A newborn bedside cot is a small sleeper that allows newborns to sleep in the same room as their parents, without the risk of sleeping together (which the AAP recommends against due to suffocation and SIDS). It also makes mid-night nursing sessions and child care simpler.
This sleeper comes with a mattress that is firm and supports babies’ backs, reducing the risk of SIDS. It can swivel over your bed to make it easier for you to get your baby for nighttime cuddles or a sunrise kiss.
Budget
A bedside crib, also referred to as a co-sleeper or bassinet is a bassinet-style crib for babies that attaches to your existing bed. This lets you reach your baby quickly and safely for a mid-night feed or cuddles. They are a great choice for mothers or new parents recovering from a c-section as they allow the baby with easy access and don’t require you to get up from your bed.
There are many different designs on the market that range from basic models with just a drop-down option to more sophisticated models that can be adjusted in a variety of ways with incline and height options. The majority of them can be converted into a separate crib for naps during the day or when your baby is a few months old and is sleeping more at 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, Best Cot, or Moses Basket. MFM home tester Emily commented on how stylish and modern the design and she was impressed by the feature that you can use it as a regular bassinet, or clip it to your existing bed to sleep side-by-side in a safe and secure manner. She also adored its soft mattress that was able to pass our tests of firmness and it also has a manual inclining function for those who suffer from reflux.
However, she didn’t like the fact that it had a non-mesh panel on the lower end, and thought it was a bit heavy to move from room room often. When folded into a travel bag, she found it somewhat heavy to carry up the stairs.
Size
A bedside cot is similar to the bassinet, which is attached to the bed’s side. It is easy to reach your baby to feed, change nappies or comforting during the night. It’s perfect for mothers recovering from a c-section.
The NHS and Lullaby Trust recommend that you keep your baby separated from you during the first six month, to decrease the chance of SIDS. The crib that is placed beside your bed, with its low sides is a great option to accomplish this. It lets you access your baby easily at night.
It is crucial that your baby is sleeping on a firm, not an extremely soft mattress. Infants don’t have the motor control to turn over and a mattress that is soft can increase the risk of suffocation. This mattress is made of skin-friendly and air-tight materials. It is a comfortable fit for your baby, yet sufficient to be secure.
Mum Jasmin was pleased that the crib didn’t occupy too much space in her room and found it to be the ideal size for a baby. She also noted that the mattress was of good quality unlike other cribs that are thin and fragile. She also appreciates that it has a storage area underneath for clothes and bedding which many bassinets don’t.
MFM mum home tester Mehack is a huge fan of the side wall that is removable that allows you to drop it down to give easy access to your baby. She also appreciates that legs can be placed under the bed to make it look less bulky and take up less space on the floor. She’s also impressed by the ease of being able to move around the house when you’d like, for convenience during middle-of-the-night meals and check-ins.
A winner of an Gold award in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, the CoZee Air is a popular choice for parents. It has a clever design with four pulleys that can be used to raise or lower your crib. There’s also an ample basket for blankets, toys and other items. It is also light and easy to assemble and is ideal to travel bedside crib with your baby.
Safety
When choosing a baby’s bedside cot it’s important to keep safety in your thoughts. The official safety sleep guidelines of both the Lullaby Trust and NHS recommends that babies not sleep in parent’s beds due to the risk of overheating, suffocation and a higher chance of suffering from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Bedside bassinets allow parents to keep their babies close, facilitating night time feedings, comforting, and monitoring without the need to get up.
This close proximity can aid breastfeeding mothers since it allows them to attend to the baby’s needs while still sleeping. This can help to maintain milk supply and encourage breastfeeding. Some bedside crib or cot cots have adjustable height features, which can help to ensure that the bassinet is an appropriate height for mother and baby, allowing easy access to mid-night feedings or care.
Many bassinets have mattresses that are firm and designed to minimize the chance of suffocation and is in line with industry standards. This is crucial because a newborn’s bones are brittle and not fully developed and require support to prevent damage. The mattress should be encased with a fitted sheet to minimize the risk of suffocation due to dust mites or other allergens. It should also be kept clean and free of irritants.
Some cots with a bedside have the capability of being tilted, which is beneficial for babies with reflux or digestive issues, however it should be done with extreme caution and at a moderate angle. Avoid putting pillows, duvets or padded crib bumpers inside the bassinet. These could create the risk of suffocation your baby.
It is also recommended to consider a bassinet that has an attachment system that is secure. It can be connected to your existing bed easily without the need for tools. This is especially useful for parents who struggle to lift their child in and out of the crib or who are worried about accidentally rolling over in the night. If your bassinet has secured attachments, it’s recommended to regularly check that it’s securely attached and that there aren’t any gaps or loose parts which could cause danger.
Comfort
If you’re a soon-to-be parent, the comfort of your child is among your top concerns. Thankfully, there’s an innovative sleep solution that allows you to keep your baby close throughout the night without taking on any of the risks that come with bed-sharing. The baby bedside crib and travel cot cot is essentially a bassinet-style cot that is attached to the bed’s side, allowing you to safely move them towards you for night feeding and soothing. It’s an excellent option for mothers recovering from a C section as it will not require you to stand or bend over.
Modern bedside baby sleeper cots for newborns should have a flat, firm mattress to encourage safe sleep habits and lower the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Bedding should be simple comprising a cot sheets and a blanket tightly tucked on the bottom. Avoid toys, bumpers and pillows that could fall on your baby, posing a suffocation risk. If your baby has been used to being swaddled for a few weeks and you want to use the swaddle or baby sleep bag. However, it is recommended that this be removed once they have the strength to remove them.
Some bedside cosleeper cribs feature a removable or drop-down side that allows for the baby to be easily accessible for comforting and feeding during the middle of the night. This feature is perfect for parents who wish to keep a close relationship with their child, while adhering to NHS sleep guidelines. If you are planning to sleep with your child, it is important to be aware that this practice can increase the chance of SIDS. This is especially the case if a parent rolls on their infant when they are asleep.
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 intend to sleep with your newborn since the chance of overheating is higher during sleep. The SnuzPod4 features an exclusive breathable side panel that aids in improving airflow, keeping your baby cool.