Newborn Bedside Cot

A newborn bedside crib is a tiny sleeper that allows babies to sleep in the same room as their parents without the risks of co-sleeping. (The AAP warns against this because of the dangers of SIDS and inhalation.) It makes it easier to take care of your infant and feed them throughout the night.

This sleeper comes with a mattress that is firm and supports babies’ backs, reducing the risk of SIDS. It can be rotated over your adult bed to lift your baby for sunrise cuddles or nighttime nursing.

Budget

A bedside cot, also known as a co-sleeper is an infant cot with a bassinet design that is attached or clipped to your existing bed. This lets you easily and safely reach your newborn for middle-of-the-night feeding, comforting or cuddles. They are a great option for mums or new parents recovering from a csection as they offer easy access to baby and do not 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 sophisticated models that can be adjusted in several ways with incline and height options. Most convert to an independent crib for daytime naps or when your baby is about months old and sleeping longer at night.

One of our favorites is the Maxi-Cosi Lora, that was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby awards for the categories of Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket. MFM home tester Emily said she was impressed by how chic and modern the design was. She also appreciated the fact that it can be used as a bassinet, or a clip to your existing bed, for a safe side-by-side sleep. She also appreciated the soft mattress, which passed our firmness test and also the fact that it features an automatic rocking feature that can be set to a slight incline for reflux sufferers.

However, she wasn’t a fan of the design of the non-mesh panel at its foot end and felt it was a bit bulky to move from room to room regularly. It also felt a bit heavy to carry up and down the stairs once it was folded up into its travel bag.

Size

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

The NHS and Lullaby Trust advise that you keep your baby in the same room with you, but keep them separate from you for the first six months, as this can help reduce the chance of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). The bedside crib with its low sides is a great option to do this. It allows you to access your baby easily throughout the night.

It’s important that your newborn sleeps on a firm mattress as this is safer than a soft one. A mattress that is soft increases the risk of suffocation for newborns, since they lack the motor control necessary to turn. This mattress is made from skin-friendly and air-tight materials. It is comfortable for your baby, but firm enough to ensure safety.

Mum Jasmin was pleased that the crib didn’t occupy too the entire space in her room and found it to be the ideal size for a newborn. She also noted that the mattress was of high-quality and not like other mattresses that seem thin and flimsy. She also appreciates that it has a storage compartment beneath to store blankets and clothing which she believes most bassinets do not have.

MFM mom home tester Mehack is a huge fan of the side wall that is removable that lets you drop it down to give easy access to your newborn. She also loves the fact that legs can be placed under the bed to look less bulky and occupy less area on the floor. She is also impressed by how easy it was to move around the house in the event of checks and feedings during the night.

The CoZee Air crib is a favorite among parents. It won the Gold Award at the 2021 Mother and Baby Awards. It has a clever design with four built-in pulleys to raise or lower the crib. It has a large storage basket for your baby’s toys, blankets and other necessities. It’s also easy to put together and lightweight and portable, which is ideal for traveling with your baby.

Safety

It is important to think about the safety of the right crib for your baby’s bed. bedside cot reviews , as well as the NHS, recommend that babies don’t sleep in their parents’ beds due to the risk of suffocation or sudden infant death syndrome. Bassinets for bedside use allow parents to keep their babies close to them, facilitating nighttime feedings as well as monitoring without having to get out of bed.

This close proximity can aid breastfeeding mothers since it allows them to be attentive to the baby’s needs while they sleep. This can help to maintain milk supply and encourage breastfeeding. Some bedside cots have adjustable height options, which can help to ensure that the bassinet is an appropriate height for mother and baby to allow easy access for middle-of-the-night feedings or for care.

A majority of bassinets come with a mattress that is designed to decrease the risk of suffocation, and conforms to industry standards. This is crucial because a baby’s bones are fragile and not fully developed, and need to be supported to prevent damage. The mattress should be covered with an appropriate sheet to decrease the risk that dust mites, or other allergens, could choke a child. It must also be kept free of allergens and clean.

Some cots for bedside use have the capability of being tilted, which can be beneficial for babies with reflux or digestive issues, but this should always be done with extreme caution and at a moderate angle. It is also essential to avoid adding pillows, duvets or padded 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 set on flat surfaces.

You should also consider a bassinet that has a secure attachment system. It can be attached 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 accidentally rolling over while sleeping. If your bassinet is equipped with secured attachments it is a good idea for you to regularly check it. Make sure there are no gaps and that the system is securely connected.

Comfort

If you are a soon-to-be parent, the comfort of your child is 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 dangers that come with sharing beds. The newborn bedside crib is a cot that resembles a bassinet that attaches to the side of the bed. It lets you safely carry your baby to you for feedings at night and calming. It’s an excellent option for mothers recovering from a C section as it will not require you to stand up or bend over.

Modern bedside cots for newborns should have a flat, firm mattress to promote safe sleeping habits and reduce the risk Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. The bedding should be simple, comprising a cot sheets and a blanket tightly tucked on the bottom. Avoid bumpers, toys and pillows that may fall onto your baby posing the risk of suffocation. If your baby is used to being swaddled you can use a swaddle or baby sleep bag for the first few weeks, however this should be removed as soon as possible once they’ve gained the strength to pull themselves out of the wrap.

Some cribs for bedside use an open or removable side to make it easy for your baby for feedings in the middle of the night and comforting. This is a wonderful feature for parents who want to maintain the bond between them and their child, while adhering to NHS safe sleep advice. However, if you’re planning to co-sleep in the same bed as your child, it’s important to understand that this practice has been linked to an increased risk of SIDS especially if a parent unintentionally is able to roll onto their child during sleep.

A fabric that is breathable will keep your baby comfy and cool throughout the night. This is especially crucial if you plan to co-sleep your newborn because the risk of overheating in the night increases. The SnuzPod4 is a unique, breathable mesh side panel that helps improve the flow of air and keep your baby warm in their mattress.