Newborn Bedside Cot

A newborn bedside cot is a small sleeper that allows new babies to sleep in the same room as their parents, without the risk of sleeping together (which the AAP advises against due to SIDS and suffocation). It also makes nursing sessions and child care easier.

This sleeper has an extremely firm mattress that can support babies backs, which reduces the risk of SIDS. It can be rotated over your adult bed to allow you to raise your baby to snuggle them at sunrise or for late night nursing.

Budget

A bedside cot, sometimes referred to as a co-sleeper, the bassinet-style baby cot that can be attached to your bed. This allows you to reach your baby easily and safely for a nighttime feed or comforting cuddle. They are a great option for mothers or new parents recovering from a c-section because they offer an easy access to baby and do not require you to get up from your bed.

There are a variety of 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 incline and height options. Many can be converted into a standalone crib when your baby grows older and sleeps longer in the night.

One of our favourites is the Maxi-Cosi Lora which was shortlisted for 2021 Mother&Baby awards for 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 was. She also liked the fact that it can be used as a bassinet or a clip to your existing bed, for safe side-byside sleeping. She also liked its plush mattress, which passed our firmness tests, and that it has a manual inclining function for those suffering from reflux.

However, she didn't like the design of the non-mesh panel at the foot end and thought it was a bit heavy to move from room room often. It also felt a little heavy to carry up and down the stairs when folded into a travel bag.

Size

A bedside cot is a bassinet that is placed on the bed's side. It allows you to easily reach your baby during the night for feeding nappies, feeding and comforting. It's also great for mothers recovering from the C-section.

The NHS and Lullaby Trust recommend that you keep your baby away from you during the first 6 months to decrease the chance of SIDS. A bedside crib and cot crib is a secure way to achieve this as it has low sides and allows you to easily reach your baby throughout the night.

It is essential that your baby sleeps on a firm mattress as it is safer than a mattress that is soft. Infants don't have the motor control needed to turn and a soft mattress could increase the risk of being suffocated. The soft, breathable fabric and skin-friendly materials make this mattress comfortable for your baby, but sufficient to ensure safety.

Mum Jasmin was happy that the crib didn't occupy too much space in her bedroom and found it to be the ideal size for a baby. She said the mattress was excellent quality, in contrast to some that feel flimsy and thin. She also likes the fact that it has storage space beneath for bedding and clothes which many bassinets do not have.

MFM mom home tester 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 the legs tuck into the bed so it does not look bulky or take up too much floor space. She's also amazed by how it was easy to move around her house when she needed to for checks and feedings in the middle of the night.

The winner of an Gold award in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, the CoZee Air is a popular choice for parents. It has a clever design with four pulleys that are built-in to raise or lower the crib and comes with a large storage bin for your baby's toys, blankets and other necessities. It's also easy to assemble and light in weight and portable, which is ideal for travelling with your baby.

Safety

When selecting a newborn bedside cot, you must keep safety in your thoughts. The Lullaby Trust, as well as the NHS advise that babies do not sleep in their parents bed because of the risk of suffocation or sudden infant death syndrome. Bassinets for bedside crib that turns into cot use allow parents to keep their infants close, facilitating night time feedings as well as comforting and monitoring without having to leave their bed.

This close proximity also assists breastfeeding mothers as they can attend to their baby's needs without having to get up in the middle of the night, which can help to keep milk supply steady and enhance the breastfeeding experience. Some bedside crib travel cot cots come with adjustable height features that can help both the mother and baby to get into the bassinet for feedings or other activities at night.

A lot of bassinets have mattresses that are firm, which is designed to minimize suffocation risk and meets the standards of the industry. This is important because a newborn's bones are brittle and not fully developed, and need to be supported to prevent injury. The mattress should be encased in a fitted cover to decrease the chance of suffocation caused by dust mites or other allergens and kept hygienically clean and free of irritants.

Some cots with a bedside have the capability of being tilted. This can be useful for babies with reflux or digestive issues, but it should be done with a lot of care and at a moderate angle. Avoid adding pillows, duvets, or padded crib bumpers to the bassinet. They could pose a risk of suffocation for your baby.

You should also think about an infant bassinet with an attachment system that is secure. This can be connected to your bed without the use of tools. This is especially beneficial for parents who struggle to lift their baby into and out of the crib or who are worried about accidentally rolling over during sleep. If your bassinet does have a secure attachment system, it's an excellent idea to periodically check that it's securely attached and that there aren't gaps or loose components that could pose a hazard.

Comfort

If you're expecting a child, the safety of your baby is surely one of your top concerns. There's a great sleep solution that lets you keep your baby close throughout the night without taking on any of the dangers that come with bed-sharing. The newborn bedside cot is an essentially a bassinet-style crib that fixes to the side of your bed that allows you to lift them out towards you for night feeding and soothing. It's also a great choice for mums recovering from a c-section since it makes it less necessary to bend over too much or even take a step out of bed.

A modern bedside rocking crib cot for newborns should have a sturdy flat mattress to in promoting safe sleeping habits and reduce the chance of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). The bedding should be kept simple with just 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 a suffocation risk. If your baby is used to being swaddled, you can use a swaddle or baby sleep bag for the initial few weeks, but it should be removed as soon as you can once they've gained the strength and confidence to unwrap themselves.

Some bedside crib with changing table cribs feature an adjustable or drop-down side that provides easy access to your baby for comforting and feeding in the middle of the night. This is a great feature for parents who wish to maintain a close relationship with their child, but still adhere to NHS guidelines on sleep. If you are planning to sleep with your child, it is crucial to be aware that this practice may increase the risk of SIDS. This is particularly true if a parent accidentally is able to roll their infant over when they are asleep.

A fabric that is breathable will keep your baby comfy and cool throughout the night. This is particularly crucial if you intend to sleep with your newborn because the risk of being overheated increases during sleep. The SnuzPod4 has a unique breathable mesh side panel that aids in improving the flow of air and keep your baby warm in their bed.