuddles. They are a great choice for new parents or mums recovering from a c-section as they allow easy access to baby and don't require you to get up from your bed.
There are a variety of designs on the market starting with basic models that have only a drop-down side, to more sophisticated ones that can be adjusted in multiple ways including height and incline options. Many convert to an independent crib for daytime naps or when your baby is about months old and sleeping longer at night.
Maxi-Cosi Lora is one our favorites. It was nominated in the best bedside cot uk Cot category for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. MFM home tester Emily said she was impressed by how chic and modern the design is as well as the possibility of using it as a regular bassinet or attach it to a bed to ensure that you can sleep side-by-side. She also appreciated the soft mattress, which passed our firmness test, and the fact that it comes with a manual rocking function that can be adjusted to a slight slope for reflux sufferers.
She wasn't a fan of the fact that it had a mesh panel at the bottom and thought it was too bulky to move from room to room. It also felt a little heavy to carry up and down the stairs once folded away into its travel bag.
Size
A bedside cot is basically an upholstered bassinet that is fixed to the side of the bed. It allows you to reach your newborn for middle-of-the-night feeding, nappies and comforting. It's also great for mothers recovering from the C-section.
The NHS and Lullaby Trust advise that you place your baby in the same space as you, but separated from you for the first six months, because this will reduce the chance of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). The crib that is placed beside your bed, with its low sides, is a great method to accomplish this. It lets you access your baby easily during the night.
It is essential that your baby sleeps on a firm bed as this is safer than a soft one. Infants don't have the motor control needed to turn and a soft mattress could increase the chance of being suffocated. This mattress is made from skin-friendly and breathe-able materials. It is comfortable for your baby but firm enough to be safe.
Mum home test Jasmin was pleased with the fact 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 also said that the mattress was of good quality and not like other mattresses that are thin and fragile. She also likes that it has a storage area beneath to store blankets and clothing - something she says many other bassinets lack.
MFM mom home tester Mehack is a huge fan of the removable side wall that lets you drop it to make it easier access to your baby. She also loves the fact that legs can be placed under the bed to make it appear less bulky and take up less 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 in the 2021 Mother&baby bedside sleeper 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 comes with a large storage bin for toys, blankets and other essentials. It's also light and easy to put together which makes it perfect for traveling with your baby.
Safety
When choosing a baby's bedside cot, you must keep the safety aspect in your mind. The Lullaby Trust, as well as the NHS, recommend that babies do not sleep in the parents' beds due to the possibility of suffocation as well as sudden infant death syndrome. Bassinets for bedside use let parents keep their baby close, facilitating nighttime feedings, comforting and monitoring without having 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 wake up completely and can help keep the supply of milk steady and help the breastfeeding experience. Some bedside crib that turns into cot cots have adjustable height options, which will help ensure that the bassinet is an appropriate height for mother and baby, allowing easy access to mid-night feedings or care.
A majority of bassinets come with mattresses that are firm and designed to decrease the risk of suffocation and meets industry standards. It is crucial to provide support for the bones of a newborn as they are still soft and not fully formed. The mattress should be covered with a fitted sheet to reduce the risk that dust mites or other allergens, could suffocate a child. It should be kept free of allergens and clean.
Some cots for bedside use can be tilted, which is beneficial for babies suffering from reflux or digestive issues, but this should always be done with extreme caution and at a gentle angle. It is also essential to stay clear of adding pillows, duvets or crib bumpers to the bassinet since they could pose the risk of suffocation for your baby and should only be used when the cot is on a flat surface.
It is also recommended to consider a bassinet that has an attachment system that is secure. It can be attached to your existing bed easily 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 worried about their child accidentally rolling over while sleeping. If your bassinet does have a secure attachment system, it's an excellent idea to periodically check that it's securely attached and that there aren't any gaps or loose components which could cause danger.
Comfort
If you are a soon-to-be parent, the comfort of your child is among your top concerns. There's a great sleep solution that allows you to keep your baby close throughout the night - without any of the risks that come with sharing beds. The infant bedside cot basically a bassinet-style cot that fixes to the side of your bed that allows you to take them away for night feeding and soothing. It's also an excellent choice for mothers recovering from a c-section as it reduces the need to bend over too much or even take a step out of bed.
Modern bedside cot mattress cots for newborns should include a firm, flat mattress to encourage safe sleeping habits and reduce the risk Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Bedding should be simple comprising a cot sheets and a blanket that is tightly tucked on the bottom. Avoid toys, bumpers and pillows that can be thrown over your baby, creating the risk of suffocation. If your baby is used to being swaddled for a few weeks, you can use either the swaddle or baby sleep bag. However, this should be removed once they are strong enough to take them off.
Some cribs for bedside use an open or removable side for easy access to your baby for feedings in the middle of the night and comforting. This is a good feature for parents looking to keep the bond between them and their child while still following NHS safe sleep advice. If you plan to co-sleep with your child, it is important to know that this practice may increase the risk of SIDS. This is especially when a parent accidentally falls on their child when they are asleep.
A fabric that is breathable will keep your baby comfy and cool throughout the night. This is especially crucial if you intend to sleep with your baby since the chance of overheating is higher when you sleep. The SnuzPod4 has a unique, breathable side panel, which helps increase airflow, keeping your baby warm.
