How to Choose the Best Bedside Cot uk
Both the NHS and the Lullaby Trust have issued official safe sleeping guidelines that advise that babies sleep in their own Moses basket or cot. A bedside crib is an efficient and space-saving choice for parents who share a room.
Mumsnetters adore this co-sleeper since it's big enough with plenty of space for babies to grow and play, and more spacious than the typical Moses basket. It's also easy to assemble, and comes with a carry bag.
What is a bedside cot?
Bedside cribs (also known as bassinets, side sleepers, or co-sleepers) are an ideal and safe way for your baby to sleep near you during the early months. These cribs fix to your bed and allow you to raise your baby towards you for night feeding or comforting without the danger of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome as a result of traditional bed sharing. They're also a great choice for breastfeeding mothers or mums recovering from a Caesarean section.
These cots are often smaller than standard cots but they provide plenty of space for your baby to sleep. You can pick from a wide range of styles and features, depending on what your preference is. A lot of cribs with a bedside feature the option of a drop-down or removable side that allows you to reach your baby's evening feeds. They are also available in various heights to suit the size of your bed.
Some cribs for bedside use a riser that allows you to add a slight slope to the sleep area that could help with reflux. It also has the ability to zip off the sides for easy cleaning. Some cribs feature manual rocking features which can provide a soothing distraction to your newborn. You'll also require a comfortable mattress for your new crib. It must be at least 30cm in depth to ensure that your newborn has sufficient head room.
A bedside crib is an investment but you can be certain that your newborn will get a secure and comfortable sleep. Kate Hudson, Serena Williams, and Gigi Hadid are all avid users of SNOO's crib for babies. It is definitely worth a look as an alternative to the 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 for the first six months but not in your bed to reduce the chance of suffocation and to lower the chance of sudden infant death syndrome. A crib that is placed near your bed lets you keep your baby close to help comfort them and feed them at night without leaving your bed. It is also a great option if you are recovering from an operation or a C-section and have limited mobility.
Our top pick for a bedside cot, the Silver Cross Slumber Carbon 3-in-1 travel cot bedside crib is small and folds flat in a matter of seconds to fit into a travel bag so it's perfect for holidays and nights away from home. It's one the lightest options for a bedside cot and comes with a comfy deep foam mattress with mesh panels which allow air to flow. It also has an option for incline. It also won Gold at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for the best bedside cot for newborn Moses basket or Cot Crib.
Another fantastic bedside cot is the Chicco Next2me Magic bedside crib which was awarded Bronze in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It features a built-in change mat and storage solution It weighs just 10kg, and comes with an adjustable side that can be lowered down for easy access.
Style
A crib for your bed is a blessing for many mothers, particularly those who are recovering from C-sections. They attach to your bed so that you can easily reach your baby without needing to get up and letting you feed them and soothe them quickly. They are also a great option for breastfeeding mothers since close proximity can increase their milk supply.
Bassinets aren't just practical, but also stylish. This is the reason they're so popular. Some are more spacious than Moses Baskets, and some have extra features, like a gentle and incline. Designed to fit by your bed, they can be moved around your home when the baby grows older. Additionally, some are portable enough to take on the go too making them perfect for new parents travelling.
When selecting a cot for your bedside It is essential to choose a model that have easy-to-use drop sides. These let you lower your baby's bassinet without lifting 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.
Another handy feature that some models have is a transparent side that allows you to observe your baby at all times. This is especially helpful when you are groggy at 3am and you need to feed your baby bedside co sleeper. A quick glance can make a huge difference. One of these options is the Sleepiest BassiNest which is simple to lower, as noted by our MFM home tester Emily.
Budget
A bedside crib is a fantastic alternative if you're not ready to move to a larger crib. This bassinet-style cot attaches to the side of your bed to allow you to easily reach your baby's evening feeds and also comfort them without disturbing your own sleep. It's an excellent choice for those who are unable to move following an operation such as a C-section. Celebrity moms such as Binky Felstead and Stacey Solomon have also chosen it.
Our Parent Testers loved this latest version of the popular Chicco crib, which was awarded the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Cot or Crib. It's spacious and breathable, and comes with six different height settings for growing babies. There is also a soft reflux setting. You can also use it as a travel cot and it comes with an easy-to-store storage bag.
A bedside crib can be difficult to move around your home however our Parents Testers found the Shnuggle Air beside crib really easy to move around. It is one of the lightest options and can be tucked away in its own travel bag.
The SnuzPod bedside cot is another highly rated product that's simple to fold and assemble and comes with a variety of features to ensure an unwinding night's sleep. It has a bassinet that lifts off to fit more beds than any other cot and its breathable fabric can help your baby to regulate their temperature. It also has a soft rocking function, as well as an incline setting for reflux, and is lightweight enough to use as a travel cot if you're on the move. It's a little more expensive than other bedside cot sale cots, but our Parent Testers say it's well worth the extra money.