How to Choose the Best Bedside Cot uk
Official safety sleeping guidelines from both NHS and Lullaby Trust recommends that newborns sleep in their own crib or Moses basket. A crib for bed is an effective and space-saving solution for parents who live together.
Mumsnetters love the co-sleeper as it's big and has plenty of room for babies to grow and play. It is also much larger than a Moses Basket. It's also easy to assemble and comes with a bag for travel.
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 close to you overnight during their first few months. These cribs attach to your bed and let you raise your baby towards you to feed them at night or for 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.
These cots are typically smaller than a standard cot but they provide plenty of space for your baby to rest. You can choose from a wide range of designs and features depending on what you like best. A majority of cribs for bedside use the option of a drop-down or removable side, which makes it easier to reach your baby's evening feeds. They are also available in various heights to accommodate the size of your bed.
Some cribs with a bedside have a riser which allows you to build an angle to the sleeping area. This can aid in reducing reflux. They also come with a zip off side for easy cleaning. Other cribs have manual rocking functions that can provide a relaxing distraction for your baby. You'll also need a breathable mattress to match your crib. It must be at least 30cm in depth to ensure that your newborn has sufficient head room.
A bedside crib is a major investment, but you can be sure your baby will be secure and comfortable sleep. With the likes of Kate Hudson, Serena Williams and Gigi Hadid all fans of the SNOO bedside crib, it's worth considering this fashionable alternative to moses basket.
Safety
The Lullaby Trust, in conjunction with the NHS has released official safe sleeping guidelines which recommend that babies sleep in the same bedroom as their parents for the first six months. However they shouldn't sleep in your bed. This is to lower the chance of suffocation and sudden infant death syndrome. A crib that is placed near your bed is an excellent option that allows your baby to comfortably be near enough for you to night feed them and help them return to sleep without needing to leave your bed. It's also ideal for those who have a limited mobility after an operation or recovering from C-section.
Silver Cross Slumber Carbon 3 in 1 travel cot bedside Crib is our top choice for a bedside crib. It's small and folds flat to fit into a transport bag which makes it ideal for nights out on the town or 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 has an incline option that can be added. Additionally, it was awarded Gold at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for the Best Moses Basket or Cot Crib.
Another fab bedside cot option is the Chicco Next2me Magic bedside crib that won Bronze in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It has a built-in storage solution and changing mat, is lightweight (only 10kg), and has an adjustable side that makes it easy to access.
Style
A bedside crib is a blessing for many mums, especially those who are recovering from C-sections. bedside crib that turns into cot can be attached to your bed so you can easily reach your baby without having to get out of bed, allowing you to night feed them and soothe them quickly. They are also a great option for mothers who are breastfeeding as their close proximity will help boost the amount of milk they produce.
As well as being incredibly practical, these bassinets can also look elegant which is the reason they're so popular. Some are more spacious than Moses Baskets and some even have additional features like a gentle reflux and incline. They are designed to fit next to your bed and can be moved around the house as your baby grows. Some are portable so they're great for travelling parents.
When choosing a bedside cot it is important to select a model with drop sides that are easy to use. These allow you to lower your baby's bassinet without lifting them into your arms, which is difficult for moms with limited mobility. Chicco Next2Me Magic is one of the models that has been acknowledged and shortlisted by Mumsnetters in the category of Best Cot or Crib or Moses Basket for our 2021 Mother&Baby Awards.
Some models also have a transparent side, which allows you to be able to always view your baby. This is particularly useful in the case of 3am feeds that are bleary-eyed when just a glance can make all the difference. One such option is the Sleepiest BassiNest, which is easy to lower, as was noted by our MFM home tester Emily.
Budget
A bedside crib is an excellent alternative if you're not ready to move to a bigger crib. The crib is attached to your bed, so you can easily reach your baby for feedings at night or cuddle them without causing any disturbance to yourself. It's also a great choice for those who suffer from restricted movement after an operation and is a popular option with famous mothers like Stacey Solomon and Binky Felstead.
Our Parent Testers loved the new model of this bestselling crib from Chicco that won the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot Crib, Crib or Moses Basket. It is spacious comfortable, breathable, and comes with six different height settings for babies who are growing. There is also a gentle reflux setting. It can also be used as a crib for travel and comes with a handy storage case.
A bedside cot can be a little tricky to move around the home, but our Parents Testers found the Shnuggle Air near the crib to be easy to maneuver. It's one of the smallest alternatives and is small enough to fit into its own travel bag which means you can carry it with you on your travels.
The SnuzPod is a different highly rated bedside cot that is easy to set up and take down and packed with features to ensure an enjoyable night's sleep. It has a removable, lift-off bassinet which fits more beds than other cots. The fabric is breathable, and helps regulate your baby's temperature. It also features a soft rocking function and an incline setting for reflux, and is lightweight enough to be used as a travel cot if you're on the move. It's a bit more expensive than other bedside cribs but Parents Testers are of the opinion that it is worth the extra expense.