Newborn Bedside Cot
A newborn bedside cot is a tiny sleeper that allows new babies to sleep in the same room as their parents, without the risks of true co-sleeping (which the AAP advises against due to SIDS and suffocation). It also makes mid-night nursing sessions and child care more convenient.
This sleeper features a firm mattress that is designed to help babies' backs and minimize the risk of SIDS. It can be rotated over your adult bed to lift your baby to cuddle them at sunrise or during midnight nursing.
Budget
A bedside cot, also known as a co-sleeper, is the bassinet-style baby cot that can be attached to your existing bed. This allows you to reach your baby comfortably and safely for a nighttime feed or cuddles. They are a great option for mums or new parents recovering from a c-section because they allow an easy access to baby and don't require you to get up from your bed.
There are a variety of styles available, ranging from simple ones with an upside-down side to more sophisticated models that offer various adjustment options, such as the ability to tilt or raise. The majority of them can be converted to a separate crib when your baby is older and sleeps longer in the night.
One of our favorites is the Maxi-Cosi Lora, which was nominated for the 2021 Mother&Baby awards in 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 could be used as a bassinet, or attached to your existing bed, for a safe side-by-side sleep. She also adored its soft mattress which was able to pass our tests of firmness and it also has a manual inclining function for reflux sufferers.
However, she didn't like the feature of a non-mesh panel at the foot end and felt it was a bit bulky to move from room room frequently. It also felt a little heavy to carry up and down the stairs, especially when folded away into its travel bag.
Size
A bedside cot is basically an upholstered bassinet that is fixed to the side of your bed. It's easy to reach your baby's mouth for feedings, changing nappies or comforting during the night. It's also great for moms recovering from C-sections.
The NHS and Lullaby Trust recommend that you keep your baby separated from you in the first six months, to lower the risk of SIDS. A crib that is placed near your bed is a safe method to achieve this because it is low-sided and allows you to be able to easily access your baby throughout the night.
It is essential that your baby sleeps on a firm mattress as this is safer than a soft one. Newborns don't have the motor control to turn over and a mattress that is soft can increase the chance of being suffocated. The breathable fabric and skin-friendly materials make this mattress a comfortable one for your baby but sufficient to ensure safety.
Mum home test Jasmin was pleased with the fact that the crib does not take up much space in her bedroom and she found the size to be perfect for a newborn. The mattress she rated as excellent quality, in contrast to others that feel thin and thin. She also likes the fact that it has storage space underneath for bedding and clothes which other bassinets don't.
Mehack is an MFM mother who has tested the product at home, is thrilled that you can take off the side wall to make it easier to access your baby. She also loves the fact that legs can be placed under the bed to make it look less bulky and take up less area on the floor. She's also impressed by how easy it is to move around the house whenever you need to, for convenience during middle-of-the-night feedings and check-ins.
The CoZee Air crib is a favourite among parents. It was awarded a Gold Award in the 2021 Mother and Baby Awards. It is designed with four built-in pulleys to raise or lower the crib and includes a large storage basket for toys, blankets and other necessities. It's also light and easy to assemble which makes it perfect for travel with your baby.
Safety
When choosing a new baby's bedside cot, it is important to keep the safety aspect in mind. The Lullaby Trust, as well as the NHS recommend that babies don't sleep in the parents' beds due to the possibility of suffocation as well as sudden infant death syndrome. Bedside bassinets enable parents to keep their infants close, which allows for nighttime feedings as well as monitoring without having to get up.
This close proximity can also support breastfeeding mothers, as it allows them to attend to the baby's needs while still sleeping. This can help maintain the supply of milk and also encourage breastfeeding. Some bedside cots have adjustable height features, which will help ensure that the bassinet is a comfortable height for both mother and baby for easy access to mid-night feedings or for care.
Many bassinets are equipped with mattresses that are firm. This is designed to minimize the risk of suffocation and is in line with industry standards. It is crucial to provide support for the bones of a newborn as they are still soft and aren't fully formed. The mattress should be covered with a fitted sheet in order to minimize the chance that dust mites, as well as other allergens, could cause a child to be suffocated. It must be kept clean and free of allergens.
Some cots for bedside use can be tilted, which is beneficial for babies suffering from reflux or digestive issues, but this should be done with a lot of care and at a gentle angle. It is also important to avoid putting pillows, duvets, or padded crib bumpers to the bassinet, as these can pose an obstructing risk to your baby. They should only be used when the cot is on an even surface.
It's also worth thinking about an adjustable bassinet with an attached system that is secure and can be easily attached to your existing bed without the need for tools. This feature can be particularly helpful for parents who may struggle to lift their baby into and out of the crib or who are concerned about rolling over during sleep. If your bassinet is equipped with a secure attachment system it's recommended to regularly check that it's securely attached and that there are no gaps or loose components that could cause danger.
Comfort
If you're a soon-to-be parent, your baby's safety is among your top concerns. There's a wonderful sleep solution that allows you to keep your baby close to you throughout the night, without any of the risks associated with sharing a bed. The infant bedside cot essentially a bassinet-style cot which is fixed to the bed's side and allows you to take them away for night feeding and soothing. It is also a great choice for mothers recovering from a C-section as it eliminates the need to get up or to bend over.
A modern bedside cot for newborns should have a sturdy, flat mattress to help in promoting safe sleeping habits and reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Bedding should be easy comprising a cot sheets and a blanket that is tightly tucked on the bottom. Avoid bumpers, toys and pillows that may fall on your baby, posing the risk of suffocation. If your baby has been used to being swaddled during a few weeks and you want to use an swaddle or baby sleep bag. But, it should be removed when they have the strength to remove them.
Some bedside cribs have a removable or drop-down side that allows easy access to your baby's feeds and comforting. This feature is ideal 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 is important to know that this practice could increase the chance of SIDS. This is especially true if a parent accidentally falls on their child while sleeping.
cots4tots 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 sleep with your baby since the risk of being overheated during sleep increases. The SnuzPod4 has a unique mesh side panel that is breathable, which helps to improve the flow of air and keep your baby warm in their mattress.