How to Choose the Best Bedside Cot uk
Official safety sleeping guidelines from both NHS and Lullaby Trust recommends that newborns sleep in their own cot or Moses basket. A bedside crib is an efficient and space-saving option for parents who live in a room together.
Mumsnetters love this co-sleeper because it's spacious with lots of room for baby to grow and play and is much bigger than the size of a Moses basket. It's also easy to put together and comes with a bag for carrying.
What is a bedside crib?
A bedside cot (also known as a side sleeper, bassinet or co-sleeper) is a safe method for your baby to sleep close to you throughout the first few months of their life. These cribs fix to your bed and let you bring your baby closer to you at night for feeding or comforting without the threat of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome that is a result of traditional bed-sharing. These cribs are also ideal for mums who are nursing or recovering from a cesarean section.
They are usually smaller than standard cots however, they still provide plenty of space for your baby to relax. You can choose between different styles and features based on your preferences. Many cribs with a bedside feature an adjustable or drop-down side to make it easier to reach the baby during feeding time at night. They are also available in different heights, based on your bed size.
Some cribs with a bedside have an adjustable riser that allows you to add an incline to the sleeping area. This can be helpful with reflux. They also come with the option of a zip-off side to make cleaning easy. Some cribs have manual rocking features that can be a soothing distraction to your newborn. You'll need a mattress that is air-conditioned to match your crib. It must be at least 30cm thick to give your baby enough headroom.
A bedside crib is an investment but you can be certain that your baby will be peaceful and safe night's sleep. With the likes of Kate Hudson, Serena Williams and Gigi Hadid all being fans of the SNOO bedside crib, it's definitely worth considering this fashionable alternative to a moses basket.
Safety
Official safe sleeping guidance from the Lullaby Trust and NHS advises that newborn babies should be in the same room as you during the first six months but not in your bed to lower the risk of suffocation and to reduce the chance of sudden infant death syndrome. A bedside crib allows you to keep your infant close to you to help comfort them and feed them at night without leaving your bed. It's also a great option when you are unable to move after an operation or recovering from C-section.
Our top choice for a bedside cot the Silver Cross Slumber Carbon 3-in-1 travel cot bedside crib is compact and folds down in seconds to fit into a travel bag which makes it perfect for trips to the beach and nights away from home. It's one of the lightest bedside cots and has the most comfortable deep foam mattress that has mesh air-flow panels and an tilt setting, and it was awarded Gold in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for the best Crib, Cot, or Moses Basket.
Chicco Next2me Magic is another fantastic bedside crib. It won Bronze at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It comes with an integrated storage unit and changing mat, is light (only 10kg), and has an adjustable side for easy access.
Style
A crib for your bed can be a lifesaver for many mums, especially those recovering from C-sections. You can easily reach your baby without getting out of your bed. This lets you soothe and feed your infant during the night. The close proximity to the baby can also help increase milk production for mothers who breastfeed.
In addition to being extremely convenient, these bassinets can look pretty attractive too and that's why they're so popular. Some are more spacious than Moses Baskets and some come with additional features such as a gentle reflux and incline. They are designed to be placed near your bed, they can usually be moved around the home when baby gets older and some can be carried to the go which makes them ideal for parents who are new to traveling.
It is essential to select a cot for your bed with drop-sides that are easy to use. These allow you to lower your infant into the bassinet without having to lift them into your arms, which can be difficult for mums who have limited mobility. Chicco Next2Me Magic is one such model that has been acknowledged and shortlisted by Mumsnetters in the category of the best Cot or Crib Moses Basket for our 2021 Mother&Baby Awards.
Some models also have a translucent side, which allows you to always see your baby. This is particularly useful when you're groggy at 3am and you need to feed your baby. A quick glance could make a big difference. As noted by Emily our MFM home test participant Sleepiest BassiNest is an excellent choice. twin bedside cot is simple to lower.
Budget
A bedside crib is a fantastic option if you are not yet ready to upgrade to a full-sized crib. This bassinet-style cot attaches to the bed's side so that you can easily reach your baby's feedings at night and soothe them without disturbing your own sleep. bedside co sleeper cot 's also a great option for those suffering from restricted movement after the birth and is a popular option for celeb moms like Stacey Solomon and Binky Felstead.
Our Parents Testers loved the new model of this bestselling crib from Chicco which was awarded the 2021 Mother&Baby Award for Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket. It's spacious and breathable, and comes with six different height settings suitable for growing babies. There is also a gentle reflux setting. It can also be used as a crib for travel and comes with a storage case that is convenient for storage.
A bedside cot can be a little difficult to move around the home, but our Parents Testers found the Shnuggle Air beside crib really easy to move around. It's one of the lightest options and small enough to fit in its own travel bag, so you can take it with you when you travel.
The SnuzPod bedside cot is yet another highly rated product that's simple to put together and fold away with plenty of features for the perfect night's rest. It comes with a bassinet that lifts off to fit more beds than any other cot, and its breathable fabric can help your baby regulate their temperature. It features a soft rocking feature, as well as an incline to help with reflux. It's also light enough to use as a travel crib while you're on the move. It's more expensive than other cribs for bed, but Parent Testers agree that it's worth the extra expense.