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 that is placed near the bed is an efficient and space-saving choice for parents who share a room.
Mumsnetters love this co-sleeper as it's large and spacious, with plenty of room for baby to grow and wriggle and more spacious than a Moses basket. It's also easy to put together and comes with a bag for travel.
What is a bedside cot?
bedside crib and travel cot cribs (also called bassinets, side sleepers or co-sleepers) are a safe and convenient way for your baby to be close to you during the early months. These cribs can be attached to your bed, allowing you to lift your child towards you to feed them at night or even comfort them. They're also a great choice for breastfeeding mothers or mothers recovering from a Caesarean section.
They're usually a little smaller than a regular cot, but provide plenty of space for your baby to rest. You can pick from different styles and features based on your preferences. Many bedside cribs have a drop down or removable side, which makes it easier to reach your baby's night feeds and are available in a variety of heights to suit the size of your bed.
Some cribs for bedside use a riser that allows you to add a slight rise to the sleep area that could help with reflux. It also has the ability to zip off the sides for easy cleaning. Some cribs feature manual rocking features which can provide a soothing distraction to your newborn. You'll need a mattress that is comfortable to be used with your crib. It should be at least 30cm in depth to allow your baby plenty of headroom.
A bedside crib is an investment but you can be certain that your baby will have a secure and comfortable sleep. With stars like Kate Hudson, Serena Williams and Gigi Hadid all fans of the SNOO bedside crib, it's worth considering this stylish alternative to a moses basket.
Safety
The Lullaby Trust, in conjunction with the NHS has issued official guidelines for safe sleep that advise 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 reduce the chance of suffocation and sudden infant death syndrome. A crib that is placed near your bed is an excellent option that allows your child to remain close enough to you to night feed them and soothe them back to sleep without needing to leave your own bed. It's also great for those who have a limited mobility after an operation or recovering from C-section.
Our top pick for a bedside crib, the Silver Cross Slumber Carbon 3-in-1 travel cot bedside crib [click through the up coming website page] is compact and folds flat in seconds to fit into a travel bag so it's perfect for holidays and nights away from home. It's among the lightest options for a bedside crib and features a comfortable deep foam mattress with mesh panels that allow air to flow. It also comes with an option for incline. It also won Gold at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Moses basket or Cot Crib.
Chicco Next2me Magic is another great bedside crib option. It won Bronze at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It has built-in storage and a changing mat, is light (only 10kg) and comes with an adjustable side that allows for easy access.
Style
For many mothers, particularly those who have had a C-section, a bedside crib can prove to an absolute blessing. They can be attached to your bed so that you can easily reach your baby without needing to get out of bed in order to feed them and soothe them quickly. They are also a great option for mothers who are breastfeeding as close proximity can boost their milk supply.
These bassinets are not only functional, but also fashionable. This is the reason they're so sought-after. They're typically bigger than Moses baskets and come in a variety of different styles, with some featuring extra features, like a soft reflux incline setting. The baskets are designed to fit under your bed, they can usually be moved around your home as the baby grows older, and some are able to be taken on the go too, making them great for new parents travelling.
When choosing a bedside cot it is important to select a model with drop sides that are easy to use. This lets you lower your baby bedside co sleeper into the bassinet without lifting them up into your arms. This can be a challenge for mothers with limited mobility. Chicco Next2Me Magic is one such model that has been acknowledged and shortlisted by Mumsnetters in the category of Best Cot or Crib or Moses Basket for our 2021 Mother and Baby Awards.
Another handy feature that some models have is a transparent side that allows you to be able to see your baby at all times. This is especially helpful when you are tired and sleepy where a quick glance can make all the difference. One such option is the Sleepiest BassiNest that is easy to lower as was noted by our MFM home tester Emily.
Budget
A bedside crib is a fantastic option if you're not ready to move to a larger crib. The crib is attached to your bed so that you can easily reach your baby to feed them at night or even comfort them without disturbing yourself. It's an excellent choice for those with restricted movement following an operation such as a C-section. Famous moms such as Binky Felstead and Stacey Solomon have also chosen it.
Our Parents Testers loved this new version of the popular Chicco crib, which was awarded the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards as the Best Cot or Crib. It's afclimatizing and spacious and has six height settings to accommodate babies who are growing, plus a gentle reflux incline setting. It can also be used as a travel crib and comes with a convenient storage case.
A bedside crib can be tricky to move around the home, but our Parents Testers found the Shnuggle Air on the side of the crib easy to maneuver. It is among the lighter options and can be packed into its own travel bag.
The SnuzPod is a different highly rated bedside cot wooden cot that is easy to put together and fold away and comes with a variety of features to ensure a good night's sleep. It comes with 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 has a gentle rocking feature and an incline to help with reflux. It's also light enough to be used as a crib for travel when you're out and about. It's more expensive than other cribs for bed however, Parent Testers believe it's worth the extra cost.