How to Choose the Best Bedside Cot uk
Both the NHS and the Lullaby Trust have issued official safe sleeping guidelines, which suggest that infants sleep in their own Moses basket or cot. A crib that is placed near the bed can be practical and space-saving for parents who live in a room together.
Mumsnetters love the co-sleeper because it's spacious, with plenty of room for babies to grow and wiggle. It is also much bigger than the Moses Basket. It's also easy to put together and comes with a carry-on bag.
What is a bedside cot?
newborn bedside cot (also known as side sleepers, bassinets or co-sleepers) are an ideal and safe way for your baby to sleep near you during the early months. These cribs are attached to your bed and allow you to lift your baby out towards you for night feeding or comforting without the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome as a result of traditional bed sharing. These cribs are also great for mothers who are nursing or recovering from a cesarean section.
They're typically smaller than a standard cot or cotbed, but provide plenty of space for your baby to lay down. You can choose from a variety of styles and features, according to what you prefer. A lot of cribs with a bedside feature the option of a drop-down or removable side that makes it easier to reach your baby for evening feeds. They are also available in various heights to accommodate the size of your bed.
Some cribs for bedside use a riser that allows you to add a slight rise to the sleep area that could help with reflux. It also has a zip-off side for easy cleaning. Some cribs have manual rocking features that can be a soothing distractor for your infant. You'll need a mattress that is air-conditioned to match your crib. It should be at least 30cm thick to give your baby enough headroom.
You can rest assured that your baby will be safe and comfortable in a bedside cot. Kate Hudson, Serena Williams and Gigi hadid are all fans of SNOO's bedside crib. It is definitely worth considering as an alternative to a Moses basket.
Safety
The Lullaby Trust, in conjunction with the NHS has released official safe sleeping guidelines that advise that babies are in the same room as their parents for the first six months. However they should not be sleeping in your bed. This is to lower the risk of suffocation or sudden infant death syndrome. A bedside crib allows you to keep your baby close so that you can comfort them and night feed them without having to leave your bed. It's also ideal for those who have a limited mobility following an operation or recovering from a C-section.
Our top pick for a bedside crib, the Silver Cross Slumber Carbon 3-in-1 bedside crib that travels cots is compact and folds down in seconds to fit into a travel bag so it's perfect for holidays and nights away from home. It's the lightest option for a bedside crib and comes with a comfy deep foam mattress with mesh panels that allow air to flow. It also comes with an incline option that can be added. It also won Gold at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for the Best Cot Crib or Moses basket.
Chicco Next2me Magic is another excellent bedside crib. It was awarded Bronze at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It has a built-in changing mat and storage system and weighs only 10kg. It is light at 10kg, and comes with an adjustable side that drops down for easy access.
Style
A crib for your bed is a godsend for many moms, particularly those who are recovering from C-sections. They are attached to your bed so that you can easily reach your baby without having to get up and letting you feed them and comfort them quickly. They are also a great choice for breastfeeding mothers since close proximity can boost the amount of milk they produce.
Bassinets aren't just practical, but also stylish. This is the reason they're so sought-after. Some are more spacious than Moses Baskets and some even have additional features such as a gentle reflux upward slope. They are designed to fit close to your bed and can be moved around the house as baby grows. Some are portable, which means they're great for travelling parents.
It is essential to select a bedside cot that is easy to use drop-sides. This lets you lower your child into the bassinet, without having to lift them up into your arms. This can be a hassle for mothers with limited mobility. One of these models is the Chicco Next2Me Magic which has been praised by Mumsnetters and was shortlisted in our 2021 Mother&Baby Awards' Best Cot Crib, Moses or Crib Basket category.
Another useful feature that a few models come with is a transparent side that allows you to observe your baby at all times. This is especially useful when you're exhausted at 3am and you need to feed your baby. A quick glance can make a huge difference. One of these options is the Sleepiest BassiNest that is simple to lower, as was noted by our MFM home tester Emily.
Budget
A bedside crib is a great alternative if you're not yet ready to upgrade to a larger crib. This bassinet-style crib attaches to your bed, so you can easily reach your baby for feedings at night or cuddle your child without causing disturbance. It's also a great option for those with limited movement after the birth and is a popular option with famous mothers like Stacey Solomon and Binky Felstead.
Our Parents Testers loved the new version of this bestselling crib from Chicco that won the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot Crib, Crib or Moses Basket. It is spacious, breathable, and has six different height settings for growing babies. There is also a gentle reflux setting. It can also be used as a travel cot, and it comes with an excellent storage bag.
A bedside crib can be difficult to move around the home however our Parents Testers found the Shnuggle Air on the side of the crib easy to maneuver. It is among the lighter options and can be put in its own travel bag.
The SnuzPod is another highly-rated bedside cot that is easy to assemble and fold away and comes with a variety of features to ensure a good night's sleep. It has a lift-off bassinet that fits more beds than any other cot, and its breathable fabric helps your baby to regulate their temperature. It also has a soft rocking function, as well as an incline option for reflux, and is lightweight enough to use as a travel cot while you're out and about. It's more expensive than other cots for bed but our Parent Testers say it's well worth the extra money.