How to Choose the Best Bedside Cot uk
Both the NHS and Lullaby Trust have issued official safe sleeping guidelines that suggest that infants sleep in their own Moses basket or cot. A bedside crib is a practical and space-saving option for room-sharing new parents.
Mumsnetters adore the co-sleeper because it's big and has plenty of room for babies to grow and wiggle. It is also much larger than the Moses Basket. It is also easy to assemble, and comes with a carry bag.
What is a bedside cot?
Bedside cribs (also known as side sleepers, bassinets or co-sleepers) are an ideal and safe way for your baby to sleep near you during the early months. These cribs can be attached to your bed and allow you to pull your child towards you for night-feeding or comforting. They're also a great choice for breastfeeding mothers or mothers recovering from a Caesarean section.
These cots are typically a little smaller than standard cots but they provide plenty of space for your baby to rest. You can choose between a variety of styles and features based on your preferences. A lot of cribs with a bedside feature the option of a drop-down or removable side that makes it easier to reach your baby for evening feeds. They are also available in different heights to suit the size of your bed.
Some bedside cribs come with an riser that permits you to add a slight rise to the sleeping space that can aid in reflux and a zip-off side for easy cleaning. Some have manual rocking features which can be a soothing distraction for your baby. You'll require a mattress that's breathable to go with 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 sure your newborn will get a secure and comfortable sleep. With travel cot bedside 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
The Lullaby Trust, in conjunction with the NHS has released official guidelines for safe sleep which recommend that babies stay in the same bedroom as their parents for the first six months. However they should not be sleeping in your bed. This is to reduce the risk of suffocation or sudden infant death syndrome. A bedside crib lets you keep your baby close to help comfort them and feed them at night without having to leave your bed. It's also ideal for those who have a limited mobility after an operation or are recovering from a C-section.
Silver Cross Slumber Carbon 3 in 1 bedside cot travel cot is our top pick for a crib to sleep in. It's compact and folds down flat to fit into its transport bag, making it perfect for holidays or nights away from home. It's one of the tiniest bedside cots and has a comfy deep foam mattress that has mesh air-flow panels, an optional incline setting, plus it won Gold in the 2021 Mother&Baby awards for Best Crib, Cot or Moses Basket.
Another fab bedside cot option 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 system It weighs just 10kg, and features an adjustable side that can be lowered down to make it easy to access.
Style
A crib for your bed is a blessing for many moms, particularly those who are recovering from C-sections. They can be attached to your bed so you can reach your baby easily without needing to get up and letting you feed them and soothe them quickly. They are also a great option for breastfeeding mothers as the close proximity can help increase their milk supply.
In addition to being extremely practical, these bassinets can look pretty elegant which is the reason they're so sought-after. Some are more spacious than Moses Baskets and some even have additional features such as a gentle reflux upward slope. Designed to fit by your bed, they are able to be moved around the home when baby gets older and some are portable enough to take with you on the go which makes them ideal for parents who are new to traveling.
When selecting a cot for your bedside, it's important to select a model with drop sides that are easy to use. These let you lower your baby's bassinet without lifting them into your arms, which is difficult for mums with limited mobility. One of these models is the Chicco Next2Me Magic which has been praised by Mumsnetters and was shortlisted in our 2021 Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket category.
Another great feature that certain models come with is a translucent side that allows you to observe your baby at all times. This is especially useful when you are tired and sleepy when a quick glance can make all the difference. As was noted by Emily, our MFM home test participant, the Sleepiest BassiNest is an excellent choice. It is simple to lower.
Budget
A bedside crib is an excellent alternative if you're not ready to upgrade to a larger crib. The bassinet-style crib is attached to the bed's side so you can easily reach your baby's feedings at night and soothe them without disturbing your own sleep. It's also a great option for those with restricted movement following an operation and is a popular choice with celeb mums including Stacey Solomon and Binky Felstead.
Our Parent Testers loved the new version of the bestselling Chicco crib, which was awarded the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards as the Best Cot or Crib. It's spacious and breathable, and comes with six different height settings suitable for growing babies. There is also a soft reflux setting. You can also use it as a travel cot. Additionally, it comes with an easy-to-store storage bag.
It can be difficult to move an upholstered bedside cot throughout the home, but our Parents Testers said that the Shnuggle Air alongside the cot was simple to move. It's one of the lighter options and can be put in its own travel bag.
The SnuzPod bedside cot is yet another highly rated product that's easy to put together and fold away with plenty of features for a restful night's sleep. It comes with a lift-off bassinet that fits more beds than any other cot and its breathable fabric helps your baby regulate their temperature. It features a soft rocking feature, as well as an incline to help with reflux. It is also lightweight enough to use as a crib for travel when you are traveling. It's a little more expensive than other bedside cots but our Parent Testers affirm that it's worth the extra money.