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 cot or Moses basket. A crib that is placed near the bed is an effective and space-saving solution for room-sharing new parents.

Mumsnetters adore the co-sleeper because it's big and has plenty of room for babies to grow and wiggle. It is also much bigger than a Moses Basket. It's also easy to put together and comes with a carry-on bag.

What is a bedside cot?

Bedside cots (also known as bassinets, side sleepers or co-sleepers) are an ideal and safe way for your baby to sleep near you during their early months. These cribs attach 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 as a result of traditional bed sharing. These cribs are also ideal for mums who are breastfeeding or recovering from a Cesarean Section.

These cots are often a little smaller than a standard cot however, they still provide plenty of space for your baby to sleep. You can choose from a wide range of styles and features, according to what your preference is. Many cribs with a bedside feature the option of removing or dropping down the side, which makes it easier to reach your baby during the night to feed them. They also come in various heights based on your bed size.

Some bedside rocking crib cribs have an adjustable riser that allows you to add an angle to the sleep area. This can aid in reducing reflux. They also have an open side for easy cleaning. Some cribs have manual rocking options that can provide a relaxing 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 allow your baby plenty of headroom.

A bedside cot 6 months plus crib is a major investment, but you can be sure your newborn will get a comfortable and safe sleep. Kate Hudson, Serena Williams and Gigi Hadid are all avid users of SNOO's bedside crib. It is definitely worth considering as an alternative to the Moses basket.

Safety

The Lullaby Trust, in conjunction with the NHS has released official guidelines for safe sleeping 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 reduce the chance of suffocation and sudden infant death syndrome. A bedside crib is a great option that allows your child to safely be close enough for you to night feed them and comfort them back to sleep without having to leave your own bed. This is an excellent option if you are recovering from an operation or C-section and are unable to move.

Our top choice for a bedside cot the Silver Cross Slumber Carbon 3-in-1 travel cot bedside crib is compact and folds flat in a matter of seconds and fits into its own bag for travel, so it's perfect for holidays and nights away from home. It's one of the lightest bedside cots and has a comfy deep foam mattress, air-flow panels, and an incline setting, plus it won Gold in the 2021 Mother&Baby awards for the Best Crib, Cot, or Moses Basket.

Chicco Next2me Magic is another excellent bedside cot mattress crib. It won Bronze at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It comes with a built-in changing mat and storage solution, is lightweight at 10kg, and features an adjustable side that drops down for easy access.

Style

A bedside crib is a godsend for many mothers, particularly those who are recovering from C-sections. They can be attached to your bed so that you can reach your baby easily without having to get up and letting you feed them and soothe them quickly. The close proximity to the baby can also help increase the amount of milk produced by mothers who breastfeed.

Alongside being incredibly useful, bassinets can look pretty attractive too which is the reason they're so sought-after. They're usually bigger than Moses baskets and come in a variety of different styles, some having additional features, like a soft tilt to the reflux. They're designed to fit close to your bed and can be moved around the home as baby grows. Some are portable so they're ideal for parents who travel.

It is important to choose an cot with bedside that is easy to use drop-sides. They allow you to 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 praised and shortlisted by Mumsnetters in the category of the Best Cot or Crib Moses Basket for our 2021 Mother&Baby Awards.

Another great feature that certain models come with is a transparent side that lets you be able to see your baby at all times. This is especially useful during bleary-eyed 3am feeds when a quick glance can make all the difference. As was noted by Emily who is our MFM home tester Sleepiest BassiNest is an excellent choice. It is easy to lower.

Budget

If you're not quite ready to make the transition to a larger cot an infant crib on your bed could be a great option. The bassinet-style crib can be attached to your bed so that you can easily reach your baby for feedings at night or cuddle your child without causing disturbance. It's also a great option for those who suffer from restricted movement after the birth and is a favorite option with famous mothers like Stacey Solomon and Binky Felstead.

Our Parent 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 large and breathable, and comes with six different height settings for babies who are growing. There is also a gentle reflux setting. It can also be used as a travel cot, and it comes with an easy-to-store storage bag.

It can be a challenge to move a twin bedside cot cot around your house However, our Parent Testers stated that the Shnuggle Air alongside the cot was easy to move. It is among the lighter options that can be tucked away in its own travel bag.

The SnuzPod bedside cot is yet another highly rated product that's simple to assemble and fold and comes with a variety of features to ensure a restful night's sleep. It has a removable, lift-off bassinet which fits more beds than other cots. The fabric is breathable, and helps to regulate your baby's temperature. It also has a soft rocking function and an incline setting for reflux, and is lightweight enough to be used as a travel cot while you're on the move. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs for bed but Parents Testers believe it's worth the extra cost.