How to Choose the Best Bedside Cot uk
Official guidelines for safe sleep from both NHS and Lullaby Trust recommends that newborns sleep in their own cot or Moses basket. A crib that is placed near the bed is an effective and space-saving solution for parents who live together.
Mumsnetters love this co-sleeper because it's big enough with plenty of space for babies to grow and play and is far more substantial than the typical Moses basket. It's also easy to assemble, and comes with a bag for carrying.
What is a bedside cot?
A bedside cot (also called a side sleeper, bassinet or co-sleeper) is a safe method for your baby to sleep close to you overnight during their first 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 great for mums who are nursing or recovering from a Cesarean Section.
They're typically smaller than a standard cot or cotbed, but they provide ample space for your baby to lay down. You can choose between different styles and features depending on your preferences. A lot of cribs with a bedside feature a drop down or removable side that makes it easier to reach your baby for night feeds and are also available in different sizes to fit the dimensions of your bed.
Some cribs for bedside use a riser that allows you to add a slight incline to the sleeping space that could help with reflux. It also has the ability to zip off the sides for easy cleaning. Other cribs have manual rocking functions which can be a soothing distraction for your infant. You'll need a mattress that is comfortable to be used with your crib. It must be at least 30cm deep to give your baby enough headroom.
You can rest assured 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 issued official guidelines for safe sleeping that recommend that newborns are in the same room as their parents for the first six months. However they shouldn't sleep in your bed. This is to lower the risk of suffocation, or sudden infant death syndrome. A crib for bed lets you keep your baby close to you to help calm them down and night feed them without leaving your bed. It's also great when you are unable to move after an operation or recovering from an operation such as a C-section.
Our top pick for a bedside crib, the Silver Cross Slumber Carbon 3-in-1 travel cot bedside crib, https://yogicentral.science/wiki/Raopuckett5322, is small and folds flat in a matter of seconds and fits 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 crib and has a soft, comfortable foam mattress with mesh panels which allow air to flow. It also has an incline option that can be added. Additionally, it was awarded Gold at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Moses basket or Cot Crib.
Another fantastic twin bedside cot cot is the Chicco Next2me Magic bedside cots uk crib that won Bronze in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It features a built-in change mat and storage solution It weighs just 10kg, and features an adjustable side that drops down to make it easy to access.
Style
For many mums, particularly those who are recovering from C-sections, a bedside crib can prove to be a blessing in disguise. You can easily reach your baby without getting out of your bed. This lets you comfort and feed your infant at night. They are also a great choice for mothers who are breastfeeding as close proximity can increase their milk supply.
As well as being incredibly useful, bassinets can look pretty elegant which is the reason they're so sought-after. Some are bigger than Moses Baskets and some even have additional features such as a gentle reflux incline. Designed to fit by your bed, they can usually be moved around the house when the baby grows older. Additionally, some are portable enough to take to the go, making them great for new parents traveling.
When selecting a cot for your bedside cot 6 months plus, it's important to select a model that have easy-to-use drop sides. This allows you to lower your child into the bassinet, without lifting them up into your arms. This can be a hassle for mothers with mobility issues. One of them is the Chicco Next2Me Magic which has been applauded by Mumsnetters and was shortlisted in our 2021 Mother&Baby Awards' Best Cot Moses, Crib or Basket category.
Some models also come with a transparent side, which allows you to always see your baby. This is especially useful when you are groggy at 3am and have to feed your baby. A quick glance can make a big difference. One such option is the Sleepiest BassiNest, which is simple to lower, as was noted by our MFM home tester Emily.
Budget
If you're not quite ready to move to a larger cot, the bedside crib could be a great option. The cot is attached to the bed's side so you can easily reach your baby for feedings at night and soothe them without disturbing your sleep. It's also a great choice for those suffering from restricted movement following an operation, and is a popular option with famous mothers like Stacey Solomon and Binky Felstead.
Our Parents Testers loved this latest version of the popular Chicco crib, which took home the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Cot or Crib. It's spacious comfortable, breathable, and comes with six different height settings for growing babies. There is also a gentle reflux setting. It can be used as a crib for travel and comes with a storage case that is convenient for storage.
A bedside cot can be tricky to move around the home, but our Parent Testers found the Shnuggle Air on the side of the crib easy to move around. It is among the lightest options and can be packed into its own travel bag.
The SnuzPod large bedside crib cot is another highly rated product that's easy to assemble and fold and comes with a variety of features to ensure the perfect night's rest. It comes with a removable, adjustable bassinet that lifts off, which can fit more beds than other cots. The fabric is breathable, and helps to regulate your baby's temperature. It has a gentle rocking feature, as well as an incline to aid in reflux. It is also lightweight enough to use as a crib for travel while you're out and about. It's a little more expensive than other bedside cots, but our Parents Testers affirm that it's worth the extra cost.