Newborn Bedside Cot
A newborn bedside cot is a tiny sleeper that allows new babies to share the same space as their parents without the dangers of co-sleeping (which the AAP recommends against due to SIDS and suffocation). It also makes nursing sessions and care much simpler.
This mattress is a firm mattress that can support babies' backs and minimize the chance of SIDS. It can slide over the bed of your adult to allow you to lift your baby for nighttime nursing or cuddles at sunrise.
Budget
A bedside cot, also referred to as a co-sleeper, a bassinet-style baby cot that is attached or clipped to your existing bed. This allows you to easily and safely reach your newborn for middle-of-the-night feeding or comforting cuddles. They are a great option for mums or new parents recovering from a csection as they allow an easy access to baby and don't require you to get up from your bed.
There are a variety of designs available that range from basic models with just a drop-down side to more advanced ones that can be adjusted in a variety of ways with incline and height options. The majority of them can be converted to a standalone crib when your baby gets older and is sleeping longer in the night.
Maxi-Cosi Lora is one of our favorites. It was selected in the Best Cot category for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. MFM home tester Emily commented on how stylish and modern the design is and she was impressed by the possibility of using it as a regular bassinet or clip it to your existing bed to sleep side-by-side in a safe and secure manner. She also adored its soft mattress which has passed our tests for firmness and it also has an adjustable manual inclining feature for those suffering from reflux.
However, she didn't like the feature of a non-mesh panel on the lower end, and felt it was a bit bulky to move from room to room regularly. She also found it a bit heavy to carry up and down the stairs once it was folded up into its travel bag.
Size
A bedside cot resembles a bassinet that is attached to the side of your bed. It allows you to easily reach your newborn for middle-of-the-night feeding nappies, comforting and feeding. It's also great for moms recovering from a C-section.
The NHS and Lullaby Trust recommend that you keep your baby separated from you during the first six months, to decrease the chance of SIDS. A crib that is placed near your bed is a safe method to achieve this because it is low-sided and lets you easily reach your baby during the night.
It is crucial that your infant sleeps on a firm mattress since it is safer than a soft one. A mattress that is soft can increase the risk of suffocation in infants as they lack the motor control needed to turn. The breathable fabric and skin-friendly materials make the mattress comfortable for your baby, but sufficient to ensure safety.
Mum Jasmin was pleased that the crib didn't take up much space in her bedroom and thought it was 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 loves the fact that it has a storage space underneath for clothes and bedding which many bassinets don't.
MFM mum home tester Mehack is a fan of the side wall that is removable that lets you lower it down to give easy access to your infant. She also likes the fact that the legs tuck under the bed so it doesn't appear big or take up too much floor space. She's also amazed by how easy it is to move around the house whenever you'd like in the middle of the night, which is convenient for feedings and check-ins.
A recipient of the Gold award at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards The CoZee Air is a popular choice among parents. It features a smart design with four pulleys built-in to raise or lower the crib and has a large storage basket to store your baby's toys, blankets and other essentials. It's also easy to assemble and light and portable, which is ideal to travel with your baby.
Safety
It's important to consider the safety aspect when selecting the crib for your newborn. Official safe sleep advice from both the Lullaby Trust and NHS recommends that babies should not sleep in parent's beds due to the dangers of suffocation, heat exhaustion and a higher chance of suffering from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Bedside bassinets enable parents to keep their babies close, facilitating night time feedings as well as comforting and monitoring without having to leave their bed.
This close proximity can also help breastfeeding mothers as it lets them attend to the needs of their baby while they sleep. This can help maintain milk supply and encourage breastfeeding. Some cots for bedside use adjustable height features that can aid the mother and child to reach the bassinet to feed or take care of other needs during the night.
co sleeper bedside cot come with a mattress that is designed to minimize the chance of suffocation and conforms to industry standards. This is essential because baby's bones are fragile and aren't fully developed. They need to be supported to prevent injury. The mattress should be covered in a fitted sheet to reduce the risk of suffocation from dust mites and other allergens. It should also be kept clean and free from irritants.
Some cots for bedside use can be tilted. This can be beneficial for babies with reflux or digestive issues, however this should always be done with extreme caution and at a moderate angle. Avoid putting pillows, duvets, or padded crib bumpers inside the bassinet. They could pose the risk of suffocation your baby.
It is also recommended to consider a bassinet that has a secure attachment system. It can be connected to your existing bed easily without the need of tools. This feature can be particularly useful for parents who struggle to lift their child in and out of the crib or who are worried about accidentally falling asleep. If your bassinet does have an attachment system that is secure it's a good idea to regularly ensure that it's securely secured and that there are no gaps or loose components that could cause danger.
Comfort
If you're expecting your first child, the safety of your infant is undoubtedly one of your top priorities. There's a new sleep solution that lets you keep your baby close to you at night, without the danger of bed-sharing. The infant bedside cot basically a bassinet-style cot which is fixed to the side of your bed that allows you to take them away to feed them at night and soothe. It's also an excellent choice for mothers recovering from a csection, as it reduces the need to bend over too much or even get out of bed.
Modern bedside cots for newborns should have a flat, firm mattress to promote safe sleeping habits and lower the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Bedding should be simple with a cot sheet and a blanket tightly tucked on the bottom. Avoid toys, bumpers and pillows that could fall onto your baby posing a suffocation risk. If your baby is used to being swaddled you can use a swaddle or baby sleep bag for the initial few weeks, but it is best to remove it 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 open or removable side for easy access to your baby for feedings in the middle of the night and comforting. This is a great feature for parents who wish to keep a close relationship with their child while adhering to NHS guidelines on sleep. If you plan to co-sleep with your child, it's important to know that this practice may increase the chance of SIDS. This is particularly true if a parent accidentally falls on their child when they are asleep.
A breathable fabric is another important safety factor, since it's designed to keep your baby cool and comfortable throughout the night. This is particularly important if you plan to co-sleep with your newborn since the chance of overheating increases when you sleep. The SnuzPod4 comes with an exclusive breathable side panel that helps improve airflow, keeping your baby comfortable.