How to Choose the Best Bedside Cot uk
Official safety sleeping guidelines 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 an effective and space-saving solution for parents who share a room.
Mumsnetters love this co-sleeper because it's spacious with lots of space for babies to grow and play, and much bigger than a Moses basket. It's also simple to put together and comes with a bag for travel.
What is a bedside crib?
bedside crib and travel cot cots (also called side sleepers, bassinets or co-sleepers) are a safe and convenient way for your baby to be close to you in the early months. These cribs can be attached to your bed and let you lift your child in your arms for night-feeding or comforting. They're also a great option for breastfeeding mothers or mothers recovering from a caesarean.
They're usually a little smaller than a standard cot or cotbed, but provide plenty of space for your baby to sleep. You can choose from a variety of styles and features, according to what you prefer. Many bedside cribs have an adjustable or drop down side that allows you to reach your baby for evening feeds. They are available in a variety of heights to accommodate the size of your bed.
Some cribs with a bedside have an adjustable riser that allows you to add a slight slope to the sleeping space that can aid in reflux and a zip-off side for easy cleaning. Some have manual rocking features which can be a soothing distraction for your infant. You'll also require a breathable mattress for your new crib. It should be a minimum of 30cm deep to ensure your newborn has sufficient head room.
You can be sure that your baby will be comfortable and safe in a cot that is positioned at the bedside. Kate Hudson, Serena Williams, and Gigi hadid are all fans of SNOO's crib for babies. It is definitely worth considering as an alternative to a Moses basket.
Safety
The Lullaby Trust, in conjunction with the NHS has released official safe sleeping guidelines which recommend that babies stay in the same bedroom as their parents for the first six months. However they shouldn't sleep in your bed. This is to decrease the risk of suffocation or sudden infant death syndrome. A bedside crib is a fantastic option that lets your baby remain close enough to you to feed them at night and soothe them back to sleep without having to leave your bed. It's also great for those who have a limited mobility after an operation or are recovering from a C-section.
Our top choice for a bedside cot, the Silver Cross Slumber Carbon 3-in-1 travel cot bedside crib is small and folds flat in seconds to fit into its own travel bag which makes it perfect for trips to the beach and nights away from home. It's among the lightest options for a bedside cot and features a comfortable deep foam mattress with mesh panels which allow air to flow. It also has an optional incline option. It also won Gold at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Moses basket or Cot Crib.
Another great bedside cot is the Chicco Next2me Magic bedside crib which was awarded Bronze in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It comes with built-in storage and a changing mat, is light (only 10kg) and comes with an adjustable side that makes it easy to access.
Style
For a lot of moms, especially those recovering from C-sections A crib for bedside can an absolute blessing. You can easily reach your baby without getting out of bed. This allows you to comfort and feed your infant during the night. They are an excellent choice for breastfeeding mothers since close proximity can increase their milk supply.
In addition to being extremely convenient, these bassinets are attractive too which is the reason they're so sought-after. They're usually more spacious than Moses baskets and are available in many different styles, some having additional features such as a gentle reflux incline setting. They are designed to be placed near your bed, they can be moved around the house when baby bedside sleeper gets older and some can be carried to the go which makes them ideal for new parents travelling.
It is important to choose a cot for your bed that has easy-to-use drop-sides. This allows you to lower your infant into the bassinet without having to lift them up into your arms. This can be a hassle for mothers with mobility issues. One of these models is the Chicco Next2Me Magic which has been highly praised by Mumsnetters and was shortlisted for our 2021 Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot Moses, Crib or Basket category.
Some models also have a transparent side, allowing you to see your baby. This is especially useful when you are tired and sleepy, when one glance could make all the difference. As noted by Emily who is our MFM home tester the Sleepiest BassiNest an excellent choice. It is easy to lower.
Budget
If you're still not ready to move to a full-sized cot, the bedside crib could be the perfect solution. This bassinet-style cot attaches to the bed's side so that you can easily reach your baby for evening feeds and also comfort them without disrupting your sleep. It's also a great option for those who suffer from restricted movement following an operation and is a popular option with famous mothers like Stacey Solomon and Binky Felstead.
Our Parents Testers loved the new version of the bestselling Chicco crib, which won 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Cot or Crib. It's large, breathable, and has six different height settings suitable for growing babies. 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.
A bedside cot can be a little difficult to move around the home However, our Parents Testers found the Shnuggle Air near the crib to be easy to move around. 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's easy to put together and fold away, with plenty of features that will ensure your child gets a good night's sleep. It has a bassinet with a lift-off that can fit more beds than any other cot, and its breathable fabric can help your baby regulate their temperature. It also has a gentle rocking function, as well as an incline option for reflux, and is lightweight enough to be used as a travel cot when you're out and about. It's a bit more expensive than other bedside cots however our Parent Testers believe it's worth the extra money.