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. Get More Information is an efficient and space-saving option for parents who share a room.
Mumsnetters love the co-sleeper because it is spacious, with plenty of space for babies to grow and wriggle. It is also much larger than a Moses Basket. It's also easy to put together and comes with a carry bag.
What is a bedside cot?
A bedside cot (also called a bassinet, side sleeper or co-sleeper) is a secure way for your baby to sleep close to you overnight during their first months. These cribs attach to your bed and let you lift your child towards you for night-feeding or comforting. These cribs are also ideal for mothers who are breastfeeding or recovering from a cesarean.
These cots are typically a little smaller than a standard cot, but still offer plenty of room for your baby to relax. You can choose from a wide range of designs and features according to what you like best. A lot of cribs for bedside use the option of removing or dropping down the side that makes it easier to reach the baby during the night to feed them. They also come in different heights depending on the size of your bed.
Some cribs with a bedside have an riser that permits you to add a slight rise to the sleeping space that could help with reflux. It also has the ability to zip off the sides for easy cleaning. Other cribs have manual rocking functions which can be a soothing distraction for your baby. You'll require a mattress that's breathable to go with your crib. It should be at least 30cm in depth to give your baby enough headroom.
A bedside crib is an investment but you can rest assured that your newborn will get a peaceful and safe night's sleep. Kate Hudson, Serena Williams, and Gigi Hadid are all big fans of SNOO's crib for babies. It is definitely worth considering as an alternative to a Moses basket.
Safety
Official guidelines for safe sleep from the Lullaby Trust and NHS advises that newborns sleep in the same room as you for their first six months but not in your bed to reduce the chance of suffocation and to decrease the risk of sudden infant death syndrome. A crib that is placed near your bed is an excellent option that allows your child to safely be close enough for you to night feed them and help them return to sleep without having to leave your bed. This is also a great option for when you are recovering from an operation or a C-section, and have limited mobility.
Our top pick for a bedside crib, the Silver Cross Slumber Carbon 3-in-1 bedside crib that travels cots is small and folds flat in a matter of seconds and fits into its own bag for travel, making it ideal for travel and nights away from home. It's the lightest option for a bedside crib and features a comfortable deep foam mattress with mesh panels which allow air to flow. It also has an incline option that can be added. Plus, it won Gold at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for the Best Moses basket or Cot Crib.
Another fantastic bedside cot is the Chicco Next2me Magic bedside crib that won Bronze in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It has a built-in changing mat and storage solution It weighs just 10kg, and has an adjustable side that can be lowered down for easy access.
Style
For a lot of moms, especially those recovering from a C-section A crib for bedside can prove to an absolute blessing. You can easily reach your baby without having to get out of the bed. This allows you to provide comfort and food to your infant during the night. They're also a great option for mothers who are breastfeeding as close proximity can boost their milk supply.
They are not just functional, but also fashionable. This is why they're so popular. They're typically more spacious than Moses baskets and come in a variety of different styles, some featuring extra features such as a gentle tilting of the reflux. They are designed to fit next to your bed and can be moved around the house as baby grows. Some are portable, which means they're great for travelling parents.
When selecting a cot for your bedside it is important to choose a model that have drop sides that are simple to use. This allows you to lower your infant into the bassinet without lifting them up into your arms. This can be a challenge for mothers with mobility issues. One of them is the Chicco Next2Me Magic which has been applauded by Mumsnetters and was shortlisted for our 2021 Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket category.
Another great feature that certain models have is a transparent side that lets you see your baby at all times. This is especially useful when you're exhausted at 3am and need to feed your baby. A quick glance could make a huge difference. One of these options is the Sleepiest BassiNest which is simple to lower, as noted by our MFM home tester Emily.
Budget
A bedside crib is a great option if you are not ready to upgrade to a bigger crib. The bassinet-style crib is attached to the side of your bed so that you can easily reach your baby's feedings at night and soothe them without disrupting your sleep. It's a great choice for those with restricted movement following a C-section. Famous moms like Binky Felstead and Stacey Solomon have also chosen it.
Our Parents Testers loved the new version of the bestselling Chicco crib, which won 2021 Mother&Baby Awards as the Best Cot or Crib. It's spacious, breathable, and has six different height settings for growing babies. There is also a soft reflux setting. It can be used as a crib for travel and comes with a storage case that is convenient for storage.
It can be a challenge to move a bedside cot around the home however our Parent Testers reported that the Shnuggle Air next to the cot was easy to maneuver. It is one of the lighter options and can be put in its own travel bag.
The SnuzPod bedside cot is yet another highly rated product that's easy to assemble and fold, with many features for the perfect night's rest. It comes with a lift-off bassinet that fits more beds than any other cot and its breathable fabric helps your baby regulate their temperature. It features a soft rocking feature, as well as an incline for reflux. It's also light enough to use as a travel crib while you're traveling. It's a bit more expensive than other bedside cots however our Parent Testers believe it's worth the extra cost.