Newborn Bedside Cot
A newborn bedside cot is a small sleeper that allows newborns 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 nursing sessions and care much easier.
This sleeper has a firm mattress that supports babies' backs, reducing the chance of SIDS. It can slide over your bed to allow you to lift your baby out for midnight cuddles or a sunrise kiss.
Budget
A bedside crib, also called a bassinet or cosleeper is a bassinet-style baby cot that clips to your existing bed. This allows you to easily and safely reach your baby for mid-night feeding or cuddles. They are a great choice for new parents or mums recovering from a csection as they provide the baby with easy access and do not require you to get out of bed.
There are many different designs available, from basic models with just a drop-down side to more sophisticated models that can be adjusted in multiple ways with incline and height options. The majority of them can be converted into an independent crib for naps during the day or when your baby is a few months old and sleeps longer at night.
bedside crib vs cot Cots For Tots -Cosi Lora is among our favorites. It was nominated in the Best Cot category for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. MFM home tester Emily expressed her delight at how stylish and modern the design is, while she appreciated the feature that you can use it as a regular bassinet or attach it to a bed to sleep side-by-side in a safe and secure manner. She also liked its plush mattress which was able to pass our tests of firmness and it also has an option to manually tilt it for those suffering from reflux.
She didn't like that it had a non mesh panel at the bottom, and she thought it was too heavy to move from room to room. When it was folded into its travel bag, she found it a bit heavy to carry up the stairs.
Size
A bedside cot is essentially an upholstered bassinet that is fixed to the side of the bed. It allows you to reach your baby for mid-night feeding nappies, comforting and feeding. It's perfect for mothers recovering from a c-section.
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 bedside crib, with its low sides is a great way to do this. It lets you be able to easily access your baby at night.
It is important that your baby sleeps on a firm, not a soft mattress. Newborns don't have the motor control to rotate and a mattress that is soft can increase the risk of drowning. The mattress is made of skin-friendly and air-tight materials. It's comfortable for your baby, but firm enough to be safe.
Mum home tester Jasmin was pleased with the fact that the crib does not take up much space in her bedroom, and she found the size perfect for a baby. The mattress she rated as excellent quality, in contrast to some that feel flimsy and thin. She also loves the fact that it has a storage compartment beneath for blankets and clothes which she believes many other bassinets lack.
MFM mom home test Mehack is a big fan of the side wall that is removable that lets you lower it down to give easy access to your infant. She also loves that legs slide under the bed so that it doesn't appear heavy or take up too much floor space. She's also impressed with the ease of being able to move around the house whenever you need to for ease during late-night meals and check-ins.
The CoZee Air crib is a favorite among parents. It won a Gold Award in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It has a clever design with four pulleys that can be used to raise or lower your crib. There is also an ample basket for toys, blankets, and other items. It is also lightweight and easy to assemble which makes it perfect to travel with your baby.
Safety
It's important to consider safety when choosing the crib for your newborn. The Lullaby Trust, as well as the NHS advise that babies don't sleep in their parents bed due to the risk of suffocation as well as sudden infant death syndrome. Bassinets for bedside use allow parents to keep their newborns close, facilitating night time feedings as well as comforting and monitoring without the need to get out of bed.
This close proximity also assists breastfeeding mothers by allowing them to take care of their infant's needs without waking up in the middle of the night and help keep the supply of milk steady and help the breastfeeding experience. Some cots with a bedside are equipped with adjustable height features that can make it easier for the mother and child to reach the bassinet for feedings or other activities during the night.
A majority of bassinets come with a firm mattress that is designed to decrease the risk of suffocation and meets industry standards. It is crucial to support the bones of a newborn, since they are still fragile and aren't fully formed. The mattress should be covered with a fitted sheet to decrease the risk that dust mites, as well as other allergens, will cause a child to be suffocated. It should also be kept clean and free of allergens.
Some bedside cribs can be tilted. This is helpful for babies suffering from reflux or digestive issues. But, it should be done slowly and with caution. Avoid adding pillows, duvets, or padded crib bumpers to the bassinet. They could pose the risk of suffocation your baby.
It's also worth thinking about 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 is particularly beneficial for parents who struggle 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 a secure attachment system it's an excellent idea to periodically make sure it's secure and that there are no gaps or loose parts that could pose a hazard.
Comfort
If you're a soon-to-be parent, your baby's comfort is among your top concerns. Thankfully, there's an innovative sleep solution that allows you to keep your baby close during the night without taking on any of the dangers that come with sharing a bed. The newborn bedside cot is basically a bassinet-style cot that fixes to the bed's side, allowing you to safely take them away for feeding at night and calming. It also makes the perfect choice for mothers recovering from a c-section since it makes it less necessary to bend too much or even take a step out of the bed.
Modern bedside cots for babies should be fitted with a firm, flat mattress to encourage safe sleep practices and reduce the risk Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Bedding should be easy with a cot sheet and blanket tucked tightly at the bottom. Avoid toys, bumpers or pillows as these could fall on your baby and create a suffocation hazard. If your baby is 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 when they have the strength to unwrap them.
Some bedside cribs feature an option to remove or drop down the side that gives you an easy access to your baby for feeding and comfort in the middle of the night. This is a good option for parents who wish to maintain a strong bond with their child, but still adhere to NHS safe sleep advice. However, if you're planning to sleep in the same bed as your baby, it's important to understand that this practice has been associated with an increased risk of SIDS, particularly in the event that a parent falls on their infant while they sleep.
A fabric that is breathable will keep your baby comfy and cool throughout the night. This is particularly important if you plan to sleep with your newborn since the chance of overheating increases during sleep. The SnuzPod4 is a unique, breathable mesh side panel that helps improve airflow and keep your baby comfortable in their mattress.