How to Choose the Best Bedside Cot uk
Both the NHS and Lullaby Trust have issued official safe sleeping guidelines which recommend that newborns sleep only in their own Moses basket or cot. A bedside crib can be practical and space-saving 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 a Moses basket. It is also easy to assemble, and comes with a bag for carrying.
What is a bedside crib?
foldable bedside crib (also known as side sleepers, bassinets or co-sleepers) are a safe and convenient way for your baby to be close to you during the first few months. These cribs are attached to your bed and allow you to raise your baby towards you for night feeding or comforting without the threat of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome associated with traditional bed-sharing. These cribs are also great for mothers who are breastfeeding or recovering from a cesarean section.
They're usually a little smaller than a standard cot, but provide plenty of space for your baby to rest. large bedside cot can pick from a variety of styles and features, depending on what your preference is. A lot of cribs with a bedside feature a drop down or removable side, which makes it easier to reach your baby for evening feeds. They are also available in various sizes to fit the dimensions of your bed.
Some cribs with a bedside have an adjustable riser that allows you to create an incline to the sleeping area. This can aid in reducing reflux. They also have the option of a zip-off side for easy cleaning. Other cribs have manual rocking functions which can be a soothing distraction for your baby. You'll need a mattress that is comfortable to be used with your crib. It should be at least 30cm deep to give your baby enough headroom.
You can be confident that your child will be safe and secure in a cot that is positioned at the bedside. With stars like Kate Hudson, Serena Williams and Gigi Hadid all fans of the SNOO bedside crib, it's definitely worth considering this stylish alternative to a moses basket.
Safety
Official safe sleeping guidance from the Lullaby Trust and NHS advises that babies born today should be in the same room as you during the first six months but not in your bed, to decrease the risk of suffocation and to decrease the risk of sudden infant death syndrome. A bedside crib is an excellent option that allows your baby to remain close enough to you to feed them at night and help them return to sleep without having to get out of your own bed. This is an excellent option if you are recovering from an operation or C-section and have limited mobility.
Our top pick for a bedside cot, the Silver Cross Slumber Carbon 3-in-1 bedside crib for travel is compact and folds down in seconds to fit into its own travel bag so it's perfect for holidays and nights away from home. It's one of the lightest bedside cots available and comes with a a comfy deep foam mattress, air-flow panels, an optional tilting setting, and it won Gold in the 2021 Mother&Baby awards for Best Crib, Cot, or Moses Basket.
Another great bedside cot is the Chicco Next2me Magic bedside crib that won Bronze in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It has an integrated storage unit and changing mat, is lightweight (only 10kg) and comes with an adjustable side that makes it easy to access.
Style
A crib for your bed is a blessing for many mums, especially those recovering from C-sections. They attach to your bed so you can reach your baby easily without having to get out of bed in order to feed them and comfort them quickly. The close proximity to your baby can also help increase the production of milk for mothers who are breastfeeding.
Bassinets aren't just convenient but also stylish. This is why they're so sought-after. They're usually larger than Moses baskets and come in a variety of different styles, some featuring extra features such as a gentle tilt to the reflux. They're designed to sit next to your bed and can be moved around the house as your baby grows. Some are portable, so they're great for travelling parents.
It's important to choose an cot with bedside that is easy to use drop-sides. This lets you lower your infant into the bassinet without lifting them up into your arms. This can be difficult for mothers with mobility issues. Chicco Next2Me Magic is one such model that has been praised and shortlisted by Mumsnetters in the category of the best Cot or Crib or Moses Basket for our 2021 Mother and Baby Awards.
Another great feature that certain models come with is a translucent side that allows you to see your baby at all times. This is especially helpful in the case of 3am feeds that are bleary-eyed where just a glance can make all the difference. As was noted by Emily our MFM home test participant Sleepiest BassiNest is a great option. It is easy to lower.
Budget
A bedside crib is a great option if you are not ready to move to a full-sized crib. The cot is attached to the bed's side to allow you to easily reach your baby for feedings at night and soothe them without disturbing your sleep. It's an excellent choice for those who are unable to move following the C-section. Celebrity moms like Binky Felstead and Stacey Solomon have also chosen it.
Our Parents Testers loved the new model of this popular crib from Chicco that won the 2021 Mother&Baby Award for Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket. It's afclimatizing and spacious and comes with six height settings to accommodate growing babies and a gentle reflux setting for the incline. You can also use it as a travel cot and it comes with an easy-to-store storage bag.
A bedside cot can be difficult to move around the home however our Parents Testers found the Shnuggle Air beside crib really easy to move around. It's one of the lightest alternatives and is small enough to fit in its own travel bag which means you can carry it with you on your travels.
The SnuzPod is another highly-rated bedside cot that's easy to assemble and fold away, with plenty of features for the best night's rest. It has a removable bassinet with a lift-off that can fit more beds than any other cot, and its breathable fabric can help your baby maintain their temperature. It features a soft rocking feature and an incline for reflux. It's also light enough to use as a crib for travel when you are on the move. It's a little more expensive than other cots for bed, but our Parent Testers affirm that it's worth the extra money.