Newborn Bedside Cot
A newborn bedside cot is a compact sleeper that allows new babies to sleep in the same space as their parents without the dangers of co-sleeping (which the AAP cautions against due SIDS and suffocation). It makes it easier to care for your infant and feed them throughout the night.
This sleeper has a sturdy mattress that can support the backs of babies and decrease the risk of SIDS. It can be swiveled over your bed to make it easier for you to lift your baby out for midnight cuddles or a sunrise kiss.
bedside crib co sleeper , sometimes referred to as a co-sleeper, is a bassinet-style baby cot that can be attached to your bed. This allows you to reach your baby quickly and safely for a mid-night feed, comforting, or cuddles. These are perfect for mothers and new parents recovering from a c-section because they allow easy access to the baby without needing to get out of the bed.
There are a variety of styles available, from basic models with only a drop-down side, to more advanced ones that can be adjusted in multiple ways including height and incline options. Most convert to a separate crib for napping during the daytime or when your baby is around a few months old and sleeps longer at night.
One of our favourites is the Maxi-Cosi Lura, that was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby awards for the categories of Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket. MFM home tester Emily commented how stylish and modern the design was. She also liked the fact that it can be used as a bassinet, or clipped to your existing bed to ensure safe side-by-side sleeping. She also liked its plush mattress which was able to pass our tests of firmness and also that it comes with a manual inclining function for those suffering from reflux.
However, she wasn't a fan of the design of the non-mesh panel on the foot end and thought it was a bit bulky to move from room room frequently. When folded into its travel bag, she found it to be a bit heavy to carry up the stairs.
Size
A bedside cot is essentially the bassinet style cot that can be fixed to your side of the bed. It allows you to reach your newborn for middle-of-the-night feeding nappies, comforting and feeding. It's perfect for mothers who are recovering from the c-section.
The NHS and Lullaby Trust advise that you place your baby in the same room with you, but separated from you for the first six months, because this will reduce the risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). The crib at the bedside, with its low sides is a great option to achieve this. It lets you be able to easily access your baby throughout the night.
It is crucial that your infant sleeps on a firm bed as it is safer than a soft one. Newborns don't have the motor control to rotate and a mattress that is soft can increase the chance of being suffocated. The mattress is made of skin-friendly and air-tight materials. It is a comfortable fit for your baby, yet firm enough to be safe.
Mum home tester Jasmin was pleased with the fact that the crib does not take up much space in her bedroom, and she found the size perfect for a newborn. She also said that the mattress was excellent quality, in contrast to some that feel flimsy and thin. She also loves the fact that it has a storage compartment underneath for clothes and blankets which she claims most bassinets do not have.
Mehack, a MFM mum who tested the product at home, loves that you can remove the wall on the side to make it easier to access your baby. She also likes the fact that the legs can be put under the bed to make it appear less bulky and take up less space on the floor. She's also impressed with the ease of being able to move around the house whenever you need to for ease during late-night feedings and check-ins.
A winner of the Gold award at the 2021 Mother and Baby Awards The CoZee Air is a popular choice amongst parents. It features a smart design with four pulleys that are built-in to raise or lower the crib. It also has a large storage basket for your baby's blankets, toys and other essentials. It is also light and easy to assemble and is ideal to travel with your baby.
Safety
When selecting a newborn bedside cot, you must keep the safety of your baby in your thoughts. Official safe sleep advice from both the Lullaby Trust and NHS recommends that babies should not sleep in parent's beds due to the risk of suffocation, heat exhaustion and a higher risk of suffering from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Bassinets for bedside use allow parents to keep their infant close, facilitating night-time feedings, comforting and monitoring without needing to get up from their beds.
This close proximity can aid breastfeeding mothers since it lets them attend to the baby's needs while they sleep. This can help maintain milk supply and encourage breastfeeding. Some cots with a bedside are equipped with adjustable height options that can help both the mother and baby to get into the bassinet to feed or take care of other needs during the night.
Many bassinets have a firm mattress that is designed to minimize the risk of suffocation, and meets industry standards. This is essential because newborn's bones are brittle and aren't fully developed. They must be supported to avoid damage. The mattress should be covered with an appropriate sheet to decrease the risk that dust mites, or other allergens, will suffocate a child. It must be kept free of allergens and clean.
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 in the bassinet. These could create the risk of suffocation your baby.
You should also consider the bassinet with a secure attachment system. It can be attached to your existing bed easily without the use of tools. This feature is especially beneficial for parents who struggle to carry their child into and out of the crib or are concerned about their child rolling over during sleep. If your bassinet does have an attachment system that is secure, it's recommended to regularly ensure that it's securely secured and that there aren't any gaps or loose components that could pose a hazard.
Comfort
If you're a parent-to-be, the comfort of your baby is surely one of your main concerns. There's a brand new sleep solution that allows you to keep your baby close at night, without the danger of sharing a bed. The newborn bedside cot is an essentially a bassinet-style crib that fixes to the bed's side and allows you to take them away for night feeding and soothing. It's also a great choice for mothers recovering from a C-section since it eliminates the need to get up or sit up.
Modern bedside cots for babies should have a flat, firm mattress to encourage safe sleeping habits and reduce the risk Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. The bedding should be simple, with just a cot sheet and a blanket tightly tucked at the bottom. Avoid toys, bumpers or pillows since they could fall on your baby and pose a danger of suffocation. If your baby is used to being swaddled during a few weeks and you want to use an swaddle or baby sleep bag. But, it should be removed after they have the strength to unwrap them.
Some bedside cribs feature an option to remove or drop down the side that allows for easy access to your baby for feeding and comfort during the middle of the night. This feature is perfect for parents who wish to maintain a close bond with their child while adhering to NHS guidelines for sleep. If you're planning to co-sleep in the same bed as your baby it's important to know that this practice has been associated with an increased risk of SIDS especially if a parent unintentionally falls on their infant during sleep.
A fabric that is breathable will keep your baby comfortable and cool throughout the night. This is especially important if you plan to sleep with your baby since the chance of overheating is higher when you sleep. The SnuzPod4 has a unique breathable side panel that aids in improving the flow of air, keeping your baby warm.