Newborn Bedside Cot
A newborn bedside cot is a tiny sleeper that allows babies to sleep in the same room as their parents, without the dangers of co-sleeping (which the AAP cautions against due SIDS and suffocation). It helps you care for your baby and nurse them in the middle of the night.
This mattress has a mattress that is firm and supports babies backs, reducing the risk of SIDS. It can be swiveled over your adult bed so that you can raise your baby to cuddle them at sunrise or during late night nursing.
Budget
A bedside crib, also known as a bassinet or co-sleeper is a bassinet-style crib for babies that attaches to your bed. This allows you to comfortably and safely reach your baby for mid-night feeding, comforting or cuddles. They are a great option for new parents or mums recovering from a csection as they allow easy access to baby and don't require you to get out of bed.
There are many different designs available, from the basic ones that have an upside-down side to more sophisticated ones that have various adjustment options, such as an incline or a height. The majority of them can be converted into an independent crib for napping during the daytime or when your baby is a few months old and is sleeping more at night.
One of our favourites is the Maxi-Cosi Lora that was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby awards in the categories of Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket. MFM home tester Emily expressed her delight at how stylish 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 adored its soft mattress, which has passed our tests for firmness and also that it comes with a manual inclining function for those suffering from reflux.
She wasn't a fan of the fact that it had a mesh panel at the bottom and she thought it was too heavy to move from room to room. When folded into its travel bag she found it somewhat heavy to carry up the stairs.
Size
A bedside cot is essentially a bassinet-style cot that fixes to the side of the bed. It allows you to easily reach your baby for mid-night feeding, nappies and comforting. It's ideal for mothers recovering from the c-section.
baby bedside cot and Lullaby Trust advise you to keep your baby in the same space as you but separate from you for the first six months, as this can help reduce the chance of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). A crib that is placed near your bed is a safe way to accomplish this since it has low sides and lets you easily access your newborn throughout the night.
It is essential that your baby is sleeping on a firm and not an extremely soft mattress. 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 breathe-able materials. It is comfortable for your baby but firm enough to be safe.
Mum home tester Jasmin was pleased with the fact that the crib does not take up a lot of space in her bedroom. Also, she found the size to be perfect for a baby. She also stated that the mattress was of high-quality and not like other mattresses that feel thin and flimsy. She also likes that it has a storage compartment beneath to store blankets and clothing which she believes most bassinets do not have.
Mehack, a MFM mother who has tested the product at home, likes the ability to remove the side wall to allow for easier access to your baby. She also loves the fact that legs can be placed under the bed to look less bulky and occupy less floor space. She's also impressed by how easy it is to move around the house whenever you want to for ease during late-night meals and check-ins.
The winner of an Gold award in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, the CoZee Air is a popular choice for parents. It is designed with four pulleys that are built-in to raise or lower the crib. It also has a large storage basket to store your baby's toys, blankets and other necessities. It's also easy to put together and light and portable, which is ideal for traveling with your baby.
Safety
When selecting a newborn bedside cot, you must keep safety in mind. The Lullaby Trust, as well as the NHS recommend that babies don't be placed in parents' beds due to the possibility of suffocation and sudden infant death syndrome. Bassinets for bedside use allow parents to keep their infants close, which allows for nighttime feedings as well as comforting and monitoring without having to get out of bed.
This close proximity also assists breastfeeding mothers as they can take care of their infant's needs without waking up completely, which can help to keep milk supply steady and enhance the breastfeeding experience. Some cots with a bedside are equipped with adjustable height features that will help ensure that the bassinet is an ideal height for mother and baby, allowing ease of access during feedings or care.
Many bassinets come with a firm mattress that is designed to minimize the risk of suffocation, and conforms to industry standards. This is important because a baby's bones are fragile and not fully developed and need to be supported to prevent damage. The mattress should be covered in a fitted sheet to decrease the chance of suffocation due to dust mites or other allergens. It should also be kept clean and free of irritants.
Some bedside cribs can be tilted. This is useful for babies with reflux or digestive problems. However, it should be done slowly and with care. It is also essential to avoid adding pillows, duvets or padded crib bumpers to the bassinet, as they can create the risk of suffocation for your baby. They should only be used when the cot is placed on a flat surface.
You should also think about the bassinet with an attachment system that is secure. This can be attached to your bed without the need for tools. This is particularly beneficial for parents who struggle to lift their child into and out of the crib or are worried about their child falling asleep. If your bassinet does have secured attachments it's recommended to regularly check that it's securely attached and that there aren't gaps or loose parts that could cause danger.
Comfort
If you're planning to become a parent, your baby's safety is among your top concerns. There's a brand new sleep solution that lets you keep your baby close to you at night, without the danger of bed-sharing. The infant bedside cot an essentially a bassinet-style crib which is fixed to the side of your bed that allows you to move them towards you to feed them at night and soothe. It's an excellent option for mothers recovering from a C section as it removes the need to stand up or sit up.
Modern cots for infants should have a flat, firm mattress to encourage safe sleep habits and reduce the risk Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. The bedding should be kept as simple as possible with just the cot sheet and a blanket tucked in tightly at the bottom. Avoid bumpers, toys and pillows that could be thrown over your baby, creating a suffocation risk. If your baby is familiar with being swaddled, you can use a swaddle or a baby sleep bag for the first few weeks, although this should be removed as soon as possible once they've gained the strength and confidence to unwrap themselves.
Some cribs with a bedside feature an adjustable or drop-down side that gives you the baby to be easily accessible to feed and comfort them in the middle of the night. This is a great feature for parents who want to maintain the bond between them and their child, but still adhere to NHS safe sleep advice. If you're considering sleeping in the same bed as your child, it's important to understand that this practice has been associated with an increased risk of SIDS, particularly when a parent accidentally falls on their child during sleep.
A fabric that is breathable is an essential safety feature, as it's designed to keep your baby cool and comfortable throughout the night. This is particularly important if you plan to sleep with your newborn, as the risk of being overheated increases when you sleep. The SnuzPod4 has a unique side panel made of breathable mesh that helps improve the airflow and keeps your baby snug in their bed.