Newborn Bedside Cot
A crib for newborns is a small sleeping device that allows babies to sleep in the same room with their parents without the risks of co-sleeping. (The AAP warns against this because of the dangers of SIDS and suffocation.) It helps you take care of your baby and give them a bottle during the night.
This mattress is a firm mattress to help babies' backs and decrease the risk of SIDS. It can swivel over your bed to allow you to get your child out for midnight cuddles or a sunrise kiss.
Budget
A bedside crib, also known as a co-sleeper or bassinet is a bassinet type crib that can be attached to your existing bed. This allows you to reach your baby easily and safely for a late-night feed, comforting, or cuddles. They are a great option for new parents or mums recovering from a csection as they offer an easy access to baby and don't require you to get out of bed.
There are a variety of designs on the market, from basic models with just a drop-down option to more sophisticated ones that can be adjusted in multiple ways with incline and height options. Most can be converted into an independent crib once your baby grows older and is sleeping longer in the night.
One of our favorites is the Maxi-Cosi Lura, which was nominated for the 2021 Mother&Baby awards for the categories of Best Cot Crib, Best Cot or Moses Basket. MFM home tester Emily noted how stylish and modern the design was. She also appreciated the fact that it can be used as a bassinet, or clipped to your bed to ensure safe side-by-side sleeping. She also liked its plush mattress which has passed our tests for firmness and it also has a manual inclining function for those suffering from reflux.
She didn't like that it had a mesh panel at the bottom, and she thought it was too heavy to move around from room to room. When it was folded into its travel bag, she found it to be somewhat heavy to carry up the stairs.
Size
A bedside cot is basically the bassinet style cot that can be fixed to the side of your bed. It's easy to reach your baby to feed them, change nappies, or to comfort them during the night. It's perfect for mothers recovering from the c-section.
The NHS and Lullaby Trust recommend that you keep your baby separate from you for the first 6 months to lower the risk of SIDS. The bedside crib with its low sides is a great option to achieve this. It lets you be able to easily access your baby at night.
It is important that your baby is sleeping on a firm and not an extremely soft mattress. A mattress that is soft increases the risk of suffocation for newborns, since they lack the motor control needed to turn. This mattress is made of skin-friendly and breathe-able materials. It is comfortable for your baby, yet firm enough to be safe.
Mum home test Jasmin was pleased with the fact that the crib does not take up much space in her bedroom. Also, she found it to be the perfect size for a baby. The mattress she rated as excellent quality, in contrast to others that feel thin and thin. She also likes the fact that it has a storage area underneath for clothes and bedding which other bassinets do not have.
MFM mum home tester Mehack is a fan of the side wall with a removable design that lets you drop it to make it easier access to your infant. She also likes the fact that legs slide into the bed so it does not look big or take up a lot of floor space. She's also amazed by how easy it is to move around the house as you need to, for convenience during middle-of-the-night feedings and check-ins.
A recipient of a Gold award in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, the CoZee Air is a popular choice among parents. It features a smart design with four pulleys that are built-in to raise or lower the crib. It also has a large storage basket to store your baby's blankets, toys and other necessities. It is also lightweight and easy to assemble, making it ideal for travel with your baby.
Safety
When choosing a new baby's bedside cot it's important to keep safety in your thoughts. The Lullaby Trust, as well as the NHS advise that babies do not be placed in parents' beds due to the risk of suffocation and sudden infant death syndrome. Bedside bassinets allow parents to keep their babies close to them, facilitating nighttime feedings as well as comforting and monitoring without needing to get out of bed.
This close proximity can help breastfeeding mothers as it lets them attend to the baby's needs while also sleeping. This can help to maintain the supply of milk and encourage breastfeeding. Some bedside cots have adjustable height features, which can help to ensure that the bassinet is an appropriate height for mother and baby for easy access to mid-night feedings or for care.
Many bassinets come with mattresses that are firm, which is designed to minimize suffocation risk and meets the standards of the industry. This is crucial because a baby's bones are fragile and not fully developed, and need to be supported to prevent injury. The mattress should be covered with a fitted sheet to minimize the chance that dust mites, as well as other allergens, could suffocate a child. It should be kept clean and free of irritants.
Some cots with a bedside have the ability to be tilted. This can be useful for babies with reflux or digestive issues, but it should be done with great caution and at a moderate angle. Avoid putting pillows, duvets or padded crib bumpers in the bassinet. They could pose a risk of suffocation for your baby.
It's also worth considering an infant bassinet that has an attachment system that is secure and can be easily attached to your existing bed without the need for tools. This feature can be particularly beneficial for parents who struggle to lift their baby into and out of the cot, or who are concerned about rolling over in the night. If your bassinet is equipped with secured attachments it is a good idea for you to regularly check it. Check to ensure there are no gaps and that the system is securely attached.
Comfort
If you're expecting your first child and you're worried about the safety of your baby is surely one of your main concerns. There's a great sleep solution that allows you to keep your baby close to you throughout the night, without any of the risks associated 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 towards you for feedings and comfort. It's also the perfect choice for mothers recovering from a csection, since it makes it less necessary to bend too much or even get out of bed.
A modern newborn bedside cot should have a sturdy flat mattress to ensure a safe sleep and decrease the chance 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 and pillows that could fall on your baby, posing an obstructive risk. If your baby has been used to being swaddled during a few weeks, you can use either a swaddle, or a baby sleep bag. However, this should be removed after they are strong enough to unwrap them.
Some cribs with a bedside have a drop-down or removable side to make it easy for your baby's feeds and comforting. This feature is perfect for parents who wish to keep a close relationship with their child while adhering to NHS guidelines on sleep. If you're planning to co-sleep in the same bed as your baby, it's important to understand that this practice has been linked to a higher risk of SIDS particularly in the event that a parent rolls onto their child during sleep.
A fabric that breathes will keep your baby comfortable and cool throughout the night. bedside travel cot is particularly crucial if you intend to sleep with your newborn since the chance of overheating increases when you sleep. The SnuzPod4 features a unique, breathable side panel that aids in improving the flow of air, keeping your baby cool.