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 advises against due to SIDS and suffocation). It also makes nursing sessions and child care more convenient.

This mattress has an extremely firm mattress that can support babies backs, reducing the chance of SIDS. It can be swiveled over your adult bed to allow you to lift your baby for nighttime nursing or cuddles at sunrise.

Budget

A bedside crib, also referred to as a bassinet or cosleeper is a bassinet type baby cot that clips to your existing bed. This lets you easily and safely reach your baby during the night for feeding or cuddles. They are a great option for mothers or new parents recovering from a csection as they allow easy access to baby and don't require you to get out of bed.

There are a variety of styles available that range from basic models with just a drop-down option to more advanced ones that can be adjusted in several ways including height and incline options. Most convert to an independent crib for naps during the day or when your baby is about months old and is sleeping more at night.

Maxi-Cosi Lora is one of our top picks. It was shortlisted in the best bedside cot uk Cot category for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. 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 attached to your existing bed for safe side-byside sleeping. She also liked the plush mattress that was able to pass our test of firmness, and the fact that it comes with a manual rocking bedside crib function that can be set to a slight incline for reflux sufferers.

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. She also found it a little heavy to carry up and down the stairs, especially when it was folded up into its bag for travel.

Size

A bedside cot is the bassinet, which is connected to the side of your bed. It lets you easily reach your baby for mid-night feeding nappies, comforting and feeding. It's also great for moms recovering from a C-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, because this will reduce the risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). The crib that is placed beside your bed with its low sides, is a great method to do this. It lets you access your baby easily throughout the night.

It's important that your newborn sleeps on a firm mattress since this is safer than a mattress that is soft. Newborns don't have the motor control to turn over and a mattress that is soft can increase the chance of drowning. This mattress is made from skin-friendly and breathe-able materials. It's comfortable for your baby, but firm enough to ensure safety.

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 noted that the mattress was of high-quality, unlike others which seem thin and flimsy. She also loves that it has a storage compartment beneath for blankets and clothes which she claims many other bassinets lack.

MFM mom home test Mehack is a big fan of the side wall that is removable that lets you drop it down for easy access to your baby. She also loves the fact that legs can be placed under the bed to make it appear less bulky and take up less area on the floor. She's also amazed by the ease of being able to move around the house whenever you need to for ease during late-night 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 has a clever design with four pulleys that are built-in to raise or lower the crib and has a large bedside crib storage basket for your baby's blankets, toys and other necessities. It is also lightweight and easy to put together which makes it perfect for travel with your baby.

Safety

It's important to consider the safety of the crib for your newborn. The Lullaby Trust, as well as the NHS, recommend that babies do not sleep in their parents bed 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 and allow for feeding at night and monitoring without needing to leave their bed.

This close proximity can support breastfeeding mothers, as it lets them attend to the baby's needs while they sleep. This can help maintain the supply of milk and also encourage breastfeeding. Some cots for bedside use adjustable height features that can aid mother and child to access the bassinet to feed or take care of other needs at night.

Many bassinets are equipped with mattresses that are firm, which is designed to reduce the risk of suffocation and is in line with industry standards. It is important to support the bones of a newborn, as they are still soft and are not fully formed. The mattress should be covered with an appropriate sheet to decrease the risk that dust mites or other allergens, could suffocate a child. It must be kept clean and free of irritants.

Some bedside cots have the ability to be tilted, which is useful for babies with reflux or digestive issues, however this should always be done with great caution and at a moderate angle. It is also important to avoid adding pillows, duvets or padded crib bumpers to the bassinet since they could pose the risk of suffocation for your baby and should only be used when the cot is set on flat surfaces.

It is also recommended to consider an infant bassinet with a secure attachment system. This can be attached to your bed without the need of tools. This is especially useful for parents who struggle to lift their child into and out of the cot or who are worried about accidentally falling asleep. If your bassinet has an attachment that is secure it is a good idea for you to check it frequently. Check to ensure there aren't any gaps and that the system is securely connected.

Comfort

If you're planning to become a parent, your baby's safety is one of your primary concerns. There's a great sleep solution that allows you to keep your baby close during the night without taking on any of the risks associated with sharing a bed. The baby bedside cot is essentially a bassinet-style cot that is attached to the bed's side and allows you to move them towards you to feed them at night and soothe. It is also a great choice for mums recovering from a c-section, because it eliminates the need to bend down too far or even to get out of the bed.

A modern cot for infants should have a firm, flat mattress to help in promoting safe sleeping habits and reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Bedding should be simple with a cot sheet and blanket tucked tightly at the bottom. Avoid bumpers, toys, and pillows that can fall on your baby, posing a suffocation risk. If your baby is used to being swaddled for a few weeks, you can use either an swaddle or baby sleep bag. However, this should be removed after they have the strength to remove them.

Some cribs for bedside use an open or removable side to make it easy for your baby for feedings in the middle of the night and comforting. This feature is perfect for parents who wish to maintain a close bond with their child, but still adhere to NHS sleep guidelines. However, if you're planning to co-sleep in the same bed with 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 is able to roll onto their infant while they sleep.

A breathable fabric is another essential safety feature, as it's designed to keep your baby cool and comfortable throughout the night. This is especially crucial if you intend to sleep with your baby, as the risk of overheating is higher when you sleep. The SnuzPod4 is a unique, side panel made of breathable mesh that aids in improving the flow of air and keep your baby comfortable in their bed.