Newborn Bedside Cot

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

This sleeper features a firm mattress that can support babies' backs and minimize the chance of SIDS. It can slide over your bed to make it easier for you to get your baby for nighttime nursing or cuddles at sunrise.

Budget

A bedside crib, also called a co-sleeper or bassinet is a bassinet-style crib that can be attached to your existing bed. This allows you to safely and easily reach your baby during the night for feeding, comforting or cuddles. They are a great choice for mums or new parents recovering from a csection as they allow easy access to baby and do not require you to get up.

There are a variety of designs available, from the basic ones that have an upside-down side to more sophisticated models that have multiple adjustment options, including the ability to tilt or raise. Most convert to a standalone crib for napping during the daytime or when your baby is a few months old and is sleeping more at night.

One of our top picks is the Maxi-Cosi Lora that was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby awards in the categories of Best Cot Crib, best bedside cot Cot, or Moses Basket. MFM home tester Emily expressed her delight at how stylish and modern the design as well as the possibility of using it as a regular bassinet, or attach it to a bed for safe side-by-side sleeping. She also liked its plush mattress that was able to pass our tests of firmness, and that it has an adjustable manual inclining feature for those suffering from reflux.

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

Size

A bedside cot is similar to an infant bassinet that is placed on the side of your bed. It is easy to reach your baby to feed them, change nappies or comforting during the night. It's perfect for mothers recovering from a c-section.

The NHS and Lullaby Trust recommend that you keep your baby separated from you for the first six months, to reduce the risk of SIDS. The bedside crib with its low sides is a great way to achieve this. It allows you to be able to easily access your baby bedside crib at night.

It is essential that your baby sleeps on a firm bed as it is safer than a soft one. Babies don't have motor control to rotate and a mattress that is soft can increase the chance of suffocation. The mattress is made of skin-friendly and air-tight materials. It's comfortable for your baby, but firm enough to ensure safety.

Mum Jasmin was happy that the crib didn't occupy too much space in her bedroom and thought it was the ideal size for a baby. She also said that the mattress was of high-quality unlike other cribs that seem thin and flimsy. She also likes the fact that it has storage space underneath for clothes and bedding - something many other bassinets don't have.

MFM mum home tester Mehack is a fan of the removable side wall that lets you drop it down for easy access to your newborn. She also appreciates that the legs can be tucked under the bed to make it look less bulky and occupy less area on the floor. She's also amazed by how easy it is to move around the house whenever you want to for ease during late-night feedings and check-ins.

A winner of an Gold award in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, the CoZee Air is a popular choice among parents. It is a clever design with four pulleys which can be used to raise or lower your crib. There is also an enormous basket that can be used to store blankets, toys and other essentials. It's also simple to put together and lightweight that is great for travelling with your baby.

Safety

It is important to think about safety when choosing a newborn bedside crib. The official safety sleep guidelines of both the Lullaby Trust and NHS recommends that babies do not sleep in their parents' beds because of the risks of suffocation, heat exhaustion and a greater chance of suffering from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Bedside bassinets allow parents to keep their infants close to them, facilitating nighttime feedings, comforting, and monitoring without the need to get out of bed.

This close proximity can also aid breastfeeding mothers since it lets them attend to the needs of their baby while still sleeping. This can help to maintain the supply of milk and also encourage breastfeeding. Some cots with a bedside are equipped with adjustable height options that can aid both the mother and baby to get into the bassinet for feedings or other activities at night.

Many bassinets are equipped with mattresses that are firm. This is designed to reduce suffocation risk and meets the standards of the industry. It is crucial to provide support for the bones of a newborn because they are still squishy and are not fully formed. The mattress should be covered in a fitted sheet to decrease the chance of suffocation caused by dust mites and other allergens, and kept clean and free from irritants.

Some cots for bedside use can be tilted, which is useful for babies with reflux or digestive issues, but this should always be done with a lot of care and at a moderate angle. It's also important to avoid adding pillows, duvets or padded crib bumpers to the bassinet as these can pose the risk of suffocation for your baby and should only be used when the cot is placed on an even surface.

It is also recommended to consider an infant bassinet with an attachment system that is secure. This can be connected to your bed without the use of tools. This can be especially useful for parents who struggle to lift their child in and out of the crib or who are worried about accidentally rolling over during sleep. If your bassinet is equipped with secured attachments, it is a good idea to check it regularly. Check to ensure there are no 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 main concerns. There's a great sleep solution that allows you to keep your baby bedside sleeper close during the night, without any of the dangers that come with sharing beds. The infant bedside crib is a bassinet-style cot that is attached to the side of the bed. It allows you to safely lift your baby out towards you for feedings and calming. It is also the perfect choice for mothers recovering from a csection, as it reduces the need to bend over too much or even get out of the bed.

Modern bedside cots for newborns should be fitted with a firm, flat mattress to encourage safe sleep habits and lower the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. The bedding should be kept simple and consist of only the sheets for the cot and a blanket tucked tightly at the bottom. Avoid bumpers, toys or pillows as these could be thrown over your baby and pose a risk of suffocation. If your baby is used to being swaddled for several weeks then you can use the swaddle or baby sleep bag. However, this should be removed when they have the strength to unwrap them.

Some cribs with a bedside have a removable or drop-down side that allows easy access to your baby's feeds and comforting. This feature is ideal for parents who want to keep a close relationship with their child, while still following NHS sleep guidelines. If you are planning to sleep with your child, it's crucial 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 fabric that is breathable is an important safety factor, since it's designed to keep your baby cool and comfortable throughout the night. This is particularly important if you intend to co-sleep your newborn as the risk of overheating during sleep increases. The SnuzPod4 features a unique breathable mesh side panel that aids in improving airflow and keep your baby comfortable in their bed.