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 can be an efficient and space-saving option for parents who live in a room together.
Mumsnetters love this co-sleeper because it's big enough with plenty of room for babies to grow and wriggle and far more substantial than the size of a Moses basket. It is also easy to put together and comes with a carry bag.
What is a bedside crib?
A bedside cot (also called a bassinet, side sleeper or co-sleeper) is a safe way for your newborn to sleep near you during their first months. These cribs attach to your bed and allow you to pull your child to you 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 typically smaller than a standard cot, but offer plenty of space for your baby to rest. You can choose from different designs and features based on your preferences. Many bedside cribs have the option of a drop-down or removable side that allows you to reach your baby for evening feeds. They are available in a variety of heights to suit the size of your bed.
Some bedside cribs come with a riser that allows you to add a slight slope to the sleeping space 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 soothing distraction for your infant. You'll need a mattress that is breathable to go with your crib. It must be at least 30cm thick to give your baby enough headroom.
A bedside crib is an investment but you can rest assured that your baby will be secure and comfortable sleep. With the likes of Kate Hudson, Serena Williams and Gigi Hadid all being fans of the SNOO bedside crib, it's worth considering this stylish alternative to moses basket.
Safety
The Lullaby Trust, in conjunction with the NHS, has issued official safe sleeping guidelines that advise that babies sleep in the same bedroom as their parents for the first six months. However they should not be sleeping in your bed. This is to decrease the chance of suffocation and sudden infant death syndrome. A bedside crib lets you keep your baby close to you so that you can soothe them to sleep and night feed them without leaving your bed. It's also a great option for when you are recovering from an operation or a C-section, and have limited mobility.
Silver Cross Slumber Carbon 3 in 1 travel cot bedside crib is our top pick for a bedside crib. It's small and folds flat to fit into a bag for travel which makes it ideal for trips away on holidays or from home. It's the lightest option for a bedside cot and comes with a comfy deep foam mattress with mesh panels that let air flow. It also has an option for incline. Plus, bedside baby sleeper won Gold at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Moses Basket or Cot Crib.
Chicco Next2me Magic is another excellent bedside crib. It was awarded Bronze at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It comes with a built-in changing mat and storage solution, is lightweight at 10kg, and has an adjustable side that slides down for easy access.
Style
For a lot of moms, especially those recovering from C-sections A crib for bedside can prove to be an absolute godsend. You can easily reach your baby without having to get out of the bed. This lets you comfort and feed your baby at night. The close proximity to your baby can also aid in increasing milk production for mothers who breastfeed.
These bassinets are not only convenient but also fashionable. This is why they are so popular. They are larger than Moses Baskets, and some have extra features, like a gentle and incline. The baskets are designed to fit under your bed, they are able to be moved around the home when the baby grows older. Additionally, some are portable enough to take to the go which makes them ideal for new parents travelling.
When selecting a cot for your bedside It is essential to look for designs with drop sides that are easy to use. These let you lower your baby into the bassinet without having to lift them into your arms, which is difficult for moms with mobility issues. One of them is the Chicco Next2Me Magic which has been highly praised by Mumsnetters and was shortlisted in our 2021 Mother&Baby Awards' Best Cot Moses, Crib or Basket category.
Some models also have a translucent side, allowing you to be able to always view your baby. This is especially useful when you're groggy at 3am and have to feed your baby. A quick glance can make a huge difference. As noted by Emily our MFM home test participant Sleepiest BassiNest is a great option. It is simple to lower.
Budget
A bedside crib is a great alternative if you're not ready to move to a bigger crib. The bassinet-style crib can be attached to your bed, so you can reach your baby easily for feedings at night or cuddle your child without causing disturbance. It's also a great option for those suffering from restricted movement following a C-section and is a favorite option for celeb moms like Stacey Solomon and Binky Felstead.
Our Parents Testers loved the new model of this bestselling crib from Chicco that won the 2021 Mother&Baby Award for Best Cot Crib, Crib or Moses Basket. It's spacious, breathable, and has six different height settings for babies who are growing. There is also a soft reflux setting. It can also be used as a travel cot. Additionally, it comes with a handy storage bag.
It can be difficult to move an upholstered bedside cot throughout the home However, our Parents Testers stated that the Shnuggle Air alongside the cot was easy to maneuver. It's one of the smallest alternatives and is small enough to fit into its own travel bag so you can take it with you when you travel.
The SnuzPod is another highly rated bedside cot that is easy to set up and take down, with plenty of features that will ensure your child gets a good night's sleep. It has a bassinet with a lift-off that can fit more beds than any other cot, and its breathable fabric helps your baby regulate their temperature. It also has a gentle rocking function and an incline setting for reflux, and is light enough to use as a travel cot if you're on the move. It's a bit more expensive than other bedside cots however our Parents Testers believe it's worth the extra money.