Newborn Bedside Cot
A newborn bedside cot is a small sleeper that allows new babies to share the same room as their parents, without the dangers of co-sleeping (which the AAP cautions against due suffocation and SIDS). It also makes nursing sessions and care much simpler.
This sleeper has a firm mattress that supports babies backs, reducing the chance of SIDS. It can be rotated over your adult bed to allow you to lift your baby to snuggle them at sunrise or for midnight nursing.
Budget
A bedside crib, also called a co-sleeper or bassinet is a bassinet-style crib that can be attached to your existing bed. This allows you to reach your baby quickly and safely for a mid-night feed or cuddles. They are a great choice for new parents or mums recovering from a c-section because they offer an easy access to baby and don't require you to get up from your bed.
There are lots of different designs on the market that range from basic models with only a drop-down side, to more sophisticated models that can be adjusted in a variety of ways including height and incline options. Many can be converted into a separate crib when your baby is older and is sleeping longer in the night.
Maxi-Cosi Lora is one of our favorites. It was shortlisted in the Best Cot category for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. MFM home tester Emily commented on how stylish and contemporary the design is and she was impressed by the feature that you can use it as a regular bassinet, or clip it to a bed to sleep side-by-side in a safe and secure manner. She also liked the plush mattress, which has passed our test for firmness and also the fact that it comes with a manual rocking function that can be adjusted to a slight slope for reflux sufferers.
But she wasn't thrilled with the feature of a non-mesh panel on the bottom and thought it was a bit heavy to move from room room regularly. She also found it to be a bit heavy to carry up and down the stairs once it was folded up into its travel bag.
Size
A bedside cot is the bassinet style cot that can be fixed to your side of the bed. It allows you to easily reach your baby for mid-night feeding, nappies and comforting. 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 space as you, but separated from you for the first six months, as this can help reduce the risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). The crib that is placed beside your bed, with its low sides is a great way to achieve this. It lets you access your baby easily at night.
It is essential that your baby sleeps on a firm, not an extremely soft mattress. A soft mattress can increase the risk of suffocation in newborns, since they lack the motor control necessary to turn. This mattress is made from skin-friendly and breathable materials. It's comfortable for your baby but sufficient to be secure.
Mum home tester Jasmin liked that this crib does not take up a lot of space in her bedroom and she found it to be the perfect size for a baby. She also said that the mattress was of good quality and not like other mattresses that are thin and fragile. She also loves the fact that it has a storage space underneath for clothes and bedding which many bassinets don't have.
Mehack is an MFM mother who has tested the product at home, loves that you can take off the side wall to allow for easier access to your baby. She also loves the fact that the legs can be put under the bed to make it look less bulky and take up less area on the floor. She is also impressed by how easy it was to move around the house in the event of check-ins and feedings in the middle of the night.
A winner of an Gold award in the 2021 Mother and Baby Awards and the CoZee Air is a popular choice for parents. It is designed with four built-in pulleys to raise or lower the crib. It also has a large storage basket for blankets, toys and other essentials. It's also light and easy to assemble which makes it perfect to travel with your baby.
Safety
It's important to consider safety when choosing the crib for your newborn. The Lullaby Trust, as well as the NHS, recommend that babies not be placed in parents bed because of the risk of suffocation as well as sudden infant death syndrome. Bassinets that are placed in bed let parents keep their infant close to help with feeding at night and monitoring without the need to get up from their beds.
This close proximity also supports breastfeeding mothers by allowing them to take care of their infant's needs without having to wake up in the middle of the night and can help maintain milk supply and support the breastfeeding experience. Some bedside cots come with adjustable height options that can make it easier for mother and child to access the bassinet for feedings or other activities at night.
Many bassinets come with a mattress that is designed to minimize the risk of suffocation, and is in line with industry standards. It is important to support the bones of a newborn, since they are still fragile and aren't fully formed. The mattress should be encased in a fitted cover to decrease the chance of suffocation due to dust mites and other allergens. It should also be kept clean and free of allergens.
Some cribs for bedside use can be tilted. This is helpful for babies who have reflux or digestive issues. However, it should be done with care and with care. Avoid placing pillows, duvets, or padded crib bumpers to the bassinet. They could pose a risk of suffocation for your baby.
You should also consider a bassinet that has a secure attachment system. It can be connected to your existing bed easily without the need for tools. This is particularly beneficial for parents who find it difficult to get their child in and out of the crib or are worried about their child rolling over during sleep. If your bassinet has an attachment that is secure it is a good idea to check it frequently. Check to ensure there aren't any gaps and that the system is securely connected.
Comfort
If you're expecting a child and you're worried about the safety of your child is definitely one of your main concerns. Thankfully, there's an innovative sleep solution that lets you keep your baby close to you throughout the night without taking on any of the risks 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 night feedings and calming. It is also a great option for mothers who are recovering from a C-section since it eliminates the need to stand up or to bend over.
Modern bedside cots for babies should be fitted with a firm, flat mattress to encourage safe sleep habits and lower the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Bedding should be easy with a cot sheet and blanket tucked tightly on the bottom. Avoid toys, bumpers and pillows since they could fall on your baby and cause suffocation hazard. If your baby is used to being swaddled you can use a swaddle or a baby sleep bag for the first few weeks, however it should be removed as soon as you can once they've developed the strength to unwrap themselves.
Some cribs for bedside use an open or removable side that allows 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 maintain a close relationship with their child but still adhere to NHS sleep guidelines. If you're planning to sleep with your child, it's important to know that this practice could increase the chance of SIDS. This is particularly true if a parent accidentally falls on their child while sleeping.
A breathable fabric is another essential safety feature, as it's designed to keep your baby cool and comfortable throughout the night. This is especially crucial if you plan to sleep with your newborn, as the risk of overheating when sleeping increases. The SnuzPod4 features a unique, breathable side panel that aids in improving airflow, keeping your baby cool.