How to Choose the Best Bedside Cot uk
Both the NHS and the Lullaby Trust have issued official safe sleeping guidelines which suggest that infants sleep in their own Moses basket or cot. A bedside crib can be practical and space-saving for parents who share a room.
Mumsnetters love this co-sleeper as it's large and spacious, with plenty of space for babies to grow and play, and more spacious than a Moses basket. It's also easy to assemble and comes with a travel bag.
What is a bedside cot?
A bedside cot newborn cot (also called a bassinet, side-sleeper or co-sleeper) is a safe method for your baby to sleep near you during their first few months. These cribs fix to your bed and let you lift your baby out towards you to feed them at night or for comforting without the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome that is a result of traditional bed-sharing. They're also a great choice for mothers who are breastfeeding or recovering from a caesarean.
These cots are typically smaller than a standard cot however, they still provide plenty of space for your baby to relax. You can choose between various styles and features based on your preferences. Many bedside cot bed cribs come with the option of removing or dropping down the side to make it easier to reach your baby during the night to feed them. They also come in different heights depending on your bed size.
Some cribs for bedside use an adjustable riser that allows you to create an incline to the sleeping area. This can be helpful with reflux. They also come with the option of a zip-off side for easy cleaning. Some have manual rocking features which can be a soothing distraction for your newborn. You'll also require a comfortable mattress to go with your new crib. It should be a minimum of 30cm in depth to ensure that your newborn has enough headroom.
A bedside crib is an investment but you can rest assured that your baby will be secure and comfortable sleep. Kate Hudson, Serena Williams, and Gigi Hadid are all avid users of SNOO's bedside crib. It is definitely worth a look as an alternative to the Moses basket.
Safety
The Lullaby Trust, in conjunction with the NHS has issued official safe sleeping guidelines that recommend that newborns 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 crib that is placed near your bed lets you keep your baby close to you so that you can soothe them to sleep and night feed them 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 (Telegra.Ph) crib is compact and folds down in a matter of seconds to fit into a 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 that allow air to flow. It also comes with an optional incline option. Plus, it won Gold at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Moses basket or Cot Crib.
Another fab bedside cot option is the Chicco Next2me Magic bedside crib that won Bronze in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It has a built-in changing mat and storage solution, is lightweight at 10kg, and has an adjustable side that drops down for easy access.
Style
For a lot of moms, especially those recovering from a C-section A crib for bedside could prove to be an absolute godsend. They can be attached to your bed so you can reach your baby easily without needing to get out of bed and letting you feed them and comfort them quickly. They are also a great choice for breastfeeding mothers as close proximity can increase their milk supply.
Alongside being incredibly practical, these bassinets can also look attractive too which is the reason they're so popular. Some are more spacious than Moses Baskets and some even have additional features, like a gentle incline. They are designed to fit next to your bed and can be moved around the house as baby grows. Some are portable, so they're ideal for parents who travel.
It is essential to select a bedside cot that is easy to use drop-sides. These let you lower your baby's bassinet without needing to lift them into your arms, which can be difficult for moms 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 or Moses Basket category.
Another handy feature that some models have is a transparent side that lets you be able to see your baby at all times. This is especially helpful when you're exhausted at 3am and you need to feed your child. A quick glance can make a big difference. As was noted by Emily our MFM home tester, the Sleepiest BassiNest is an excellent choice. It is easy to lower.
Budget
If you're still not ready to make the leap to a larger cot the bedside crib could be the perfect solution. The cot is attached to the side of your bed so you can easily reach your baby for feedings at night and soothe them without disturbing your sleep. It's an excellent choice for those who are unable to move following a C-section. Famous moms such as Binky Felstead and Stacey Solomon have also chosen it.
Our Parent Testers loved the new version of this well-loved crib from Chicco, which won the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot Crib, Crib or Moses Basket. It's spacious and breathable and has six height settings to accommodate babies who are growing, as well as a gentle setting for the incline. It can be used as a crib for travel and comes with a convenient storage case.
It can be a challenge to move a bedside cot around your home, but our Parent Testers stated that the Shnuggle Air next to the cot was easy to move. It is one of the lighter options and can be put in its own travel bag.
The SnuzPod bedside cot is another highly rated product that's easy to put together and fold away and comes with a variety of features to ensure a restful night's sleep. It comes with a lift-off bassinet that fits more beds than any other cot and its breathable fabric helps your baby to regulate their temperature. It also has a gentle rocking function and an incline option for reflux, and it's light enough to use as a travel cot for bedside if you're on the move. It's a little more expensive than other cots for bed but our Parent Testers affirm that it's worth the extra cost.