Newborn Bedside Cot
A newborn crib with a bedside is a small sleeping device that allows babies to sleep in the same space as their parents without the dangers of co-sleeping. (The AAP warns against this because of the dangers of SIDS and the risk of suffocation.) It also makes middle-of-the-night nursing sessions and care much more convenient.
This sleeper comes with an extremely firm mattress that can support babies backs, reducing the risk of SIDS. It can swivel over your adult bed to allow you to get your baby out for midnight cuddles or a sunrise kiss.
Budget
A bedside crib, also known as a co-sleeper or bassinet, is a bassinet style baby cot that clips to your existing bed. This lets you easily and safely reach your newborn for middle-of-the-night feeding or cuddles. They are a great option for mothers or new parents recovering from a c-section as they provide an easy access to baby and don't require you to get up from your bed.
There are lots of different designs on the market, from basic models with only a drop-down side, to more sophisticated models that can be adjusted in a variety of ways, including incline and height options. Most convert to an independent crib for napping during the daytime or when your baby is about months old and sleeping longer at night.
One of our favorites is the Maxi-Cosi Lora, which was shortlisted for 2021 Mother&Baby awards, including the categories of Best Cot Crib, Best Cot or Moses Basket. MFM home tester Emily commented how stylish and modern the design was. She also appreciated the fact that it could be used as a bassinet, or a clip to your existing bed for safe side-byside sleeping. She also appreciated the soft mattress that was able to pass our test of firmness and the fact that it comes with an automatic rocking feature that can be set to a slight incline for those suffering from reflux.
However, she didn't like the feature of a non-mesh panel at the foot end and felt it was a bit bulky to move from room room regularly. bedside cot wooden felt a little heavy to carry up and down the stairs, especially when folded away into its travel bag.
Size
A bedside cot resembles the bassinet, which is connected to the bed's side. It allows you to reach your baby during the night for feeding nappies, feeding and comforting. It's perfect for mothers who are recovering from the c-section.
The NHS and Lullaby Trust recommend that you keep your baby separated from you for the first six month, to reduce the risk of SIDS. The bedside crib with its low sides, is a great way to accomplish this. It allows you to access your baby easily at night.
It is important that your baby is sleeping on a firm and not an extremely soft mattress. Newborns don't have the motor control to turn over and a soft mattress could increase the risk of being suffocated. The mattress is made of skin-friendly and breathable materials. It is comfortable for your baby, but sufficient to be secure.
Mum home test Jasmin liked that this crib does not take up a lot of space in her bedroom and she found it to be the perfect size for a baby. She also said that the mattress was excellent quality, in contrast to those that feel cheap and thin. She also appreciates that it has a storage compartment beneath to store blankets and clothing - something she says many other bassinets lack.
Mehack Mehack, an MFM mother who has tested the product at home, is thrilled that you can remove the side wall to make it easier to access your baby. She also likes that legs fold into the bed so it doesn't appear bulky or take up a lot of floor space. She's also impressed by the ease of being able to move around the house when you need to in the middle of the night, which is convenient for feedings and check-ins.
The CoZee Air crib is a favourite among parents. It was awarded a Gold Award at the 2021 Mother and Baby Awards. It is a clever design with four pulleys which can be used to raise or lower your crib. It also comes with a large basket for toys, blankets, and other items. It is also light and easy to put together and is ideal for travel with your baby.
Safety
It is important to think about the safety aspect when selecting the crib for your newborn. The Lullaby Trust, as well as the NHS recommend that babies not sleep in their parents' beds because of the risk of suffocation as well as sudden infant death syndrome. Bedside bassinets allow parents to keep their infants close to them, facilitating nighttime feedings as well as comforting and monitoring without having to get up.
This close proximity can also help breastfeeding mothers as it allows them to attend to the needs of their baby while still sleeping. This can help maintain the supply of milk and also encourage breastfeeding. Some bedside cots come with adjustable height options that can help 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 decrease suffocation risk and meets the standards of the industry. It is important to provide support for the bones of a newborn, as they are still soft and aren't fully formed. The mattress should be encased with a fitted sheet to decrease the chance of suffocation caused by dust mites and other allergens. It should also be kept clean and free from irritants.
Some bedside cots have the capability of being tilted, which can be beneficial for babies suffering from reflux or digestive issues, however this should be done with a lot of care and at a gentle angle. It is also important to avoid putting pillows, duvets, or padded crib bumpers to the bassinet since these can pose an obstructing risk to your baby. They should only be used when the cot is set on flat surfaces.
It's also worth considering an adjustable bassinet with a secure attachment system that can be easily attached to your existing bed without the need for tools. This feature is especially beneficial for parents who have difficulty get their child in and out of the crib or are worried about their child rolling over during sleep. If your bassinet is equipped with secured attachments it's recommended to regularly make sure it's secure and that there are no gaps or loose parts that could pose a hazard.
Comfort
If you are a soon-to-be parent, the comfort of your child is one of your primary concerns. There's a brand new sleep solution that lets you keep your baby close at night, without the danger of bed-sharing. The newborn bedside crib is a bassinet-style cot that can be attached to the side of the bed. It allows you to safely lift your baby out to you for feedings at night and soothing. It's also a great option for mothers who are recovering from a C-section since it removes the need to stand up or to bend over.
A modern bedside cot for newborns should have a sturdy flat mattress to ensure a safe sleep and lower the chance of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). The bedding should be kept simple and consist of only the sheet for the cot and blanket that is tightly tucked into the bottom. Avoid bumpers, toys, and pillows that can be thrown over your baby, creating a suffocation risk. If your baby is used to being swaddled, you can make use of a swaddle, or a baby sleep bag for the first few weeks, however this should be removed as soon as possible once they've gained the strength and confidence to unwrap themselves.
Some cribs with a bedside have an open or removable side that allows easy access to your newborn for middle-of-the-night feeds and comforting. This feature is ideal for parents who want to maintain a close bond with their child, while adhering to NHS guidelines on sleep. If you are planning to sleep with your child, it is important to be aware that this practice could increase the risk of SIDS. This is especially when a parent accidentally is able to roll their infant over while sleeping.
A fabric that is breathable is an important safety factor, since it's designed to keep your baby cool and comfortable throughout the night. This is particularly crucial if you intend to co-sleep with your newborn because the risk of overheating increases during sleep. The SnuzPod4 features an exclusive breathable side panel that aids in improving the airflow and keeps your baby comfortable.