How to Choose the Best Bedside Cot uk
Both the NHS and the Lullaby Trust have issued official safe sleeping guidelines that recommend that newborns sleep only in their own Moses basket or cot. A bedside crib can be practical and space-saving for parents who share a room.
Mumsnetters love the co-sleeper because it is spacious, with plenty of room for baby's to grow and wiggle. It is also much bigger than the Moses Basket. It's also simple to assemble, and comes with a bag for carrying.
What is a bedside crib?
A bedside cot (also known as a bassinet, side sleeper or co-sleeper) is a secure way for your newborn to sleep near you during their first months. These cribs are attached to your bed, allowing you to lift your child towards you to feed them at night or even comfort them. They're also a great option for mothers who are breastfeeding or recovering from a Caesarean section.
They're often slightly smaller than a standard cot, but offer plenty of space for your baby to rest. You can pick from a wide range of styles and features, depending on what your preference is. A majority of cribs for bedside use a drop down or removable side that allows you to reach your baby's evening feeds. They are available in a variety of heights to suit the size of your bed.
Some bedside cribs come with an riser that permits you to add a slight incline to the sleep space which can aid in reflux and a zip-off side for easy cleaning. bedside travel cot have manual rocking functions which can be a soothing distraction for your baby. You'll also need a breathable mattress to go with your crib. It should be a minimum of 30cm in depth to ensure that your baby has enough head space.
A bedside cot is an investment, but you can rest assured that your newborn will get a peaceful and safe night's sleep. With stars like Kate Hudson, Serena Williams and Gigi Hadid all being fans of the SNOO bedside crib, it's definitely worth looking into this elegant alternative to moses basket.
Safety
The Lullaby Trust, in conjunction with the NHS, has issued official guidelines for safe sleeping that recommend that newborns sleep in the same bedroom as their parents for the first six months. However they shouldn't sleep in your bed. This is to decrease the risk of suffocation or sudden infant death syndrome. A bedside crib lets you keep your baby close to help calm them down and feed them at night without having to leave your bed. This is also a great option if you are recovering from an operation or C-section, and have limited mobility.
Our top pick for a bedside cot the Silver Cross Slumber Carbon 3-in-1 bedside crib for travel is compact and folds down in a matter of seconds and fits into its own bag for travel, which makes it perfect for trips to the beach and nights away from home. It's one of the lightest bedside cot options and has a comfy deep foam mattress that has mesh air-flow panels, an optional tilting setting, and it won Gold in the 2021 Mother&Baby awards for Best Crib, Cot or Moses Basket.
Another fab bedside cot option is the Chicco Next2me Magic bedside crib that won Bronze in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It has an integrated storage unit and changing mat, is light (only 10kg), and has an adjustable side for easy access.
Style
A crib for your bed is a blessing for many moms, particularly those who are recovering from C-sections. You can easily reach your baby without having to get out of bed. This lets you soothe and feed your infant during the night. They're an excellent choice for breastfeeding mothers as close proximity can increase their milk supply.
Alongside being incredibly convenient, these bassinets are attractive too which is the reason they're so popular. They're usually more spacious than Moses baskets and come in a variety of different styles, some featuring extra features such as a gentle tilt to the reflux. Designed to fit by your bed, they can usually be moved around your home as the baby grows older, and some can be carried to the go, making them great for new parents travelling.
When selecting a cot for your bedside It is essential to choose a model that have easy-to-use drop sides. This lets you lower your baby into the bassinet without having to lift them up into your arms. This can be a hassle for mothers who have limited mobility. Chicco Next2Me Magic is one of these models that has been acknowledged and shortlisted by Mumsnetters in the category of Best Cot or Crib Moses Basket for our 2021 Mother&Baby Awards.
Some models also have a transparent side, which allows you to always see your baby. This is especially helpful 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 move to a larger cot, the bedside crib could be a great option. This bassinet-style crib attaches to your bed so that you can reach your baby easily for night feeds or comfort your child without causing disturbance. It's also a great choice for those who suffer from restricted movement following a C-section, and is a popular option for celeb moms like Stacey Solomon and Binky Felstead.
Our Parents Testers loved the new version of this popular crib from Chicco, which won the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket. It's spacious, breathable, and has six different height settings suitable for growing babies. There is also a gentle reflux setting. It can also be used as a crib for travel and comes with a storage case that is convenient for storage.
A bedside crib can be tricky to move around the home however our Parent Testers found the Shnuggle Air beside crib really easy to move around. It's among the lightest options and is small enough to fit into its own bag for travel, which means you can take it with you on your travels.
The SnuzPod is another highly-rated bedside cot that's simple to put together and fold away and packed with features that will ensure your child gets the best night's rest. It comes with a bassinet that lifts off to fit 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 is light enough to be used as a travel cot while you're on the move. It's a little more expensive than other cots for bed, but our Parent Testers affirm that it's worth the extra money.