Newborn Bedside Cot

A newborn bedside cot is a small sleeper that allows new babies to sleep in the same room as their parents, without the risks of true co-sleeping (which the AAP recommends against due to suffocation and SIDS). It helps you care for your infant and feed them throughout the night.

This mattress is a firm mattress to help babies' backs and reduce the risk of SIDS. It can be swiveled over your adult bed so that you can lift your baby to cuddle them at sunrise or during nighttime nursing.

Budget

A rocking bedside crib cot, also known as a co-sleeper is an infant cot with a bassinet design that can be attached to your existing bed. This allows you to safely and easily reach your baby during the night for feeding or comforting cuddles. These are ideal for moms and babies recovering from a c-section because they allow the baby to be easily accessible without needing to get out of bed.

There are lots of different styles available, from basic models with only a drop-down side, to more advanced ones that can be adjusted in several ways including height and incline options. Many can be converted into a standalone crib when your baby is older and is sleeping longer at night.

One of our top picks is the Maxi-Cosi Lura, that was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby awards, including the categories of Best Cot Crib, Best Cot or Moses Basket. MFM home tester Emily said she was impressed by how chic and modern the design was. She also liked the fact that it could be used as a bassinet, or a clip to your existing bed, for a safe side-by-side sleep. She also adored its soft mattress which passed our firmness tests and also that it comes with an option to manually tilt it for those who suffer from reflux.

She didn't like that it had a mesh panel at the bottom, and thought it was too bulky to move from room to room. She also found it to be a little heavy to carry up and down the stairs once folded away into its bag for travel cot bedside.

Size

A bedside cot resembles a bassinet that is connected to the side of your bed. It's easy to reach your baby to feed, change nappies or comforting during the night. It's perfect for mothers who are recovering from the c-section.

The NHS and Lullaby Trust advise that you keep your baby in the same room as you but separate from you for the first six months, since this will help decrease the risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). The bedside crib with its low sides is a great option to do this. It allows you to access your baby bedside cot easily at night.

It's important that your newborn sleeps on a firm bed as this is safer than a soft one. Infants don't have the motor control to rotate and a mattress that is soft can increase the chance of being suffocated. This mattress is made from skin-friendly and breathable materials. It's comfortable for your baby, yet firm enough to be safe.

Mum Jasmin was happy that the crib didn't occupy too the entire space in her room and thought it was the ideal size for a newborn. She also said that the mattress was of high-quality, unlike others which are thin and fragile. She also loves the fact that it has a storage area underneath for bedding and clothes which many bassinets don't have.

Mehack Mehack, an MFM mum who tested the product at home, loves that you can remove the side wall to allow easier access to your baby. She also loves the fact that legs can be placed under the bed to make it appear less bulky and occupy less area on the floor. She is also impressed by how easy it was to move around the house when she needed to do check-ins and feedings in the middle of the night.

A recipient of a Gold award in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards The CoZee Air is a popular choice amongst parents. It has a clever design with four built-in pulleys to raise or lower the crib. It also has a large storage basket for toys, blankets and other necessities. It is also lightweight and easy to put together which makes it perfect to travel with your baby.

Safety

It's important to consider safety when choosing the right crib for your baby's bed. The Lullaby Trust, as well as the NHS advise that babies not sleep in the parents' beds due to the risk of suffocation or sudden infant death syndrome. bedside cosleeper bassinets allow parents to keep their baby close to help with nighttime feedings, comforting and monitoring without needing to get out of bed.

This close proximity also helps breastfeeding mothers by allowing them to attend to their baby's needs without having to wake up completely and can help keep the supply of milk steady and help the breastfeeding experience. Some cots for bedside use adjustable height options that can make it easier for mother and child to access the bassinet to feed or take care of other needs throughout the night.

A majority of bassinets come with mattresses that are firm and designed to reduce the risk of suffocation and meets industry standards. This is crucial because a newborn's bones are brittle and not fully developed, and must be supported to avoid damage. The mattress should be covered with a fitted sheet to reduce the risk that dust mites or other allergens, could cause a child to be suffocated. It should be kept clean and free of allergens.

Some cots for bedside use have the capability of being tilted, which is beneficial for babies suffering from reflux or digestive issues, however this should always be done with great caution and at a moderate angle. It's also important to stay clear of adding pillows, duvets, or padded crib bumpers to the bassinet since they can create an obstructing risk to your baby and should only be used when the cot is placed on an even surface.

It's also worth looking into an adjustable bassinet with a secure attachment system that can be easily attached to your bed without the need for tools. This is particularly beneficial 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 a good idea to regularly make sure it's secure and that there are no gaps or loose components that could pose a hazard.

Comfort

If you are a soon-to-be parent, your baby's safety is one of your main concerns. There's a wonderful sleep solution that lets you keep your baby close during the night - without any of the dangers that come with sharing a bed. The newborn bedside crib is a bassinet-style cot that can be attached to the side of the bed. It lets you safely lift your baby out to you for night feedings and soothing. It also makes an excellent choice for mothers recovering from a c-section as it reduces the need to bend over too much or even to get out of the bed.

A modern newborn bedside cot should have a sturdy flat mattress to promote safe sleeping practices and lower the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). The bedding should be kept as simple as possible, with only the cot sheet and a blanket that is tightly tucked into the bottom. Avoid bumpers, toys, and pillows that could be thrown over your baby, creating the risk of suffocation. If your baby has been used to being swaddled during a few weeks and you want to use the swaddle or baby sleep bag. But, it should be removed after they have the strength to take them off.

Some cribs with a bedside have a removable or drop-down side to make it easy for your baby's feeds and comforting. This is a great option for parents who wish to keep an intimate relationship with their child, but still adhere to NHS safe sleep guidelines. If you're planning to sleep with your child, it's crucial to be aware that this practice can increase the risk of SIDS. This is especially true if a parent accidentally rolls on their infant while sleeping.

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 especially important if you intend to co-sleep your newborn since the risk of being overheated during sleep increases. The SnuzPod4 has a unique breathable mesh side panel, which helps to improve airflow and keep your baby snug in their mattress.