Newborn Bedside Cot

A newborn bedside cot is a compact sleeper that allows newborns to share the same space as their parents without the dangers of co-sleeping (which the AAP cautions against due SIDS and suffocation). It also makes nursing sessions and child care simpler.

This mattress has a mattress that is firm and supports babies' backs, reducing the risk of SIDS. It can be swiveled over your bed to allow you to get your baby for nighttime cuddles or a sunrise kiss.

Budget

A bedside crib, also called a bassinet or co-sleeper, is a bassinet style crib that can be attached to your bed. This allows you to reach your baby comfortably and safely for a late-night feed or comforting cuddle. They are a great choice for new parents or mums recovering from a csection as they offer easy access to baby and do not require you to get up.

There are lots of different designs available, from basic models with just a drop-down option to more sophisticated ones that can be adjusted in a variety of ways with incline and height options. Many can be converted into an independent crib once your baby gets older and sleeps longer at night.

One of our favourites is the Maxi-Cosi Lora, that was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby awards for Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket. MFM home tester Emily said she was impressed by how chic and modern the design was. She also appreciated the fact that it could be used as a bassinet or clipped to your bed for a safe side-by-side sleep. She also liked its plush mattress which passed our firmness tests and it also has an option to manually tilt it for reflux sufferers.

She didn't like the fact that it had a non mesh panel at the bottom and she thought it was too heavy to move around from room to room. When folded into its travel bag, she found it somewhat heavy to carry up the stairs.

Size

A bedside cot resembles a bassinet that is placed on the side of your bed. It allows you to reach your baby during the night for feeding nappies, feeding and comforting. It's perfect for mothers recovering from an o-section.

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

It is essential that your baby is sleeping on a firm, not a soft mattress. Babies don't have motor control to turn over and a mattress that is soft can increase the risk of suffocation. The mattress is made of skin-friendly and breathe-able materials. It is comfortable for your baby but firm enough to be safe.

Mum home test Jasmin liked that this crib does not take up much space in her bedroom and she found it to be the perfect size for a newborn. The mattress she rated as also of good quality, as opposed to others that feel thin and thin. She also appreciates that it has storage space beneath for bedding and clothes which many bassinets don't have.

Mehack is an MFM mum who tested the product at home, likes the ability to remove the side wall to make it easier to access your baby. She also likes that legs fold under the bed so it doesn't look big or take up too much floor space. She's also impressed with the ease of being able to move around the house when you need to for ease during late-night feedings and check-ins.

The CoZee Air crib is a favourite among parents. It won a Gold Award at the 2021 Mother and Baby Awards. It has a clever design with four pulleys that are built-in to raise or lower the crib. It comes with a large storage bin to store your baby's toys, blankets and other necessities. It's also easy to put together and lightweight that is great to travel with your baby.

Safety

It is important to think about the safety aspect when selecting a newborn bedside crib. The official safe sleep guidelines from both the Lullaby Trust and NHS recommends that babies not sleep in their parents' beds due to the risk of suffocation, heat exhaustion and a higher risk of suffering from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Bassinets for bedside baby bed use let parents keep their infant close to help with feeding at night, comforting and monitoring without having to get out of bed.

This close proximity also supports breastfeeding mothers as they can attend to their baby's needs without waking up in the middle of the night, which can help to maintain milk supply and support the breastfeeding experience. Some cots with a bedside are equipped with adjustable height features that make it easier for the mother and child to reach the bassinet for feedings or other care at night.

Many bassinets have a mattress that is designed to decrease the risk of suffocation, and is in line with industry standards. It is essential to provide support for the bones of a newborn because they are still squishy and not fully formed. The mattress should be covered with a fitted sheet to minimize the chance that dust mites, as well as other allergens, can suffocate a child. It should also be kept clean and free of irritants.

Some cribs on the bed can be tilted. This is beneficial for babies who have reflux or digestive issues. However, this should be done with care and with care. It's also important to stay clear of adding pillows, duvets or padded crib bumpers to the bassinet as these can pose the risk of suffocation for your baby and should only be used when the cot is on an even surface.

You should also consider the bassinet with a secure attachment system. It can be connected to your bed without the use of tools. This is especially useful for parents who struggle to lift their child in and out of the crib or concerned about the possibility of falling asleep. If your bassinet is equipped with a secure attachment it is a good idea to check it regularly. Make sure there are no gaps and that the system is securely connected.

Comfort

If you are a soon-to-be parent, your baby's comfort is among your top concerns. There's a new solution to sleep that lets you keep your baby close to you at night without the risk of sharing the bed. The newborn bedside crib is a cot that resembles a bassinet that can be attached to the side of the bed. It lets you safely carry your baby towards you for feedings and comfort. It is also the perfect choice for mothers recovering from a csection, because it eliminates the need to bend too much or even take a step out of the bed.

A modern newborn bedside cot should have a sturdy, flat mattress to help promote safe sleeping practices and decrease the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). The bedding should be kept as simple as possible with just the sheet for the cot and blanket that is tightly tucked into the bottom. Avoid bumpers, toys or pillows since they could fall on your baby and create a risk of suffocation. If your baby has been used to being swaddled for a few weeks then you can use a swaddle, or a baby sleep bag. However, it is recommended that this be removed after they have the strength to take them off.

Some cribs with a bedside have a drop-down or removable side for easy access to your newborn for middle-of-the-night feeds and comforting. This feature is perfect for parents who wish to maintain a close relationship with their child, while still following NHS guidelines on sleep. If you are planning to sleep with your child, it is crucial to be aware that this practice can increase the chance of SIDS. This is particularly when a parent accidentally rolls on their infant during sleep.

A breathable fabric is another important 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 as the risk of overheating during sleep increases. The SnuzPod4 has a unique breathable mesh side panel that aids in improving the airflow and keeps your baby bedside cot snug in their bed.