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 practical and space-saving for parents who share a room.
Mumsnetters adore this co-sleeper since it's large and spacious, with plenty of room for baby to grow and play, and much bigger than the typical Moses basket. It's also easy to put together and comes with a carry-on bag.
What is a bedside cot?
Bedside cribs (also called bassinets, side sleepers or co-sleepers) are an ideal and safe way for your baby to be close to you during the first few months. These cribs are attached to your bed and let you raise your baby towards you to feed them at night or for comforting without the threat of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome that is a result of traditional bed-sharing. They're also a great option for breastfeeding mothers or mothers recovering from a caesarean section.
These cots are often a little smaller than a standard cot, but still offer plenty of space for your baby to sleep. You can pick from various designs and features based on your preferences. A majority of cribs for bedside crib that turns into cot use a drop down or removable side, which makes it easier to reach your baby for evening feeds. They are also available in different heights to accommodate the size of your bed.
Some cribs for bedside crib and cot use an adjustable riser that allows you to build an incline in the sleeping area. This can help with reflux. They also have an open side for easy cleaning. Others have manual rocking functions that can provide a relaxing distraction for your newborn. You'll also require a breathable mattress to match your new crib. It must be at least 30cm in depth to ensure that your baby has enough head space.
You can rest assured that your baby will be safe and secure in a cot that is positioned at the bedside. With the likes of Kate Hudson, Serena Williams and Gigi Hadid all fans of the SNOO bedside crib, it's worth considering this fashionable alternative to moses basket.
Safety
The Lullaby Trust, in conjunction with the NHS has issued official guidelines for safe sleeping which recommend that babies are in the same room as their parents for the first six months. However they shouldn't sleep in your bed. This is to decrease the chance of suffocation and sudden infant death syndrome. A crib that is placed near your bed allows you to keep your baby close to soothe them to sleep and feed them at night without leaving your bed. It's also great if you have limited mobility following an operation or recovering from an operation such as a C-section.
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 seconds to fit into its own bag for travel, 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 let air flow. It also has an optional incline option. Plus, it won Gold at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for the Best Moses basket or Cot Crib.
Chicco Next2me Magic is another excellent bedside cosleeper 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 to make it easy to access.
Style
For a lot of moms, especially those recovering from a C-section A crib for bedside can be a blessing in disguise. You can easily reach your baby without having to get out of bed. This lets you soothe and feed your baby at night. They're also a great choice for mothers who are breastfeeding as their close proximity will help increase their milk supply.
As well as being incredibly useful, bassinets are elegant and that's why they're so sought-after. They're often a bit more spacious than Moses baskets and come in lots of different styles, some even having extra features, like a soft tilt to the reflux. They're designed to fit next to your bed and can be moved around the house as your baby grows. Some are portable so they're great for travelling parents.
It's important to choose a cot for your bed with drop-sides that are easy to use. These allow you to lower your baby's bassinet without lifting them into your arms, which is difficult for mothers who have limited mobility. One of these models is the Chicco Next2Me Magic which has been applauded by Mumsnetters and was shortlisted in our 2021 Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot Crib, Moses or Crib Basket category.
Another handy feature that some models come with is a transparent side that lets you see your baby at all times. This is particularly useful when you are groggy at 3am and need to feed your baby. A quick glance could make a huge difference. One such option is the Sleepiest BassiNest which is easy to lower as noted by our MFM home tester Emily.
Budget
A bedside crib is a great alternative if you're not yet ready to upgrade to a larger crib. The bassinet-style crib can be attached to your bed so that you can reach your baby easily for feedings at night or cuddle your child without causing disturbance. It's a great option for those who have limited movement after an operation such as a C-section. Celeb mums 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 was awarded the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards as the Best Cot or Crib. It's large and breathable, and comes with six height settings to accommodate growing babies as well as a gentle setting for incline. It can be used as a travel crib and comes with a handy storage case.
A bedside cot can be difficult to move around the home however our Parents Testers found the Shnuggle Air beside crib really easy to move around. It's one of the smallest alternatives and is small enough to fit into its own travel bag, so you can take it with you on your travels.
The SnuzPod is a different highly rated bedside cot that's simple to assemble and fold away and comes with a variety of features for a good night's sleep. It comes with 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 features a soft rocking feature, as well as an incline for reflux. It's also light enough to use as a travel crib while you're on the move. It's a bit more expensive than other bedside cots but our Parents Testers say it's well worth the extra money.