Newborn Bedside Cot

A newborn bedside cot is a compact sleeper that allows newborns to share the same space as their parents without the dangers of co-sleeping (which the AAP recommends against due to SIDS and suffocation). It helps you take care of your baby and nurse them in the middle of the night.

This sleeper features a firm mattress to support the backs of babies and reduce the chance of SIDS. It can swivel over your adult bed to allow you to lift your child out for midnight nursing or cuddles at sunrise.

Budget

A bedside cot used crib, also known as a co-sleeper or bassinet is a bassinet-style crib that can be attached to your existing bed. This allows you to reach your baby comfortably and safely for a mid-night feed or comforting cuddle. These are ideal for new parents and mums recovering after a c section because they allow the baby to be easily accessible without needing to get out of bed.

There are lots of different designs available that range from basic models with only a drop-down side, to more sophisticated models that can be adjusted in multiple ways including height and incline options. The majority of them can be converted to an independent crib once your baby grows older and is sleeping longer in the night.

One of our top picks is the Maxi-Cosi Lora, that was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby awards for Best Cot Crib, Best Cot, or Moses Basket. MFM home tester Emily said she was impressed by how chic and modern the design as well as the possibility of using it as a regular bassinet, or connect it to a bed for safe side-by-side sleeping. She also liked the plush mattress, which was able to pass our test of firmness and also the fact that it comes with a manual rocking feature that can be set to a slight incline for reflux sufferers.

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

Size

A bedside cot is a bassinet that is placed on the bed's side. It lets you easily reach your newborn for middle-of-the-night feeding nappies, feeding and comforting. It's perfect for mothers who are recovering from the c-section.

The NHS and Lullaby Trust advise that you place your baby in the same room as you, but keep them separate from you for the first six months as this can help reduce the risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). A crib that is placed near your bed is a secure way to achieve this because it is low-sided and allows you to be able to easily access your baby during the night.

It's important that your newborn sleeps on a firm mattress as it is more secure than a soft one. Babies don't have motor control to rotate and a mattress that is soft could increase the chance of suffocation. The soft, breathable fabric and skin-friendly materials make this mattress comfortable for your baby, but firm enough for safety.

Mum Jasmin was happy that the crib didn't take up much space in her bedroom and thought it was the ideal size for a baby. She said the mattress was also of good quality, as opposed to others that feel thin and thin. She also appreciates that it has a storage compartment beneath to store blankets and clothing which she believes most bassinets do not have.

MFM mum home test Mehack is a huge fan of the removable side wall that allows you to drop it down for easy access to your newborn. She also likes that the legs tuck under the bed so that it doesn't appear heavy or take up a lot of floor space. She's also impressed by how easy it is to move around the house as you'd like in the middle of the night, which is convenient for meals and check-ins.

The CoZee Air crib is a favorite among parents. It won a Gold Award in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It features a smart design with four built-in pulleys to raise or lower the crib and comes with a large storage bin for blankets, toys and other essentials. It is also light and easy to put together which makes it perfect for travel with your baby.

Safety

It is crucial to think about the safety of a newborn bedside cot wooden crib. Official safe sleep advice from both the Lullaby Trust and NHS recommends that babies do not sleep in their parents' beds because of the risks of suffocation, overheating and a higher chance of suffering from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Bassinets for bedside use let parents keep their baby close to help with nighttime feedings as well as monitoring and comforting without the need to get up from their beds.

This close proximity also assists breastfeeding mothers as they can attend to their baby's needs without having to get up completely, which can help to maintain milk supply and support the breastfeeding experience. Some cots with a bedside co sleeper cot are equipped with adjustable height features that can make it easier for mother and child to access the bassinet for feedings or other care throughout the night.

Many bassinets come with mattresses that are firm, which is designed to reduce suffocation risk and meets industry standards. This is essential because newborn's bones are brittle and aren't fully developed. They must be supported to prevent damage. The mattress should be covered with an appropriate sheet to decrease the risk that dust mites, or other allergens, could cause a child to be suffocated. It must be kept free of allergens and clean.

Some cribs for bedside use can be tilted. This is beneficial for babies who have digestive or reflux issues. However, it should be done with care and with caution. It is also important to avoid adding pillows, duvets or padded crib bumpers to the bassinet, as they could pose a suffocation risk for your baby. They should only be used when the cot is on a flat surface.

It's also worth looking into an adjustable bassinet with a secure attachment system that can be easily fixed to your existing bed without the necessity of tools. This feature is especially beneficial for parents who struggle to lift 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 a secure attachment system, it's an excellent idea to periodically make sure it's secure and that there are no gaps or loose components that could cause danger.

Comfort

If you are a soon-to-be parent, your baby's safety is one of your primary concerns. There's a brand new sleep solution that allows you to keep your baby close to you at night without the risk of sharing the bed. The newborn bedside crib is a cot that resembles a bassinet that is attached to the side of the bed. It lets you safely lift your baby out to you for night feedings and comfort. It also makes the perfect choice for mothers recovering from a c-section, as it reduces the need to bend over too much or even take a step out of bed.

A modern newborn bedside cot should have a sturdy, flat mattress to help in promoting safe sleeping habits and lower the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). The bedding should be simple, with just a cot sheet and a blanket tightly tucked on the bottom. Avoid bumpers, toys, and pillows that may fall on your baby, posing an obstructive risk. If your baby is used to being swaddled, you can use a swaddle or baby sleep bag for the first few weeks, however this should be removed as soon as you can once they've developed the strength to unwrap themselves.

Some cribs with a bedside feature a removable or drop-down side that gives you easy access to your baby for comforting and feeding during the middle of the night. This is a wonderful feature for parents who want to keep the bond between them and their child, while adhering to NHS safe sleep guidelines. If you're planning to sleep with your child, it's important to be aware that this practice may increase the risk of SIDS. This is particularly the case if a parent is able to roll their infant over when they are asleep.

A breathable fabric is another important safety factor, since it's designed to keep your baby cool and comfortable throughout the night. This is especially crucial if you intend to co-sleep with your newborn since the chance of being overheated increases when you sleep. The SnuzPod4 features a unique mesh side panel that is breathable that helps improve the flow of air and keep your baby snug in their mattress.