How to Choose the Best Bedside Cot uk
Both the NHS and Lullaby Trust have issued official safe sleeping guidelines that advise that babies sleep in their own Moses basket or cot. A crib for bed is a practical and space-saving option for parents who live together.
Mumsnetters love the co-sleeper as it's big and has plenty of space for babies to grow and wriggle. It is also much bigger than the Moses Basket. It's also simple to put together, and comes with a bag for carrying.
What is a bedside cot?
Bedside cots (also known as bassinets, side sleepers, or co-sleepers) are a safe and convenient way for your baby to sleep near you during their early months. These cribs attach to your bed and let you bring your baby closer to you for night feeding or comforting without the danger of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome associated with traditional bed-sharing. These cribs are also great for mothers who are nursing or recovering from a cesarean section.
They're typically smaller than a standard cot or cotbed, yet offer plenty of space for your baby to sleep. You can pick from various styles and features based on your preferences. A lot of cribs for bedside use the option of removing or dropping down the side to make it easier to reach the baby at night for feedings. They also come in different heights depending on the size of your bed.
Some cribs for bedside use an adjustable riser that allows you to add a slight slope to the sleep space which can help with reflux and a zip-off side for easy cleaning. Some cribs feature manual rocking features that can provide a relaxing distraction for your baby. You'll need a mattress that is air-conditioned to match your crib. It must be at least 30cm thick to give your baby enough headroom.
A bedside cot is an investment, but you can be sure your baby will be secure and comfortable sleep. 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 the Moses basket.
Safety
Official safe sleeping guidelines from the Lullaby Trust and NHS advises that newborn babies should sleep in the same room as you during 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 bedside crib allows you to keep your baby close to soothe them to sleep and even feed them at night without leaving your bed. It's also great for those who have a limited mobility after an operation or are recovering from a C-section.
Our top choice for a bedside cot, the Silver Cross Slumber Carbon 3-in-1 Travel Cot Bedside Crib (Bengtson-Stefansen.Thoughtlanes.Net) is compact and folds flat in seconds to fit into a travel bedside crib bag which makes it perfect for trips to the beach and nights away from home. It's one the lightest options for a bedside crib and has a soft, comfortable foam mattress with mesh panels which allow air to flow. It also comes with an optional incline option. Plus, it won Gold at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for the Best Moses Basket or Cot Crib.
Chicco Next2me Magic is another great bedside crib co sleeper crib option. It was awarded Bronze at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It has a built-in storage solution and changing mat, is light (only 10kg) and comes with an adjustable side that makes it easy to access.
Style
A bedside crib is a godsend for many mothers, particularly those recovering from C-sections. They attach to your bed so that you can easily reach your baby without needing to get up and letting you feed them and comfort them quickly. Being close to the baby can also aid in increasing milk production for mothers who are breastfeeding.
These bassinets are not only functional, but also fashionable. This is the reason they're so popular. Some are more spacious than Moses Baskets and some come with additional features like a gentle reflux and incline. The baskets are designed to fit under your bed, they can be moved around the home as the baby grows older, and some are able to be taken to the go which makes them ideal for new parents travelling.
It is essential to select a cot for your bed with drop-sides that are easy to use. This allows you to lower your baby into the bassinet without lifting them up into your arms. This can be a challenge for mothers who have limited mobility. Chicco Next2Me Magic is one such model that has been praised and shortlisted by Mumsnetters in the category of the best bedside cots Cot or Crib or Moses Basket for our 2021 Mother and Baby Awards.
Another great feature that certain models come with is a translucent side that lets you observe your baby at all times. This is especially helpful when you're groggy at 3am and have to feed your baby. A quick glance could make a big difference. As noted by Emily, our MFM home test participant Sleepiest BassiNest is a great option. It is simple to lower.
Budget
If you're still not ready to make the transition to a larger cot, a bedside crib may be an ideal solution. This bassinet-style crib attaches to your bed, so you can easily reach your baby for night feeds or comfort them without disturbing yourself. It's also a great option for those who suffer from restricted movement after the birth, and is a popular choice with celeb mums including Stacey Solomon and Binky Felstead.
Our Parents Testers loved the new version of the bestselling Chicco crib, which took home the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for the Best Cot or Crib. It's large, breathable, and has six different height settings for babies who are growing. There is also a soft reflux setting. You can also use it as a travel cot. Additionally, it comes with an excellent storage bag.
A bedside sleeper cot cot can be a little difficult to move around the home However, our Parents Testers found the Shnuggle Air near the crib to be easy to move around. It's one of the smallest options and small enough to fit into its own travel bag, which means you can take it with you when you travel.
The SnuzPod is a different highly rated bedside cot that is easy to set up and take down, with plenty of features that will ensure your child gets the best night's rest. It has a removable lift-off bassinet that fits more beds than other cots. The fabric is breathable and can help 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 be used as a crib for travel while you're out and about. It's a bit more expensive than other cots for bed however our Parents Testers say it's well worth the extra money.