How to Choose the Best Bedside Cot uk
Both the NHS and Lullaby Trust have issued official safe sleeping guidelines which recommend that newborns sleep only in their own Moses basket or cot. A bedside crib is a practical and space-saving option for parents who share a room.
Mumsnetters love the co-sleeper because it's spacious, with plenty of room for baby's to grow and play. It's also bigger than a Moses Basket. It's also easy to assemble and comes with a bag for travel.
What is a bedside cot?
Bedside cots (also called side sleepers, bassinets or co-sleepers) are an ideal and safe way for your baby to be close to you in the early months. These cribs are attached to your bed and allow you to raise your baby towards you at night for feeding or comforting without the threat of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome that is a result of traditional bed-sharing. These cribs are also great for mums who are breastfeeding or recovering from a Cesarean Section.
They're typically smaller than a standard cot, but provide plenty of space for your baby to lay down. You can choose from a wide range of styles and features, according to what you prefer. A majority of cribs for bedside use an adjustable or drop down side that allows you to reach your baby's feeding at night. They are available in a variety of heights to suit the size of your bed.
baby bedside sleeper come with an riser that permits you to add a slight incline to the sleep area that can aid in reflux and the ability to zip off the sides for easy cleaning. Some have manual rocking features which can be a relaxing distraction for your newborn. You'll need a mattress that is breathable to go with your crib. It must be at least 30cm in depth to allow your baby plenty of headroom.
A bedside cot is an investment, but you can rest assured that your baby will be comfortable and safe sleep. With stars like Kate Hudson, Serena Williams and Gigi Hadid all fans of the SNOO bedside 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 newborns be in the same room as you for their first six months but not in your bed, to decrease the risk of suffocation and to decrease the risk of sudden infant death syndrome. A crib for bed allows you to keep your baby close to you to comfort them and night feed them without leaving your bed. This is an excellent option if you are recovering from an operation or C-section and are unable to move.
Our top choice for a bedside crib, the Silver Cross Slumber Carbon 3-in-1 travel cot bedside crib is compact and folds down in seconds to fit into its own bag for travel, so it's perfect for holidays and nights away from home. It's one the lightest options for a bedside cot. It has a soft, comfortable foam mattress with mesh panels which allow air to flow. It also has an option for incline. Additionally, it was awarded Gold at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for the Best Cot Crib or Moses basket.
Chicco Next2me Magic is another fantastic bedside crib. It was awarded Bronze at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It features a built-in change mat and storage solutions, is lightweight at 10kg, and has an adjustable side that drops down to make it easy to access.
Style
A crib for your bed is a blessing for many mothers, particularly those recovering from C-sections. They can be attached to your bed so you can reach your baby easily without having to get out of bed, allowing you to night feed them and soothe them quickly. They're an excellent choice for breastfeeding mothers as the close proximity can help increase their milk supply.
Alongside being incredibly practical, these bassinets are stylish too and that's why they're so popular. They're typically larger than Moses baskets and come in a variety of different styles, some having additional features like a gentle tilt to the reflux. 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 great for travelling parents.
It is essential to select a cot for your bed that is 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 difficult 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 and Baby Awards.
Some models also come with a transparent side, allowing you to always see your baby. This is especially useful when you're groggy at 3am and need to feed your child. A quick glance could make a big difference. As was noted by Emily who is our MFM home test participant Sleepiest BassiNest is a great option. It is simple to lower.
Budget
If you're not ready to make the leap to a larger cot the bedside crib could be a great option. The crib is attached to your bed, ensuring that you can easily reach your baby for night feeds or comfort your child without causing disturbance. It's also a great option for those who suffer from restricted movement after an operation and is a popular option for celeb moms like Stacey Solomon and Binky Felstead.
Our Parents Testers loved this latest version of the well-loved Chicco crib, which won 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for the Best Cot or Crib. It's afclimatizing and spacious and has six height settings to accommodate babies who are growing, and a gentle reflux setting for incline. It can also be used as a crib for travel and comes with a handy storage case.
A bedside crib can be difficult to move around your home However, our Parent Testers found the Shnuggle Air near the crib to be simple to move. It's one of the lighter options and can be tucked away in its own travel bag.
The SnuzPod bedside cot is yet another highly rated item that's easy to assemble and fold, with many features for an unwinding night's sleep. It comes with a removable, adjustable bassinet that lifts off, which can fit more beds than other cots. The fabric is breathable and helps regulate your baby's temperature. It also features a soft rocking function and an incline setting to help with reflux, and it's light enough to use as a travel cot if you're out and about. It's a bit more expensive than other bedside cots but our Parents Testers affirm that it's worth the extra cash.