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 is an efficient and space-saving choice for room-sharing new parents.
Mumsnetters adore the co-sleeper because it is spacious, with plenty of space for babies to grow and play. It is also much larger than a Moses Basket. It's also easy to put together and comes with a carry bag.
What is a bedside cot?
Bedside cots (also called bassinets, side sleepers, or co-sleepers) are a safe and convenient way for your baby to sleep near you during their first few months. These cribs can be attached to your bed and allow you to pull your child to you to feed them at night or even comfort them. They're also a great option for breastfeeding mothers or mothers recovering from a caesarean.
These cots are typically smaller than a standard cot but they provide plenty of room for your baby to sleep. You can pick from various styles and features depending on your preferences. Many bedside cribs have a drop down or removable side, which makes it easier to reach your baby's night feeds and are available in a variety of heights to suit the size of your bed.
Some cribs with a bedside have a riser which allows you to create an incline to the sleeping area. This can help with reflux. They also come with a zip off side for easy cleaning. Others have manual rocking functions which can be a relaxing distraction for your baby. You'll need a mattress that is comfortable to be used with your crib. It must be at least 30cm thick to allow your baby plenty of headroom.
You can rest assured that your child will be safe and comfortable in a cot that is positioned at the bedside. Kate Hudson, Serena Williams and Gigi hadid are all fans of SNOO's crib for babies. It is definitely worth considering as an alternative to the Moses basket.
Safety
The Lullaby Trust, in conjunction with the NHS, has issued official guidelines for safe sleeping which recommend that babies stay in the same bedroom as their parents for the first six months. However they shouldn't sleep in your bed. This is to decrease the risk of suffocation, or sudden infant death syndrome. A bedside crib is a great option that allows your baby to remain close enough to you to feed them at night and soothe them back to sleep without needing to leave your own bed. It's an excellent option if you are recovering from an operation or a C-section and are unable to move.
Silver Cross Slumber Carbon 3 in 1 travel cot bedside crib is our top choice for a bedside crib. It's compact and folds flat to fit into a travel bag, making it perfect for nights out on the town or away from home. It's one of the tiniest bedside cots and has a comfy deep foam mattress, air-flow panels, an optional tilting setting, and it was awarded Gold in the 2021 Mother&Baby awards for the Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket.
Chicco Next2me Magic is another fantastic bedside crib. It won Bronze at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It comes with a built-in changing mat and storage solution It weighs just 10kg, and comes with an adjustable side that slides down to make it easy to access.
Style
A crib for your bed is a godsend for many mums, especially those recovering from C-sections. You can easily reach your baby without getting out of your bed. This allows you to soothe and feed your infant during the night. The close proximity to your baby can also increase the production of milk for mothers who breastfeed.
Bassinets aren't just practical, but also fashionable. This is the reason they're so sought-after. Some are more spacious than Moses Baskets, and some have extra features, like a gentle and incline. Designed to fit by twin bedside cot , they can usually be moved around the house when the baby grows older. Additionally, some can be carried on the go too which makes them ideal for new parents travelling.
When choosing a bedside cot it is important to select a model with drop sides that are easy to use. This lets you lower your infant into the bassinet without having to lift them up into your arms. This can be a challenge for mothers with mobility issues. Chicco Next2Me Magic is one of these models that has been acknowledged and shortlisted by Mumsnetters in the category of the Best Cot or Crib or Moses Basket for our 2021 Mother&Baby Awards.
Some models also come with a transparent side, allowing you to be able to always view your baby. This is especially helpful in the case of 3am feeds that are bleary-eyed, when just a glance can make all the difference. As mentioned by Emily who is our MFM home tester the Sleepiest BassiNest a great option. It's easy to lower.
Budget
If you're still not ready to make the leap to a full-sized cot, a bedside crib may be the perfect solution. This bassinet-style cot attaches to the side of your bed so you can easily reach your baby's night feeds and comfort them without disrupting your sleep. It's also a great option for those with limited movement after an operation and is a favorite option for celeb moms like Stacey Solomon and Binky Felstead.
Our Parent Testers loved the new version of the popular Chicco crib, which took home the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for the Best Cot or Crib. It's afclimatizing and spacious and has six height settings to accommodate babies who are growing, plus a gentle reflux setting for the incline. You can also use it as a travel cot. Additionally, it comes with an excellent storage bag.
It can be difficult to move an upholstered bedside cot throughout the home However, our Parent Testers stated that the Shnuggle Air next to the cot was easy to maneuver. It's one of the lightest options and is small enough to fit in its own travel bag, which means you can take it along with you on your trip.
The SnuzPod bedside cot is yet another highly rated item that's easy to put together and fold away, with many features for a restful night's sleep. It has a lift-off bassinet that fits more beds than any other cot and its breathable fabric helps your baby to 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 travel crib when you are on the move. It's a little more expensive than other cots for bed however our Parent Testers affirm that it's worth the extra cash.