How to Choose the Best Bedside Cot uk
Official safe sleeping guidance 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 parents who live together.
Mumsnetters adore this co-sleeper since it's large and spacious, with plenty of space for babies to grow and play, and more spacious than the size of a Moses basket. It's also easy to put together and comes with a carry-on bag.
What is a bedside crib?
Bedside cribs (also called side sleepers, bassinets or co-sleepers) are a safe and convenient way for your baby bedside sleeper to sleep with 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 risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome as a result of traditional bed sharing. These cribs are also ideal for mothers who are nursing or recovering from a cesarean.
These cots are typically smaller than a standard cot, but still offer plenty of space for your baby to rest. You can choose between a variety of styles and features depending on your preferences. A lot of cribs for bedside use an adjustable or drop-down side to make it easier to reach the baby during feeding time at night. They also come in different heights, based on your bed size.
Some cribs with a bedside cot newborn have an adjustable riser that allows you to add an incline to the sleep area. This can be helpful with reflux. They also come with the option of a zip-off side to make cleaning easy. Other cribs have manual rocking functions which can be a soothing distraction for your newborn. You'll require a mattress that's air-conditioned to match your crib. It should be at least 30cm in depth to allow your baby plenty of headroom.
You can rest assured that your child will be safe and secure in a bedside cot. Kate Hudson, Serena Williams and Gigi hadid are all fans of SNOO's bedside crib. It is definitely worth a look as an alternative to a Moses basket.
Safety
Official guidelines for safe sleep 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 chance of suffocation and to lower the chance of sudden infant death syndrome. A crib that is placed near your bed is an excellent option that lets your baby remain close enough to you to feed them at night and comfort them back to sleep without needing to leave your own bed. It's also great if you have limited mobility following an operation or recovering from C-section.
Our top pick for a bedside cot the Silver Cross Slumber Carbon 3-in-1 travel cot bedside crib is compact and folds flat in seconds to fit into its own travel bedside crib bag so it's perfect for holidays and nights away from home. It's the lightest option for a bedside cot and has a soft, comfortable foam mattress with mesh panels that let air flow. It also comes with an optional incline option. It also won Gold at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for the Best Moses basket or Cot Crib.
Chicco Next2me Magic is another fantastic bedside crib. It won Bronze at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It comes with an integrated storage unit and changing mat, is light (only 10kg) and comes with an adjustable side for easy access.
Style
A crib for your bed is a blessing for many mothers, particularly those recovering from C-sections. They can be attached to your bed so that you can easily reach your baby without having to get out of bed in order to feed them and soothe them quickly. The close proximity to the baby can also increase the amount of milk produced by mothers who are breastfeeding.
They are not just functional, but also stylish. This is why they are so popular. They're typically larger than Moses baskets and come in a variety of different styles, with some having additional features, like a soft reflux incline setting. They are designed to be placed near your bed, they can be moved around your home as the baby grows older, and some are able to be taken with you on the go making them perfect for new parents traveling.
It is important to choose a cot for your bed with drop-sides that are easy to use. They allow you to lower your infant into the bassinet without having to lift them into your arms, which can be difficult for moms with limited mobility. Chicco Next2Me Magic is one such model that has been acknowledged 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 have is a transparent side that lets you see your baby at all times. This is especially helpful during bleary-eyed 3am feeds, when a quick glance can make all the difference. One of these options is the Sleepiest BassiNest, which is easy to lower, as was noted by our MFM home tester Emily.
Budget
If you're not ready to make the transition to a full-sized cot, an infant crib on your bed could be a great option. This bassinet-style cot attaches to the side of your bed to allow you to easily reach your baby for feedings at night and soothe them without disrupting your sleep. It's a great option for those who are unable to move after a C-section. Famous moms like Binky Felstead and Stacey Solomon have also chosen this model.
Our Parents Testers loved the new version of the well-loved Chicco crib, which took home the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards as the Best Cot or Crib. It's large and breathable, and has six height settings to accommodate babies who are growing, and a gentle reflux setting for the incline. It can be used as a crib for travel and comes with a handy storage case.
It can be difficult to move a bedside cot around your house however our Parent Testers stated that the Shnuggle Air next to the cot was easy to move. It's one of the lightest options and can be packed into its own travel bag.
The SnuzPod is a different highly rated bedside cot that's simple to put together and fold away, with plenty of features for a good night's sleep. It has a removable lift-off bassinet which fits more beds than other cots. The fabric is breathable and can help regulate your baby's temperature. It also has a gentle rocking function, as well as an incline setting for reflux, and is lightweight enough to be used as a travel cot when you're out and about. It's more expensive than other bedside travel cot cots, but our Parent Testers believe it's worth the extra cash.