Newborn Bedside Cot

A newborn bedside cot is a small sleeper that allows newborns to sleep in the same space as their parents without the dangers of co-sleeping (which the AAP recommends against due to SIDS and suffocation). It also makes middle-of-the-night nursing sessions and child care more convenient.

This sleeper features a firm mattress that can help babies' backs and decrease the risk of SIDS. It can slide over your adult bed to allow you to lift your baby for nighttime cuddles or a sunrise kiss.

Budget

A bedside crib, also called a bassinet or co-sleeper is a bassinet-style baby cot that clips to your existing bed. This allows you to comfortably and safely reach your baby during the night for feeding, comforting or cuddles. They are a great option for mums or new parents recovering from a c-section as they allow the baby with easy access and do not require you to get out of bed.

There are many different designs that are available, from the basic ones that have a drop down side to more sophisticated models with numerous adjustment options, like the ability to tilt or raise. The majority of them can be converted into a separate crib for naps during the day or when your baby is around a few months old and sleeps longer at night.

Maxi-Cosi Lora is one our top picks. It was nominated in the best bedside cot for newborn Cot category for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. MFM home tester Emily commented how stylish and modern the design was. She also liked the fact that it can be used as a bassinet, or clipped to your existing bed to ensure safe side-by-side sleeping. She also appreciated the soft mattress that has passed our test for firmness, and the fact that it comes with a manual rocking feature that can be set to a slight incline for reflux sufferers.

However, she wasn't a fan of the design of the non-mesh panel on the bottom and thought it was a bit bulky to move from room room often. When it was folded into its travel bag, she found it to be a bit heavy to carry up the stairs.

Size

A bedside cot is the bassinet, which is attached to the side of your bed. It is easy to reach your baby to feed, change nappies or comforting during the night. It's also great for moms recovering from a C-section.

The NHS and Lullaby Trust recommend that you keep your baby separate from you for the first six months, to decrease the chance of SIDS. A crib for your bed is a safe method to achieve this because it is low-sided and allows you to be able to easily access your baby at night.

It is crucial that your baby is sleeping on a firm, not a soft mattress. Babies don't have motor control needed to turn and a mattress that is soft could increase the risk 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 tester Jasmin liked that this crib doesn't take up too much space in her bedroom, and she found the size perfect for a newborn. She also noted that the mattress was of good quality unlike other cribs that seem thin and flimsy. She also loves the fact that it has a storage area underneath for bedding and clothes which other bassinets don't.

Mehack Mehack, an MFM mom who tried the product at home, loves that you can remove the side wall to allow for easier access to your baby. She also loves the fact that the legs can be tucked under the bed to look less bulky and take up less space on the floor. She's also amazed by how it was simple to move around her house when she needed to do check-ins and feedings during the night.

The winner of a Gold award at the 2021 Mother and Baby Awards, the CoZee Air is a popular choice amongst parents. It has a clever design with four pulleys that are built-in to raise or lower the crib. It comes with a large storage bin for your baby's blankets, toys and other essentials. It is also light and easy to put together and is ideal for travel with your baby.

Safety

It's important to consider the safety aspect when selecting the right crib for your baby's bed. The Lullaby Trust, as well as the NHS advise that babies don't sleep in the parents bed due to the risk of suffocation and sudden infant death syndrome. Bassinets for bedside use allow parents to keep their newborns close to them, facilitating nighttime feedings as well as monitoring without having to get out of bed.

This close proximity can support breastfeeding mothers, as it allows them to be attentive to the needs of their infant while still sleeping. This can help maintain the supply of milk and also encourage breastfeeding. Some cots for bedside use adjustable height features that aid both the mother and baby to get into the bassinet for feedings or other care throughout the night.

Many bassinets come with a mattress that is designed to reduce the risk of suffocation and meets industry standards. This is crucial because a newborn's bones are soft and not fully developed, and must be supported to prevent injury. The mattress should be covered with a fitted sheet to minimize the risk of suffocation due to dust mites or other allergens. It should also be kept clean and free of allergens.

Some cots for bedside use have the ability to be 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. Avoid putting pillows, duvets, or padded crib bumpers to the bassinet. These can pose the risk of suffocation to your baby.

It's also worth considering a bassinet with an attached system that is secure and can be easily fixed to your bed without the necessity of tools. This is particularly beneficial for parents who find it difficult to carry their child into and out of the crib or are concerned about their baby accidentally rolling over during sleep. If your bassinet is equipped with an attachment that is secure it is a great idea for you to regularly check it. Check to ensure there are no gaps, and that the system is securely connected.

Comfort

If you're planning to become a parent, the comfort of your child is one of your primary concerns. There's a brand new sleep solution that allows you to keep your baby close in the evening, without the risk of sharing the bed. The baby bedside cot crib cot is an essentially a bassinet-style crib which is fixed to the bed's side, allowing you to safely take them away to feed them at night and soothe. 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.

Modern bedside crib and cot cots for newborns should have a flat, firm mattress to encourage safe sleep habits and reduce the risk Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. The bedding should be kept simple and consist of only the cot sheet and a blanket that is tightly tucked into the bottom. Avoid bumpers, toys, and pillows that can be thrown over your baby, creating an obstructive risk. 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 developed the strength to take off their wraps.

Some cribs with a bedside have a removable or drop-down side for easy access to your newborn for middle-of-the-night feeds and comforting. This is a wonderful feature for parents who want to maintain a strong bond with their child while still following NHS safe sleep advice. However, if you're planning to sleep in the same bed as your child it's important to recognize that this practice has been linked to a higher risk of SIDS particularly when a parent accidentally is able to roll onto their child during sleep.

A fabric that is breathable will keep your baby comfortable and cool throughout the night. This is especially important if you intend to co-sleep your newborn as the risk of overheating in the night increases. The SnuzPod4 features a unique side panel made of breathable mesh, which helps to improve the airflow and keeps your baby snug in their mattress.