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 crib or Moses basket. A crib that is placed near the bed can be an efficient and space-saving option for parents who share a room.
Mumsnetters adore this co-sleeper since it's large and spacious, with plenty of room for babies to grow and play and is much bigger than a Moses basket. It's also easy to put together and comes with a carry-on bag.
What is a bedside crib?
A bedside cot (also known as a bassinet, side-sleeper or co-sleeper) is a safe way for your baby to sleep close to you throughout the first few months of their life. These cribs are attached to your bed and allow you to lift your baby out towards you for night feeding or comforting without the threat of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome that is a result of traditional bed-sharing. They're also a great choice for mothers who are breastfeeding or recovering from a caesarean section.
They're typically smaller than a standard cot, but they provide ample space for your baby to sleep. You can pick from a wide range of styles and features, depending on what your preference is. Many bedside cribs have an adjustable or drop down side that makes it easier to reach your baby's evening feeds. They are also available in various heights to suit the size of your bed.
Some cribs with a bedside have a riser which allows you to build an angle to the sleep area. This can be helpful with reflux. They also come with the option of a zip-off side to make cleaning easy. Others have manual rocking functions which can be a relaxing distraction for your baby. You'll also require a comfortable mattress to match your new crib, which should be a minimum of 30cm in depth to ensure that your newborn has enough headroom.
You can rest assured that your child will be safe and secure in a bedside cot. Kate Hudson, Serena Williams, and Gigi Hadid are all big fans of SNOO's crib for babies. It is definitely worth a look as an alternative to a Moses basket.
Safety
Official safe sleeping guidance from the Lullaby Trust and NHS advises that babies born today should sleep in the same room as you for the first six months, but not in your bed to lower the risk of suffocation and to lower the chance of sudden infant death syndrome. A bedside crib is an excellent option that allows your baby to remain close enough to you to feed them at night and soothe them back to sleep without having to get out of your own bed. It's also a great option if you are recovering from an operation or a C-section and are unable to move.
Silver Cross Slumber Carbon 3 in 1 travel cot bedside Crib is our top pick for a bedside crib. It's compact and folds down flat to fit into a travel bag, making it perfect for holidays or nights away from home. It's one of the tiniest bedside cots available and comes with a a comfy deep foam mattress with mesh air-flow panels, and an incline setting, plus it was awarded Gold in the 2021 Mother&Baby awards for the Best Crib, Cot, or Moses Basket.
Another fantastic bedside cot is the Chicco Next2me Magic bedside crib that won Bronze in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It comes with a built-in storage solution and changing mat, is lightweight (only 10kg) and comes with an adjustable side for easy access.
Style
For many mums, particularly those who are recovering from a C-section, a bedside crib can prove to be an absolute godsend. You can easily reach your baby without having to get out of the bed. This allows you to comfort and feed your baby at night. The close proximity to your baby can also help increase milk production for mothers who breastfeed.
As well as being incredibly practical, these bassinets can look pretty elegant and that's why they're so sought-after. Some are bigger than Moses Baskets, and some have extra features such as a gentle reflux and incline. They're designed to sit right next to your bed and can be moved around the home as baby grows. Some are portable so they're great for travelling parents.
When you are choosing a bedside cot it is important to select a model that have drop sides that are simple to use. This lets you lower your child into the bassinet, without having to lift them up into your arms. This can be difficult for mothers with mobility issues. Chicco Next2Me Magic is one of the 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 great feature that certain models come with is a translucent side that lets you be able to see your baby at all times. This is especially helpful when you are groggy at 3am and you need to feed your child. A quick glance could make a big difference. As was noted by Emily, our MFM home test participant, the Sleepiest BassiNest is a great option. It's easy to lower.
co sleeper bedside cot
If you're not ready to make the leap to a larger cot, the bedside crib could be an ideal solution. The bassinet-style crib can be attached to your bed so that you can reach your baby easily for feedings at night or cuddle them without causing any disturbance to yourself. It's also a great option for those with 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 popular Chicco crib, which was awarded the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards as the Best Cot or Crib. It's large and breathable, and comes with six height options to accommodate growing babies plus a gentle reflux setting for incline. foldable bedside crib can also be used as a travel crib and comes with a convenient storage case.
It can be a challenge to move a bedside cot around the home However, our Parents Testers said that the Shnuggle Air alongside the cot was simple to move. It's among the lightest alternatives and is small enough to fit into its own bag for travel, which means you can carry it along with you on your trip.
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 a good night's sleep. It has a lift-off bassinet that fits more beds than any other cot and its breathable fabric can help your baby regulate their temperature. It also features a soft rocking feature and an incline option for reflux, and it's light enough to be used as a travel cot while you're out and about. It's a little more expensive than other bedside cots but our Parent Testers say it's well worth the extra cost.