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 live in a room together.
Mumsnetters love this co-sleeper because it's large and spacious, with plenty of room for baby to grow and play and is far more substantial than the size of a Moses basket. It's also easy to assemble and comes with a carry-on bag.
What is a bedside cot?
Bedside cots (also known as bassinets, side sleepers or co-sleepers) are an ideal and safe way for your baby to be close to you during their early months. These cribs fix to your bed and allow you to raise your baby towards you at night for feeding or comforting without the threat of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome associated with traditional bed-sharing. These cribs are also great for mums who are breastfeeding or recovering from a Cesarean Section.
These cots are often a little smaller than standard cots however, they still provide plenty of room for your baby to relax. You can choose from a variety of styles and features, depending on what you prefer. A lot of cribs with a bedside feature an adjustable or drop down side that allows you to reach your baby for feeding at night. They are also available in various sizes to fit the dimensions of your bed.
Some cribs for bedside use a riser which allows you to create an incline to the sleeping area. This can help with reflux. They also have the option of a zip-off side for easy cleaning. Others have manual rocking functions which can be a relaxing distraction for your infant. You'll need a mattress that is breathable to go with your crib. It should be at least 30cm deep to allow your baby plenty of headroom.
You can be sure that your baby will be safe and secure in a cot that is positioned at the bedside. With stars like Kate Hudson, Serena Williams and Gigi Hadid all fans of the SNOO bedside crib, it's worth considering this fashionable alternative to a moses basket.
bedside rocking crib sleeping guidance 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 chance of suffocation and to lower the chance of sudden infant death syndrome. A crib that is placed near your bed is a great option that allows your baby to safely be close enough for you to feed them during the night and soothe them back to sleep without having to get out of your bed. It's also ideal for those who have a limited mobility after an operation or are recovering from C-section.
Our top pick for a bedside cot, the Silver Cross Slumber Carbon 3-in-1 bedside crib for travel is compact and folds flat in a matter of seconds and fits into a travel bag making it ideal for travel and nights away from home. It's the lightest option for a bedside cot. It has a soft, comfortable foam mattress with mesh panels that allow air to flow. It also has an optional incline option. Additionally, it was awarded Gold at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for the Best Moses Basket or Cot Crib.
Another great bedside cot is the Chicco Next2me Magic bedside crib that was awarded Bronze in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It comes with a built-in changing mat and storage solutions It weighs just 10kg, and features an adjustable side that drops down to make it easy to access.
Style
A crib for your bed is a godsend for many mothers, particularly those who are recovering from C-sections. They are attached to your bed so you can reach your baby easily without needing to get up in order to feed them and comfort them quickly. Being close to the baby can also help increase the amount of milk produced by mothers who are breastfeeding.
These bassinets are not only practical, but also stylish. This is why they're so sought-after. They're usually larger than Moses baskets and come in a variety of different styles, some even having extra features like a gentle tilt to the reflux. Designed to fit by your bed, they can be moved around your home when the baby grows older. Additionally, some are portable enough to take with you on the go, making them great for new parents traveling.
It's important to choose an cot with bedside that is easy to use drop-sides. This lets you lower your child into the bassinet, without lifting them up into your arms. This can be difficult for mothers who have limited mobility. Chicco Next2Me Magic is one of these models that has been acknowledged and shortlisted by Mumsnetters in the category of Best Cot or Crib, or Moses Basket for our 2021 Mother and Baby Awards.
rocking bedside crib have a translucent side, allowing you to see your baby. This is especially useful in the case of 3am feeds that are bleary-eyed when one glance could make all the difference. One of these options is the Sleepiest BassiNest which is easy to lower as was noted by our MFM home tester Emily.
Budget
A bedside crib is an excellent alternative if you're not yet ready to upgrade to a bigger crib. This bassinet-style cot attaches to the bed's side to allow you to easily reach your baby for night feeds and comfort them without disrupting your sleep. It's also a great option for those suffering from restricted movement following the birth, and is a popular choice with celeb mums including Stacey Solomon and Binky Felstead.
Our Parents Testers loved the new version of the bestselling Chicco crib, which won 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Cot or Crib. It's large and breathable, and comes with six height settings to accommodate babies who are growing, as well as a gentle setting for incline. It can be used as a crib for travel and comes with a handy storage case.
It can be difficult to move an upholstered bedside cot throughout the house, but our Parent Testers reported that the Shnuggle Air alongside the cot was easy to move. It is one of the lighter options and can be put in its own travel bag.
The SnuzPod bedside cot is yet another highly rated item that's easy to put together and fold away with plenty of features for the perfect night's rest. It comes with a removable, lift-off bassinet which fits more beds than other cots. The fabric is breathable, and helps to regulate your baby's temperature. It features a soft rocking feature, as well as an incline to aid in reflux. It is also lightweight enough to use as a crib for travel when you're on the move. It's a little more expensive than other cots for bed however our Parents Testers believe it's worth the extra cost.