How to Choose the Best Bedside Cot uk
Official guidelines for safe sleep 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 room-sharing new parents.
Mumsnetters love this co-sleeper because it's large and spacious, with plenty of space for babies to grow and play and is much bigger than the typical Moses basket. It's also simple to put together and comes with a bag for travel.
What is a bedside cot?
Bedside cribs (also called bassinets, side sleepers or co-sleepers) are a safe and convenient way for your baby to sleep with you in the early months. These cribs are attached to your bed and let you raise your baby towards you at night for feeding or comforting without the danger of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome that is a result of traditional bed-sharing. These cribs are also great for mothers who are breastfeeding or recovering from a Cesarean Section.
These cots are typically smaller than a standard cot, but still offer plenty of space for your baby to rest. You can choose from a variety of styles and features based on your preferences. A lot of cribs with a bedside feature a drop down or removable side that makes it easier to reach your baby for night feeds and are also available in various heights to accommodate the size of your bed.
Some cribs with a bedside have an adjustable riser that allows you to add an incline in the sleep area. This can be helpful with reflux. They also have a zip off side to make cleaning easy. Some cribs come with manual rocking options which can provide a soothing distraction to your newborn. You'll also need a breathable mattress to match your new crib. It should be a minimum of 30cm in depth to ensure that your newborn has sufficient head room.
You can rest assured that your baby 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 fashionable alternative to moses basket.
Safety
Official safe sleeping guidance from the Lullaby Trust and NHS advises that babies born today should be placed in the same bed as you during the first six months but not in your bed to lower the risk of suffocation, and to lower the chance of sudden infant death syndrome. A bedside crib lets you keep your baby close to help soothe them to sleep and even feed them at night without leaving your bed. It's also great if you have limited mobility after an operation or recovering from a C-section.
Silver Cross Slumber Carbon 3 in 1 travel cot bedside crib is our top pick for a bedside crib. It's small and folds flat to fit into its transport bag, making it perfect for nights out on the town or away from home. It's among the lightest bedside cots and has the most comfortable deep foam mattress with mesh air-flow panels, an optional incline setting, plus 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 was awarded Bronze at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It comes with a built-in changing mat and storage solutions, is lightweight at 10kg, and comes with an adjustable side that slides down to make it easy to access.
Style
For many mums, particularly those who are recovering from a C-section A crib for bedside could prove to be an absolute godsend. You can easily reach your baby without getting out of the bed. This allows you to soothe and feed your infant at night. They're also a great option for breastfeeding mothers as the close proximity can help boost the amount of milk they produce.
Alongside being incredibly practical, these bassinets can look pretty elegant which is the reason they're so sought-after. They're usually more spacious than Moses baskets and come in a variety of different styles, with some featuring extra features, like a soft tilting of the reflux. bedside travel crib designed to fit close to your bed and can be moved around the house as baby grows. Some are portable, which means they're great for parents who travel.
It is important to choose a bedside cot with drop-sides that are easy to use. These let you lower your baby's bassinet without having to lift them into your arms, which is difficult for mothers with limited mobility. Chicco Next2Me Magic is one of the 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 have a translucent side, which allows you to see your baby. This is particularly useful when you're groggy at 3am and have to feed your child. A quick glance could make a huge difference. One of these options is the Sleepiest BassiNest that is easy to lower as outlined by our MFM home tester Emily.
Budget
If you're not quite ready to make the transition to a full-sized cot, an infant crib on your bed could be an ideal solution. The bassinet-style crib can be attached to your bed so that you can easily reach your baby for night feeds or comfort them without disturbing yourself. It's also a great option for those suffering from restricted movement after an operation, and is a popular choice with celeb mums including Stacey Solomon and Binky Felstead.
Our Parents Testers loved the new model of this well-loved crib from Chicco that won the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket. It's large, breathable, and has six different height settings for babies who are growing. 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.
A bedside cot can be difficult to move around your home, but our Parents Testers found the Shnuggle Air near the crib to be easy to move around. It is among the lightest options and can be tucked away in its own travel bag.
The SnuzPod is another highly rated bedside cot that is easy to put together and fold away, with plenty of features to ensure a good night's sleep. It has a removable adjustable bassinet that lifts off, which can fit more beds than other cots. The fabric is breathable and can help to regulate your baby's temperature. It also has a gentle rocking function, as well as an incline option for reflux, and it's light enough to use as a travel cot while you're on the move. It's a bit more expensive than other bedside cots, but our Parent Testers say it's well worth the extra money.