Newborn bedside cot (dermandar.com)

A newborn bedside cot is a tiny sleeper that allows babies to sleep in the same room as their parents without the risks of true co-sleeping (which the AAP advises against due to SIDS and suffocation). It also makes mid-night nursing sessions and baby care simpler.

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 for nighttime cuddles or a sunrise kiss.

Budget

A bedside crib, also known as a bassinet or cosleeper is a bassinet-style baby cot that clips to your existing bed. This lets you safely and easily reach your newborn for middle-of-the-night feeding, comforting or cuddles. They are a great choice for mothers or new parents recovering from a c-section because they offer the baby with easy access and do not require you to get out of bed.

There are many different designs available that range from basic models with just a drop-down option to more sophisticated models that can be adjusted in multiple ways, including incline and height options. Most can be converted into a standalone crib when your baby gets older and has a longer sleep time in the night.

One of our favourites is the Maxi-Cosi Lura, that was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby awards, including the categories of Best Cot Crib, Best Cot or Moses Basket. MFM home tester Emily said she was impressed by how chic and modern the design is, while she appreciated the fact that you can use it as a regular bassinet, or clip it onto your bed to sleep side-by-side in a safe and secure manner. She also adored its soft mattress that has passed our tests for firmness and it also has an adjustable manual inclining feature for those who suffer from reflux.

She didn't like that it had a mesh panel at the bottom and she thought it was too heavy to move from room to room. When folded into a travel bag, she found it to be quite heavy to carry up the stairs.

Size

A bedside crib and travel cot cot is basically 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 also great for mums recovering from the C-section.

The NHS and Lullaby Trust recommend that you keep your baby separated from you in the first 6 months to lower the risk of SIDS. The bedside crib with its low sides is a great way to accomplish this. It lets you access your baby easily at night.

It is important that your baby sleeps on a firm, not a soft mattress. A mattress that is soft can increase the risk of suffocation among infants as they do not have the motor control required to turn. The soft, breathable fabric and skin-friendly materials make this mattress a comfortable one for your baby but also firm enough for safety.

Mum Jasmin was pleased that the crib didn't take up the entire space in her room and thought it was the perfect size for a newborn. She also noted that the mattress was of high-quality and not like other mattresses that feel thin and flimsy. She also likes the fact that it has a storage area underneath for bedding and clothes which many bassinets don't have.

Mehack Mehack, an MFM mother who has tested the product at home, loves that you can remove the side wall to allow for easier access to your baby. She also appreciates that the legs can be tucked under the bed to make it look less bulky and take up less area on the floor. She's also impressed with how easy it is to move around the house whenever you'd like in the middle of the night, which is convenient for meals and check-ins.

A winner of a Gold award at the 2021 Mother&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 and has a large storage basket for blankets, toys and other essentials. It's also simple to put together and lightweight that is great for travelling with your baby.

Safety

When selecting a newborn bedside cot, it is important to keep the safety of your baby in your thoughts. The official safety sleep guidelines of both the Lullaby Trust and NHS recommends that babies should not be sleeping in the bed of their parents because of the risks of suffocation, overheating and a higher chance of suffering from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Bassinets for bedside cot used use allow parents to keep their babies close to them, facilitating nighttime feedings, comforting, and monitoring without the need to leave their bed.

This close proximity can aid breastfeeding mothers since it allows them to be attentive to the baby's needs while they sleep. This can help to maintain milk supply and encourage breastfeeding. Some bedside cots come with adjustable height options that can help the mother and child to reach the bassinet for feedings or other activities during the night.

A lot of bassinets have a firm mattress, which is designed to decrease the risk of suffocation, and also meets the standards of the industry. It is essential to support the bones of a newborn because they are still squishy and not fully formed. The mattress should be covered with a fitted sheet to decrease the risk that dust mites, as well as other allergens, can choke a child. It must be kept clean and free of allergens.

Some bedside cribs can be tilted. This is helpful for babies who have reflux or digestive problems. But, it should only be done gently and with care. It's also important to avoid adding pillows, duvets, or padded crib bumpers to the bassinet as these can pose an obstructing risk to your baby and should only be used when the cot is on a flat surface.

It's also worth considering an infant bassinet that has an attached system that is secure and can be easily attached to your existing bed without the need for tools. This feature is especially beneficial for parents who have difficulty carry their child into and out of the crib or are worried about their child rolling over while sleeping. If your bassinet has an attachment that is secure it is a great idea for you to check it regularly. Check to ensure there are no gaps, and that the system is securely attached.

Comfort

If you're expecting a child and you're worried about the safety of your infant is undoubtedly one of your main concerns. There's a wonderful sleep solution that allows you to keep your baby close during the night, without any of the risks associated with sharing beds. The baby bedside cot is essentially a bassinet-style cot that fixes to the bed's side and allows you to take them away to feed them at night and soothe. It is also an excellent choice for mothers recovering from a c-section, because it eliminates the need to bend down too far or even get out of the bed.

A modern bedside cot for newborns should have a sturdy and flat mattress that can ensure a safe sleep and decrease the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). The bedding should be kept as simple as possible, with only the sheets for the cot and a blanket that is tightly tucked into the bottom. Avoid bumpers, toys or pillows as these can fall on your baby and cause risk of suffocation. 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 it is best to remove it as soon as possible once they've gained the strength and confidence to take off their wraps.

Some cribs for bedside use a removable or drop-down side that provides easy access to your baby for feeding and comfort in the middle of the night. This is a great option for parents who wish to maintain a strong bond with their child, while adhering to NHS safe sleep guidelines. If you plan to co-sleep with your child, it's crucial to be aware that this practice can increase the chance of SIDS. This is particularly the case if a parent falls on their child when they are asleep.

A breathable fabric will keep your baby cool and cool throughout the night. This is especially important if you plan to sleep with your baby because the risk of being overheated increases when you sleep. The SnuzPod4 features a unique breathable side panel that helps improve the flow of air, keeping your baby comfortable.