How to Choose the Best Bedside Cot uk
Both the NHS and Lullaby Trust have issued official safe sleeping guidelines that advise that babies sleep in their own Moses basket or cot. A crib that is placed near the bed can be a space-saving and practical option for parents who live in a room together.
Mumsnetters love this co-sleeper as it's large and spacious, with plenty of space for babies to grow and play and is more spacious than the size of a Moses basket. It's also easy to put together and comes with a travel bag.
What is a bedside cot?
Bedside cribs (also called side sleepers, bassinets or co-sleepers) are an ideal and safe way for your baby to sleep with you in the first few months. These cribs are attached to your bed and let you raise your baby towards you at night for feeding or comforting without the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome that is a result of traditional bed-sharing. These cribs are also great for mothers who are nursing or recovering from a Cesarean Section.
They're usually a little smaller than a regular cot or cotbed, yet provide plenty of space for your baby to sleep. You can choose from a variety of designs and features based on your preferences. A majority of cribs for bedside use an adjustable or drop down side, which makes it easier to reach your baby's evening feeds. They are also available in different heights to suit the size of your bed.
Some cribs with a bedside have a riser which allows you to add an angle to the sleep area. This can be helpful with reflux. They also come with the option of a zip-off side to make cleaning easy. Other cribs have manual rocking functions which can be a soothing distraction for your infant. You'll also require a breathable mattress to match your crib. It should be a minimum of 30cm in depth to ensure that your newborn has sufficient head room.
A bedside crib is an investment but you can be sure your newborn will get a peaceful and safe night's sleep. With stars like Kate Hudson, Serena Williams and Gigi Hadid all being fans of the SNOO bedside crib, it's worth looking into this elegant alternative to moses basket.
Safety
Official safe sleeping guidance from the Lullaby Trust and NHS advises that newborn babies should sleep in the same room as you during the first six months but not in your bed to lower the chance of suffocation and to reduce the chance of sudden infant death syndrome. A crib that is placed near your bed allows you to keep your infant close to you to calm them down and even feed them at night without having to leave your bed. It's also great if you have limited mobility following an operation or recovering from C-section.
Our top choice for a bedside cot the Silver Cross Slumber Carbon 3-in-1 bedside crib that travels cots is compact and folds down in a matter of seconds and fits into its own travel bag making it ideal for travel and nights away from home. It's one of the tiniest bedside cots available and comes with a a comfy deep foam mattress, air-flow panels, and an incline setting, plus it won 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 has an integrated storage unit and changing mat, is light (only 10kg) and comes with an adjustable side that makes it easy to access.
Style
A bedside crib can be a lifesaver for many mothers, particularly those recovering from C-sections. They attach to your bed so that you can reach your baby easily without needing to get up in order to feed them and comfort them quickly. travel cot bedside for breastfeeding mothers since their close proximity will help boost their milk supply.
As well as being incredibly practical, these bassinets can look pretty attractive too and that's why they're so popular. They are larger than Moses Baskets and some come with additional features such as a gentle reflux incline. They are designed to be placed near your bed, they can be moved around the house when baby gets older and some can be carried to the go making them perfect for new parents travelling.
When you are choosing a bedside cot It is essential to look for designs with drop sides that are easy to use. This lets you lower your child into the bassinet, without having to lift them up into your arms. This can be a hassle for mothers with mobility issues. One of them is the Chicco Next2Me Magic which has been highly praised by Mumsnetters and was shortlisted in our 2021 Mother&Baby Awards' Best Cot Moses, Crib or Basket category.
Some models also come with a transparent side, which allows you to see your baby. This is especially helpful when you are groggy at 3am and you need to feed your child. A quick glance could make a big difference. One of these options is the Sleepiest BassiNest that is easy to lower as outlined by our MFM home tester Emily.
Budget
A bedside crib is an excellent option if you're not ready to move to a full-sized crib. The bassinet-style crib is attached to the bed's side to allow you to easily reach your baby's feedings at night and soothe them without disturbing your own sleep. It's a great option for those who have limited movement after a C-section. Famous moms such as Binky Felstead and Stacey Solomon have also chosen it.
Our Parents Testers loved the new version of the bestselling Chicco crib, which took home the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Cot or Crib. It's large comfortable, breathable, and comes with six different height settings for babies who are growing. There is also a soft reflux setting. It can also be used as a travel cot and it comes with an excellent storage bag.
It can be a challenge to move a bedside cot around the house, but our Parents Testers said that the Shnuggle Air next to the cot was easy to maneuver. It is among the lighter options that can be put in its own travel bag.
The SnuzPod is another highly-rated bedside cot that's simple to assemble and fold away, with plenty of features that will ensure your child gets the best night's rest. It has a bassinet with a lift-off that can fit more beds than any other cot and its breathable fabric helps your baby regulate their temperature. It also has a soft rocking function and an incline setting for reflux, and it's light enough to use as a travel cot while you're on the move. It's a little more expensive than other bedside cots but our Parents Testers believe it's worth the extra cost.