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 cot or Moses basket. A crib for bed is an efficient and space-saving choice for parents who live together.
Mumsnetters love this co-sleeper as it's large and spacious, with plenty of room for babies to grow and play, and more spacious than the typical Moses basket. It's also simple to put together and comes with a carry bag.
What is a bedside cot?
A bedside crib with changing table cot (also called a side sleeper, bassinet or co-sleeper) is a safe way for your baby to sleep close to you throughout their first few months. These cribs are attached to your bed and allow you to pull your child in your arms to feed them at night or even comfort them. These cribs are also ideal for mothers who are breastfeeding or recovering from a cesarean section.
They're often slightly smaller than a standard cot, but they provide ample space for your baby to sleep. You can pick from a variety of styles and features, according to what you prefer. Many bedside cribs come with a removable or drop-down side to make it easier to reach the baby during feeding time at night. They are also available in different heights, based on the size of your bed.
Some cribs with a bedside have an adjustable riser that allows you to build an incline in the sleeping area. This can be helpful with reflux. They also come with a zip off side to make cleaning easy. Others have manual rocking bedside crib functions which can be a relaxing distraction for your infant. You'll need a mattress that is air-conditioned to match your crib. It should be at least 30cm thick to give your baby enough headroom.
A bedside cot is an investment, but you can be sure your newborn will get a secure and comfortable sleep. Kate Hudson, Serena Williams and Gigi hadid are all fans of SNOO's bedside cot sale crib. It is definitely worth a look as an alternative to the Moses basket.
Safety
The Lullaby Trust, in conjunction with the NHS has released official guidelines for safe sleeping that advise that babies sleep in the same bedroom as their parents for the first six months. However they should not be sleeping in your bed. This is to reduce the risk of suffocation, or sudden infant death syndrome. A bedside crib or cot crib lets you keep your baby close to calm them down and even feed them at night without leaving your bed. This is an excellent option if you are recovering from an operation or a C-section and have limited mobility.
Silver Cross Slumber Carbon 3 in 1 travel cot bedside crib with wheels Crib is our top choice for a crib that can be used as a Bedside crib with changing table. It's compact and folds flat to fit in its bag for travel and is perfect for holidays or nights away from home. It's one the lightest options for a bedside cot. It features a comfortable deep foam mattress with mesh panels which allow air to flow. It also has an option for incline. Plus, it won Gold at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for the Best Cot Crib or Moses basket.
Chicco Next2me Magic is another fantastic bedside crib. It won Bronze at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It has a built-in changing mat and storage solutions and weighs only 10kg. It is light at 10kg, and comes with an adjustable side that slides down for easy access.
Style
A crib for your bed is a godsend for many mums, especially those who are recovering from C-sections. You can easily reach your baby without getting out of the bed. This lets you comfort and feed your baby at night. Being close to the baby can also increase milk production for mothers who breastfeed.
They are not just functional, but also fashionable. This is why they're so sought-after. They're typically larger than Moses baskets and are available in many different styles, some even having extra features such as a gentle tilt to the reflux. They are designed to be placed near your bed, they can usually be moved around the house as the baby grows older, and some are able to be taken with you on the go making them perfect for new parents travelling.
It is important to choose an cot with bedside that is easy to use drop-sides. This lets you lower your child into the bassinet, without having to lift them up into your arms. This can be difficult for mothers with limited mobility. One of them is the Chicco Next2Me Magic which has been praised by Mumsnetters and was shortlisted for our 2021 Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot Crib, Moses or Crib Basket category.
Another great feature that certain models come with is a translucent side that allows you to see your baby at all times. This is particularly useful during bleary-eyed 3am feeds, when one glance could make all the difference. One such option is the Sleepiest BassiNest which is easy to lower as was noted by our MFM home tester Emily.
Budget
A bedside crib is a great option if you are not yet ready to upgrade to a full-sized crib. This bassinet-style cot attaches to the bed's side so you can easily reach your baby's evening feeds and also comfort them without disturbing your sleep. It's also a great choice for those with restricted movement following the birth and is a favorite choice with celeb mums including Stacey Solomon and Binky Felstead.
Our Parents Testers loved the new version of this bestselling crib from Chicco, which won the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket. It's large and breathable, and comes with six height options to accommodate babies who are growing, as well as a gentle incline setting. It can also be used as a crib for travel and comes with a convenient storage case.
A bedside cot can be difficult to move around your home, but our Parents Testers found the Shnuggle Air near the crib to be easy to move around. It's among the lightest alternatives and is compact enough to fit into its own travel bag which means you can carry it with you on your travels.
The SnuzPod bedside cot is yet another highly rated product that's easy to put together and fold away, with many features for the perfect night's rest. It comes with a bassinet with a lift-off that can fit more beds than any other cot, and its breathable fabric helps your baby maintain their temperature. It also has a gentle rocking function and an incline setting for reflux, and it's light enough to use as a travel cot when you're on the move. It's a bit more expensive than other bedside cots however our Parent Testers say it's well worth the extra cost.