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 bedside crib is an efficient and space-saving option for parents who live in a room together.
Mumsnetters adore this co-sleeper since 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 simple to put together and comes with a carry bag.
What is a bedside cot?
A bedside cot (also called a bassinet, side-sleeper or co-sleeper) is a safe method for your baby to rest close to you throughout their first few months. These cribs are attached to your bed, allowing you to lift your child in your arms to feed them at night or even comfort them. They're also a great choice for breastfeeding mothers or mums recovering from a Caesarean section.
They're usually a little smaller than a standard cot, but provide plenty of space for your baby to lay down. You can choose from different styles and features depending on your preferences. Many bedside cribs come with a removable or drop-down side to make it easier to reach your baby during the night to feed them. They are also available in various heights based on the size of your bed.
Some bedside cribs come with an adjustable riser that allows you to add a slight rise to the sleeping space that can aid in reflux and a zip-off side for easy cleaning. Some cribs have manual rocking options that can be a soothing distractor for your infant. You'll also require a comfortable mattress to match your crib. It must be at least 30cm deep to ensure your newborn has enough headroom.
A bedside crib is an investment but you can rest assured that your baby will be peaceful and safe night's sleep. With the likes of Kate Hudson, Serena Williams and Gigi Hadid all awed by the SNOO large bedside crib crib, it's definitely worth looking into this elegant alternative to a moses basket.
Safety
Official safe sleeping guidance from the Lullaby Trust and NHS advises that newborn babies should be placed in the same bed as you for the first six months, but not in your bed to lower the chance of suffocation and to decrease the risk of 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 night feed them without having to leave your bed. It is also a great option if you are recovering from an operation or C-section, and have limited mobility.
Our top choice for a bedside travel cot crib, the Silver Cross Slumber Carbon 3-in-1 travel cot bedside crib is compact and folds down in a matter of seconds and fits into its own bag for travel, making it ideal for travel and nights away from home. It's among the lightest bedside cots available and comes with a a comfy deep foam mattress with mesh air-flow panels, and an tilting setting, and it was awarded Gold in the 2021 Mother&Baby awards for Best Crib, Cot, or Moses Basket.
Chicco Next2me Magic is another great bedside crib option. It won Bronze at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It has a built-in storage solution and changing mat, is light (only 10kg), and has an adjustable side that makes it easy to access.
Style
A bedside cot used crib is a blessing for many mums, especially those who are recovering from C-sections. They attach to your bed so that 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 option for breastfeeding mothers as their close proximity will help boost the amount of milk they produce.
These bassinets are not only functional, but also stylish. This is why they're so sought-after. Some are more spacious than Moses Baskets, and some have extra features such as a gentle reflux and incline. They're designed to fit right next to your bed and can be moved around the house as your baby grows. Some are portable, which means they're ideal for parents who travel.
When choosing a bedside cot It is essential to look for designs that have drop sides that are simple to use. This lets you lower your infant into the bassinet without lifting them up into your arms. This can be a challenge for mothers with mobility issues. Chicco Next2Me Magic is one of these models that has been highly praised and was shortlisted by Mumsnetters in the category of the best Cot or Crib or Moses Basket for our 2021 Mother&Baby Awards.
Another useful feature that a few models come with is a translucent side that allows you to be able 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 of these options is the Sleepiest BassiNest, which is simple to lower, as noted by our MFM home tester Emily.
Budget
If you're not ready to make the transition to a larger cot, the bedside crib could be a great option. The bassinet-style crib is attached to the bed's side so that you can easily reach your baby for evening feeds and also comfort them without disturbing your sleep. It's also a great option for those suffering from limited movement after a C-section and is a popular option with famous mothers like Stacey Solomon and Binky Felstead.
Our Parents Testers loved the new version of the well-loved Chicco crib, which won 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for the Best Cot or Crib. It's spacious and breathable and comes with six height settings to accommodate growing babies, and a gentle reflux setting for the incline. You can also use it as a travel cot, and it comes with an easy-to-store storage bag.
It can be difficult to move a bedside cot around your house, but our Parent Testers said that the Shnuggle Air next to the cot was easy to maneuver. It's one of the lightest options and small enough to fit in its own travel bag which means you can carry it with you on your travels.
The SnuzPod is another highly rated bedside cot that is easy to assemble and fold away and comes with a variety of features that will ensure your child gets an enjoyable night's sleep. It has a removable, adjustable bassinet that lifts off, which can fit more beds than other cots. The fabric is breathable, and helps keep your baby's temperature in check. It also features a soft rocking feature and an incline option for reflux, and is lightweight enough to be used as a travel cot when you're on the move. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs for bed but Parents Testers agree that it's worth the extra expense.