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 dangers of co-sleeping (which the AAP cautions against due SIDS and suffocation). It also makes middle-of-the-night nursing sessions and child care more convenient.

This sleeper has a sturdy mattress to support the backs of babies and decrease the risk of SIDS. It can be swiveled over your adult bed so that you can lift your baby for sunrise cuddles or late night nursing.

Budget

A bedside crib, also called a co-sleeper or bassinet is a bassinet type crib for babies that attaches to your existing bed. This allows you to reach your baby quickly and safely for a late-night feed or comforting cuddle. These are perfect for mothers and new parents recovering from a c-section because they allow the baby to be easily accessible without needing to get out of bed.

There are many different designs available, from the simple ones with the drop-down side, to more sophisticated models with multiple adjustment options, including the ability to tilt or raise. Most convert to an independent crib for naps during the day or when your baby is around a few months old and sleeping longer at night.

Maxi-Cosi Lora is one of our favorites. It was shortlisted in the Best Cot category for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. MFM home tester Emily commented on how stylish and contemporary the design is, while she appreciated the possibility of using it as a regular bassinet, or connect it to a bed to ensure that you can sleep side-by-side. She also admired the soft mattress that passed our firmness test and the fact that it comes with an automatic rocking feature that can be set to a slight tilt for reflux sufferers.

However, she wasn't a fan of the fact that it had a non-mesh panel at the bottom and felt it was a bit heavy to move from room room frequently. She also found it to be a bit heavy to carry up and down the stairs, baby bedside cot especially when folded into a bag for travel cot bedside crib.

Size

A bedside crib that turns into cot cot is basically a bassinet-style cot that fixes to your side of the bed. It lets you easily reach your baby for mid-night feeding, nappies and comforting. It's also great for moms recovering from C-sections.

The NHS and Lullaby Trust advise that you place your baby in the same room as you, but separated from you for the first six months, because this will reduce the chance of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). The crib that is placed beside your bed with its low sides, is a great option to achieve this. It allows you to access your baby easily during the night.

It's important that your newborn sleeps on a firm bed as it is safer than a soft one. A mattress that is soft increases the risk of suffocation for infants as they lack the motor control necessary to turn. The breathable fabric and skin-friendly materials make this mattress comfortable for your baby but sufficiently firm to be safe for your baby.

Mum home tester Jasmin loved that the crib does not take up much space in her bedroom, and she found it to be the perfect size for a baby. She also noted that the mattress was of high-quality unlike other cribs that seem thin and flimsy. She also appreciates that it has a storage area beneath for bedding and clothes - something many other bassinets do not have.

Mehack is an MFM mom who tried the product at home, is thrilled that you can remove the wall on the side to allow for easier access to your baby. She also likes the fact that legs fold under the bed so it doesn't look heavy or take up a lot of floor space. She's also impressed with how it was simple to move around her house when she needed to do feeds and check-ins during the night.

The CoZee Air crib is a favourite among parents. It was awarded the Gold Award in the 2021 Mother&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 essentials. It is also light and easy to assemble which makes it perfect for traveling with your baby.

Safety

It's important to consider the safety aspect when selecting a newborn bedside crib. Official safe sleep advice from both the Lullaby Trust and NHS recommends that babies do not sleep in their parents' beds because of the risks of suffocation, overheating and a greater chance of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Bassinets that are placed in bed let parents keep their baby close, facilitating night-time feedings, comforting and monitoring without needing to get up from their beds.

This close proximity can support breastfeeding mothers, as it lets them attend to the needs of their baby while still sleeping. This can help to maintain milk supply and encourage breastfeeding. Some cots with a bedside are equipped with adjustable height features that can aid mother and child to access the bassinet for feedings or other activities at night.

Many bassinets are equipped with a firm mattress, which is designed to reduce the risk of suffocation, and also meets industry standards. It is crucial to support the bones of a newborn, as they are still soft and not fully formed. The mattress should be covered with a fitted sheet to minimize the risk of suffocation caused by dust mites and other allergens and kept hygienically clean and free from irritants.

Some cribs for bedside use can be tilted. This is useful for babies who have reflux or digestive problems. However, this should be done slowly and with caution. It is also important to stay clear of adding pillows, duvets or padded crib bumpers to the bassinet, as they can create a suffocation risk for your baby and should only be used when the cot is on an even surface.

It's also worth looking into an infant bassinet that has an attachment system that is secure and can be easily fixed to your bed without the necessity of tools. This feature is especially useful for parents who find it difficult to carry their child into and out of the crib or are worried about their child rolling over while sleeping. If your bassinet is equipped with an attachment system that is secure, it's an excellent idea to periodically check that it's securely attached and that there aren't any gaps or loose components that could pose a hazard.

Comfort

If you're expecting your first child, the safety of your child is definitely one of your top concerns. Thankfully, there's an innovative sleep solution that lets you keep your baby close during the night - without any of the dangers that come with sharing beds. The baby bedside cot is essentially a bassinet-style cot that fixes to the bed's side and allows you to lift them out towards you for feeding 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 sit up.

Modern bedside cots for newborns should have a flat, firm mattress to encourage safe sleep habits and reduce the risk Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. The bedding should be kept simple and consist of only the sheets for the cot and a blanket that is tightly tucked into the bottom. Avoid bumpers, toys and pillows that can fall onto your baby posing a suffocation risk. If your baby has been used to being swaddled during a few weeks then you can use the swaddle or baby sleep bag. However, it is recommended that this be removed once they have the strength to take them off.

Some cribs with a bedside feature an option to remove or drop down the side that allows for an easy access to your baby for comforting and feeding during the middle of the night. This is a good feature for parents looking to maintain a strong bond with their child while still following NHS safe sleep guidelines. If you're planning to co-sleep in the same bed with your child, it's important to understand that this practice has been linked to a higher risk of SIDS particularly if a parent unintentionally rolls onto their infant while they sleep.

A breathable fabric is another important safety factor, since it's designed to keep your baby cool and comfortable throughout the night. This is especially important if you plan to co-sleep your newborn as the risk of overheating when sleeping increases. The SnuzPod4 features an exclusive breathable side panel that helps improve airflow, keeping your baby cool.