How to Choose the Best Bedside Cot uk
Official safe sleeping guidance from both NHS and Lullaby Trust recommends that newborns sleep in their own cot or Moses basket. A bedside crib can be practical and space-saving for parents who share a room.
Mumsnetters adore this co-sleeper since it's large and spacious, with plenty of space for babies to grow and wriggle and far more substantial than the typical Moses basket. It's also simple to put together and comes with a bag for travel.
What is a bedside cot?
A bedside cot (also known as a side sleeper, bassinet or co-sleeper) is a safe method for your newborn to sleep near you during their first few months. These cribs are attached to your bed and allow you to raise your baby towards you at night for feeding or comforting without the danger of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome that is a result of traditional bed-sharing. They're also a great choice for breastfeeding mothers or mothers recovering from a caesarean.
These cots are typically a little smaller than standard cots but they provide plenty of space for your baby to sleep. You can pick from a variety of designs and features according to what you like best. Many bedside cribs have a drop down or removable side that makes it easier to reach your baby's evening feeds. They are also available in different sizes to fit the dimensions of your bed.
Some cribs for bedside use an adjustable riser that allows you to build an incline in the sleep area. This can aid in reducing reflux. They also have the option of a zip-off side for easy cleaning. Some cribs feature manual rocking options that can provide a relaxing distraction to your newborn. You'll also require a breathable mattress for your new crib, which must be at least 30cm deep to ensure your newborn has sufficient head room.
A bedside crib is an investment but you can rest assured that your baby will have a secure and comfortable sleep. Kate Hudson, Serena Williams and Gigi hadid are all fans of SNOO's bedside crib. It is definitely worth a look as an alternative to the Moses basket.
Safety
Official guidelines for safe sleep from the Lullaby Trust and NHS advises that babies born today should be in the same room as you for the first six months, but not in your bed to reduce the risk of suffocation, and to reduce the chance of sudden infant death syndrome. A crib that is placed near your bed lets you keep your baby close to calm them down and even feed them at night without having to leave your bed. It is an excellent option if you are recovering from an operation or a C-section and are unable to move.
Our top pick for a bedside cot, the Silver Cross Slumber Carbon 3-in-1 travel cot bedside crib is small and folds flat in seconds to fit into its own travel bag so it's perfect for holidays and nights away from home. It's one the lightest options for a bedside crib and has a soft, comfortable foam mattress with mesh panels that let air flow. It also has an incline option that can be added. Additionally, it was awarded Gold at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Moses Basket or Cot Crib.
Chicco Next2me Magic is another fantastic bedside crib. It won Bronze at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It has an integrated storage unit and changing mat, is lightweight (only 10kg) and features an adjustable side for easy access.
Style
For a lot of moms, especially those recovering from a C-section A crib that is placed near the bed can an absolute blessing. You can easily reach your baby without getting out of the bed. This allows you to comfort and feed your infant at night. The close proximity to the baby can also aid in increasing the production of milk for mothers who are breastfeeding.
These bassinets are not only practical, but also fashionable. This is why they're so sought-after. They're often a bit more spacious than Moses baskets and come in lots of different styles, some even having extra features such as a gentle tilting of the reflux. They are designed to fit close to your bed and can be moved around the home as baby grows. Some are portable so they're great for travelling parents.
It's important to choose an cot with bedside that is easy to use drop-sides. This allows you to lower your baby into the bassinet without having to lift them up into your arms. This can be a challenge for mothers who have limited mobility. Chicco Next2Me Magic is one of the models that has been praised and shortlisted by Mumsnetters in the category of the Best Cot or Crib or Moses Basket for our 2021 Mother and Baby Awards.
Some models also have a translucent side, allowing you to see your baby. This is particularly useful in the case of 3am feeds that are bleary-eyed where just a glance can make all the difference. As was noted by Emily who is our MFM home test participant Sleepiest BassiNest is an excellent choice. wooden bedside cot to lower.
Budget
A bedside crib is a great option if you are not ready to move to a bigger crib. The bassinet-style crib is attached to the bed's side so that you can easily reach your baby's night feeds and comfort them without disturbing your own sleep. It's also a great option for those suffering from restricted movement following an operation and is a popular option for celeb moms like Stacey Solomon and Binky Felstead.
Our Parent Testers loved this latest version of the bestselling Chicco crib, which took home the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for the Best Cot or Crib. It's large, breathable, and has six different height settings for growing babies. There is also a gentle reflux setting. It can also be used as a travel cot, and it comes with an easy-to-store storage bag.
It can be difficult to move an upholstered bedside cot throughout the home however our Parent Testers reported that the Shnuggle Air beside cot was very easy to move. It is among the lightest options and can be put in its own travel bag.
The SnuzPod is another highly rated bedside cot that's easy to assemble and fold away and packed with features to ensure an enjoyable night's sleep. It comes with a removable, lift-off bassinet which fits more beds than other cots. The fabric is breathable and helps keep your baby's temperature in check. It also features a soft rocking function, as well as an incline setting for reflux, and is lightweight enough to be used as a travel cot if you're on the move. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs for bed however, Parent Testers believe it's worth the extra cost.