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 crib or Moses basket. A crib that is placed near the bed is a practical and space-saving option for parents who share a room.
Mumsnetters love this co-sleeper as it's large and spacious, with plenty of room for baby to grow and wriggle and more spacious than a Moses basket. It's also simple to put together and comes with a bag for travel.
What is a bedside cot?
Bedside cribs (also known as bassinets, side sleepers or co-sleepers) are an effective and safe method for your baby to sleep with you during the early months. These cribs fix to your bed and allow you to bring your baby closer to you at night for feeding or comforting without the danger of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome associated with traditional bed-sharing. These cribs are also ideal for mothers who are nursing or recovering from a cesarean.
They are usually smaller than a standard cot but they provide plenty of space for your baby to sleep. You can choose from a variety of styles and features based on your preferences. A lot of cribs for bedside use the option of removing or dropping down the side, which makes it easier to reach your baby at night for feedings. They are also available in various heights based on your bed size.
Some bedside cribs have an adjustable riser that allows you to add an incline in the sleeping area. This can aid in reducing reflux. They also have a zip off side for easy cleaning. Some cribs have manual rocking features that can be a soothing distraction to your newborn. You'll require a mattress that's air-conditioned to match your crib. It should be at least 30cm deep to give your baby enough headroom.
A bedside crib is an investment but you can be certain that your baby will have a secure and comfortable 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 a moses basket.
Safety
The Lullaby Trust, in conjunction with the NHS, has issued official safe sleeping guidelines that recommend that newborns stay in the same bedroom as their parents for the first six months. However they shouldn't sleep in your bed. This is to lower the risk of suffocation or sudden infant death syndrome. A bedside crib is a great option that lets your baby safely be close enough for you to night feed them and soothe them back to sleep without having to leave your bed. It's also a great option for when you are recovering from an operation or C-section, and have limited mobility.
Silver Cross Slumber Carbon 3 in 1 travel cot bedside Crib is our top pick for a crib that can be used as a bedside. It's compact and folds down flat to fit in its transport bag and is perfect for nights out on the town or away from home. It's one the lightest options for a bedside crib and has a soft, comfortable foam mattress with mesh panels which allow air to flow. It also has an option for incline. Plus, it won 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 storage solution and changing mat, is light (only 10kg), and has an adjustable side that makes it easy to access.
Style
For a lot of moms, especially those recovering from a C-section A crib that is placed near the bed could prove to be an absolute godsend. You can easily reach your baby without having to get out of the bed. This lets you soothe and feed your baby at night. They're also a great choice for mothers who are breastfeeding as their close proximity will help increase their milk supply.
rocking bedside crib are not just practical, but also fashionable. This is why they're so popular. Some are bigger 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 be moved around the home as the baby grows older, and some are portable enough to take to the go which makes them ideal for new parents traveling.
It is essential to select an cot with bedside that has easy-to-use drop-sides. These let you lower your infant into the bassinet without having to lift them into your arms, which is difficult for mothers who have limited mobility. One such model is the Chicco Next2Me Magic which has been highly praised by Mumsnetters and was shortlisted for our 2021 Mother&Baby Awards' Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket category.
Some models also have a transparent side, allowing you to see your baby. This is particularly useful when you're groggy at 3am and you need to feed your baby. A quick glance can make a big difference. As noted by Emily our MFM home tester the Sleepiest BassiNest a great option. It's easy to lower.
Budget
A bedside crib is a fantastic alternative if you're not ready to upgrade to a bigger crib. This bassinet-style crib attaches to your bed, ensuring that you can easily reach your baby to feed them at night or even comfort them without causing any disturbance to yourself. It's also a great choice for those with restricted movement after a C-section and is a favorite choice with celeb mums including Stacey Solomon and Binky Felstead.
Our Parent Testers loved the new model of this well-loved crib from Chicco which was awarded the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket. It's spacious, breathable, and has six different height settings for growing babies. There is also a gentle reflux setting. It can also be used as a travel cot. Additionally, it comes with a handy storage bag.
It can be a challenge to move a bedside cot around your house however our Parent Testers reported that the Shnuggle Air next to the cot was easy to move. It's one of the lighter options that can be tucked away in its own travel bag.
The SnuzPod is another highly-rated bedside cot that's easy to put together and fold away, with plenty of features for an enjoyable night's sleep. It comes with a removable, lift-off bassinet that fits more beds than other cots. The fabric is breathable and can help keep your baby's temperature in check . It features a soft rocking feature, as well as an incline to help with reflux. It is also lightweight enough to be used as a crib for travel when you are out and about. It's a little more expensive than other bedside cribs however, Parent Testers are of the opinion that it is worth the extra cost.