How to Choose the Best Bedside Cot uk
Both the NHS and Lullaby Trust have issued official safe sleeping guidelines that recommend that newborns sleep only in their own Moses basket or cot. A crib for bed is a practical and space-saving option for parents who live together.
Mumsnetters love this co-sleeper as it's big enough with plenty of space for babies to grow and wriggle and far more substantial than the size of a Moses basket. It's also easy to assemble and comes with a travel bag.
What is a bedside cot?
A bedside cot (also known as a bassinet, side sleeper or co-sleeper) is a safe way for your baby to sleep close to you throughout their first months. These cribs fix to your bed and allow you to lift your baby out towards you for night feeding or comforting without the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome that is a result of traditional bed-sharing. They're also a great option for breastfeeding mothers or mums recovering from a caesarean section.
They're typically smaller than a standard cot or cotbed, but provide plenty of space for your baby to rest. You can pick from a variety of styles and features, depending on what you like best. A lot of cribs for bedside use a removable or drop-down side that makes it easier to reach the baby during the night to feed them. They also come in different heights depending on your bed size.
bedside crib and cot with a bedside have a riser that allows you to add a slight incline to the sleeping space that can help with reflux and an easy zip-off side for cleaning. Other cribs have manual rocking functions which can be a relaxing distraction for your baby. You'll also need a breathable mattress to match your crib. It should be a minimum of 30cm deep to ensure your newborn has enough headroom.
You can rest assured that your baby will be comfortable and safe in a cot that is positioned at the bedside. With stars like Kate Hudson, Serena Williams and Gigi Hadid all being fans of the SNOO bedside crib, it's definitely worth considering this stylish alternative to a moses basket.
Safety
The Lullaby Trust, in conjunction with the NHS has issued official safe sleeping guidelines which recommend that babies stay in the same bedroom as their parents for the first six months. However, they should not sleep in your bed. This is to lower the risk of suffocation, or sudden infant death syndrome. A crib that is placed near your bed is a fantastic option that lets your baby safely be close enough for you to feed them during the night and soothe them back to sleep without having to get out of your own bed. It is also a great option if you are recovering from an operation or a C-section, and have limited mobility.
Our top choice for a bedside cot, the Silver Cross Slumber Carbon 3-in-1 travel cot bedside crib is compact and folds down in a matter of seconds to fit into its own travel bag so it's perfect for holidays and nights away from home. It's one the lightest options for a bedside crib and comes with a comfy deep foam mattress with mesh panels that allow air to flow. It also has an incline option that can be added. Plus, it won Gold at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for the Best Moses Basket or Cot Crib.
Chicco Next2me Magic is another great bedside crib option. It won 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 can be lowered down for easy access.
Style
For a lot of moms, especially those who are recovering from C-sections A crib for bedside can an absolute blessing. You can easily reach your baby without getting out of the bed. This lets you soothe and feed your infant during the night. The close proximity to your baby can also aid in increasing milk production for mothers who breastfeed.
These bassinets are not only practical, but also stylish. This is why they're so popular. They're typically larger than Moses baskets and come in lots of different styles, some even having extra features such as a gentle tilt to the reflux. They are designed to fit right next to your bed and can be moved around the house as your baby grows. Some are portable, which means they're great for travelling parents.
When you are choosing a bedside cot, it's important to select a model that have easy-to-use drop sides. These let you lower your baby into the bassinet without needing to lift them into your arms, which can be difficult for mums with mobility issues. 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 come with a transparent side, which allows you to see your baby. This is especially helpful when you are groggy at 3am and have to feed your child. A quick glance can make a huge difference. As was noted by Emily our MFM home test participant, the Sleepiest BassiNest is a great option. It is simple to lower.
Budget
If you're not ready to make the transition to a larger cot an infant crib on your bed could be the perfect solution. This bassinet-style cot attaches to the bed's side to allow you to easily reach your baby's feedings at night and soothe them without disturbing your own sleep. It's a great option for those with restricted movement following the C-section. Famous moms such as Binky Felstead and Stacey Solomon have also chosen it.
Our Parent Testers loved this latest version of the well-loved Chicco crib, which won 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Cot or Crib. It's spacious, breathable, and has six different height settings suitable for growing babies. There is also a soft reflux setting. It can be used as a travel crib and comes with a convenient storage case.
It can be difficult to move an upholstered bedside cot throughout the home, but our Parents Testers reported that the Shnuggle Air next to the cot was simple to move. It is one of the lightest options and can be put in its own travel bag.
The SnuzPod is another highly-rated bedside cot that is easy to put together and fold away and comes with a variety of features that will ensure your child gets a good night's sleep. bedside crib with wheels has a bassinet that lifts off to fit more beds than any other cot, and its breathable fabric can help your baby maintain their temperature. It also has a gentle rocking function and an incline setting for reflux, and is lightweight enough to be used as a travel cot if you're out and about. It's a bit more expensive than other cots for bed, but our Parent Testers believe it's worth the extra money.