Newborn Bedside Cot
A crib for newborns 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 due to the risk of SIDS and the risk of suffocation.) It helps you take care of your infant and feed them in the middle of the night.
This sleeper features a firm mattress to support babies' backs and decrease the chance of SIDS. It can swivel over your bed to allow you to carry your child out for midnight cuddles or a sunrise kiss.
Budget
A bedside crib, also called a bassinet or cosleeper, is a bassinet style crib that can be attached to your bed. This allows you to reach your baby quickly and safely for a late-night feed or comforting cuddle. These are great for moms and babies recovering from a c-section as they allow easy access to the baby without having to get up from the bed.
There are a variety of styles available, ranging from simple ones with the drop-down side, to more sophisticated models that offer multiple adjustment options, including an incline or a height. Most can be converted into an independent crib once your baby is older and is sleeping longer at night.
Maxi-Cosi Lora is one our favorites. It was selected in the Best Cot category for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. MFM home tester Emily said she was impressed by how chic and modern the design is as well as the possibility of using it as a regular bassinet or clip it onto your bed to sleep side-by-side in a safe and secure manner. She also appreciated its luxurious mattress, which has passed our tests for firmness and also that it comes with an adjustable manual inclining feature for those who suffer 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. When folded into its travel bag, she found it to be somewhat heavy to carry up the stairs.
Size
A bedside cot is basically a bassinet-style cot that fixes to the side of the bed. It lets you easily reach your newborn for middle-of-the-night feeding, nappies and comforting. It's also great for moms recovering from C-sections.
The NHS and Lullaby Trust recommend that you keep your baby separated from you for the first six month, to decrease the chance of SIDS. A bedside crib is a safe method to achieve this as it has low sides and allows you to easily access your newborn throughout the night.
It is crucial that your baby sleeps on a firm and not a soft mattress. Newborns don't have the motor control to rotate and a soft mattress could increase the risk of suffocation. The breathable fabric and skin-friendly materials make this mattress comfortable for your baby but sufficient to ensure safety.
Mum Jasmin was pleased that the crib didn't take up much space in her bedroom and thought it was the perfect size for a newborn. She said the mattress was excellent quality, in contrast to some that feel flimsy and thin. She also loves the fact that it has a storage area beneath to store blankets and clothing - something she says many bassinets don't have.
MFM mom home test Mehack is a big fan of the side wall with a removable design that lets you drop it to make it easier access to your baby. She also likes the fact that legs can be placed under the bed to make it appear less bulky and take up less space on the floor. She's also amazed by how easy it is to move around the house when you need to in the middle of the night, which is convenient for meals and check-ins.
A recipient of an Gold award at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, the CoZee Air is a popular choice for parents. It has a clever design with four pulleys built-in to raise or lower the crib. It has a large storage basket for your baby's toys, blankets and other necessities. It's also simple to put together and light, which is useful to travel with your baby.
Safety
It is important to think about the safety of the crib for your newborn. The Lullaby Trust, as well as the NHS advise that babies do not sleep in the parents' beds due to the risk of suffocation or sudden infant death syndrome. bedside cots for newborns allow parents to keep their infants close, facilitating night time feedings, comforting, and monitoring without having to get up.
This close proximity can also help breastfeeding mothers as it lets them attend to the baby's needs while also sleeping. This can help to maintain milk supply and encourage breastfeeding. Some cots for bedside use adjustable height options that can help both the mother and baby to get into the bassinet to feed or take care of other needs throughout the night.
Many bassinets have a firm mattress that is designed to minimize the risk of suffocation, and is in line with industry standards. It is crucial to support the bones of a newborn, as they are still soft and aren't fully formed. The mattress should be encased in a fitted cover to decrease the chance of suffocation caused by dust mites or other allergens, and kept clean and free of irritants.
Some cribs on the bed can be tilted. This is beneficial for babies with reflux or digestive issues. But, it should be done slowly and with caution. It is also essential 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 placed on a flat surface.
You should also think about an infant bassinet with a secure attachment system. It can be connected to your existing bed easily without the need of tools. This feature is especially beneficial for parents who struggle to carry their child into and out of the crib or are concerned about their baby accidentally rolling over during sleep. If your bassinet does have secured attachments, it's recommended to regularly check that it's securely attached and that there aren't any gaps or loose parts that could cause danger.
Comfort
If you're a soon-to-be parent, your baby's safety is one of your main concerns. Thankfully, there's an innovative sleep solution that allows you to keep your baby close to you throughout the night, without any of the risks that come with sharing a bed. The infant bedside crib is a bassinet style cot that can be attached to the side of the bed. It allows you to safely carry your baby to you for feedings at night and comfort. It's an excellent option for mothers who are recovering from a C section as it will not require you to stand or bend over.
Modern bedside cots for babies should be fitted with a firm, flat mattress to encourage safe sleep habits and reduce the risk Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. The bedding should be kept as simple as possible with just the sheets for the cot and a blanket tucked tightly at the bottom. Avoid bumpers, toys or pillows as these could fall on your baby and cause risk 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, although it is best to remove it when possible after they've gained the strength to pull themselves out of the wrap.
Some cribs with a bedside have a removable or drop-down side that allows easy access to your baby's feeds and comforting. This is a great feature for parents who wish to keep a close relationship with their child, but still adhere to NHS guidelines on sleep. If you plan to co-sleep with your child, it's important to know that this practice could increase the chance of SIDS. This is particularly the case if a parent falls on their child while sleeping.
A breathable fabric is another important safety feature, as it's designed to keep your baby cool and comfortable throughout the night. This is particularly crucial if you intend to sleep with your baby, as the risk of being overheated increases during sleep. The SnuzPod4 features a unique side panel made of breathable mesh, which helps to improve airflow and keep your baby warm in their mattress.