Newborn Bedside Cot

A newborn bedside cot is a compact sleeper that allows babies to share a room as their parents without the risk of sleeping together (which the AAP recommends against due to SIDS and suffocation). It helps you care for your infant and feed them in the middle of the night.

This sleeper has a sturdy mattress to support babies' backs and decrease the risk of SIDS. It can be swiveled over your adult bed to make it easier for you to get your baby out for midnight nursing or sunrise cuddles.

Budget

A bedside cot 6 months plus cot, also referred to as a co-sleeper, is a bassinet-style baby cot that can be attached to your bed. This allows you to reach your baby comfortably and safely for a mid-night feed or comforting cuddle. These are great for moms and babies recovering after a c section because they provide the baby to be easily accessible without needing to get out of bed.

There are a variety of styles available starting with basic models that have only a drop-down side, to more advanced ones that can be adjusted in multiple ways including height and incline options. The majority of them can be converted to a standalone crib when your baby grows older and has a longer sleep time at night.

One of our favorites is the Maxi-Cosi Lora, which was shortlisted for 2021 Mother&Baby awards for 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 liked the fact that it could be used as a bassinet or attached to your bed to ensure safe side-by-side sleeping. She also appreciated the soft mattress that passed our firmness test and also the fact that it features an automatic rocking feature that can be set to a slight incline for those suffering from reflux.

However, she wasn't a fan of the feature of a non-mesh panel at its foot end and thought it was a bit bulky to move from room to room often. She also found it to be a bit heavy to carry up and down the stairs once folded away into its travel cot bedside bag.

Size

A bedside cot is essentially an upholstered bassinet that is fixed to the side of your bed. It lets you easily reach your baby during the night for feeding, nappies and comforting. It's perfect for mothers who are recovering from an o-section.

The NHS and Lullaby Trust advise that you place your baby in the same space as you but separate from you for the first six months because this will reduce the risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). A bedside crib to cot crib is a safe way to achieve this because it has low sides and lets you be able to easily access your baby during the night.

It's important that your newborn sleeps on a firm mattress as this is safer than a soft one. Babies don't have motor control to turn over and a mattress that is soft could increase the risk of drowning. This mattress is made of skin-friendly and breathable materials. It's comfortable for your baby, but firm enough to be safe.

Mum home test Jasmin liked that this crib doesn't take up too much space in her bedroom and she found the size perfect for a baby. She also said that the mattress was of high-quality, unlike others which seem thin and flimsy. She also likes the fact that it has a storage area underneath for bedding and clothes - something many other bassinets do not have.

MFM mum home test Mehack is a big fan of the removable side wall that lets you drop it down to give easy access to your newborn. She also appreciates that the legs can be tucked under the bed to make it look less bulky and take up less space on the floor. She's also impressed with how it was simple to move around her home in the event of checks and feedings during the night.

A winner of a Gold award in the 2021 Mother and Baby Awards, the CoZee Air is a popular choice for parents. It features a unique design that has four pulleys that can be used to raise or lower your crib. There's also an ample basket for toys, blankets, and other necessities. It is also lightweight and easy to put together which makes it perfect for traveling with your baby.

Safety

It's important to consider the safety aspect when selecting a newborn bedside crib. The Lullaby Trust, as well as the NHS, recommend that babies don't sleep in the parents' beds because of the risk of suffocation as well as sudden infant death syndrome. Bassinets that are placed in bed let parents keep their infant close, facilitating nighttime feedings and monitoring without the need to get up from their beds.

This close proximity also helps breastfeeding mothers as they can attend to their baby's needs without having to wake up at all times and can help maintain milk supply and support the breastfeeding experience. Some cots for bedside travel cot have adjustable height options, which can help to ensure that the bassinet is at an ideal height for mother and baby, allowing easy access to mid-night feedings or for care.

Many bassinets come with mattresses that are firm and designed to reduce the risk of suffocation, and is in line with industry standards. It is important to provide support for the bones of a newborn, as they are still soft and not fully formed. The mattress should be covered in 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 cribs on the bed can be tilted. This is beneficial for babies who have reflux or digestive issues. But, it should only be done gently and with care. Avoid adding pillows, duvets, or padded crib bumpers to the bassinet. These can pose the risk of suffocation your baby.

It's also worth looking into a bassinet with a secure attachment system that can be easily fixed to your bed without the necessity of tools. This is particularly beneficial for parents who have difficulty lift their child into and out of the crib or are worried about their child accidentally rolling over during sleep. If your bassinet does have secured attachments, it's a good idea to regularly check that it's securely attached and Newborn Bedside Cot that there are no gaps or loose components that could pose a hazard.

Comfort

If you're expecting your first child, the safety of your baby is surely one of your main concerns. There's a new sleep solution that lets you keep your baby close at night without the risk of bed-sharing. The newborn bedside crib is a bassinet-style cot that is attached to the side of the bed. It allows you to safely carry your baby towards you for feedings and soothing. It is also a great option for mothers who are recovering from a C-section since it eliminates the need to stand or to bend over.

A modern bedside cot for newborns should have a sturdy, flat mattress to help ensure a safe sleep and reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Bedding should be simple with just a cot sheet and a blanket tightly tucked at the bottom. Avoid bumpers, toys or pillows because they could be thrown over your baby and create a danger of suffocation. If your baby is used to being swaddled, you can use 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 to take off their wraps.

Some cribs for bedside use a removable or drop-down side that gives you easy access to your baby bedside sleeper to feed and comfort them during the middle of the night. This is a great feature for parents who want to maintain an intimate relationship with their child, but still adhere to NHS safe sleep advice. If you are planning to sleep with your child, it's important to be aware that this practice could increase the risk of SIDS. This is particularly when a parent accidentally falls on their child while sleeping.

A breathable fabric will keep your baby cool and cool throughout the night. This is particularly important if you plan to sleep with your newborn, since the risk of being overheated during sleep increases. The SnuzPod4 features a unique mesh side panel that is breathable that helps improve the airflow and keeps your baby snug in their mattress.