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 for bed is an efficient and space-saving choice for room-sharing new parents.
Mumsnetters love this co-sleeper as it's spacious with lots of room for babies to grow and play, and far more substantial than the typical Moses basket. It's also easy to put together and comes with a carry bag.
What is a bedside crib?
Bedside cots (also called bassinets, side sleepers, or co-sleepers) are an effective and safe method for your baby to sleep near you during their first few months. These cribs attach to your bed and allow you to bring your baby closer to you at night for feeding or comforting without the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome that is a result of traditional bed-sharing. They're also a great option for breastfeeding mothers or mothers recovering from a Caesarean section.
They're typically smaller than a regular cot, but provide plenty of space for your baby to lay down. You can choose from different designs and features based on your preferences. A lot of cribs with a bedside feature a drop down or removable side that makes it easier to reach your baby for night feeds and are also available in different heights to suit the size of your bed.
Some cribs for bedside use a riser which allows you to create an angle to the sleeping area. This can help with reflux. They also have a zip off side for easy cleaning. Some cribs feature manual rocking features which can provide a soothing distraction for your baby. You'll also require a breathable mattress to go with your new crib, which must be at least 30cm in depth to ensure that your newborn has enough headroom.
You can be confident that your child will be safe and secure in a cot that is positioned at the bedside. With the likes of Kate Hudson, Serena Williams and Gigi Hadid all fans of the SNOO bedside crib, it's worth considering this stylish alternative to moses basket.
Safety
Official guidelines for safe sleep from the Lullaby Trust and NHS advises that newborn babies should sleep in the same room as you during the first six months but not in your bed to lower the risk of suffocation, and to decrease the risk of sudden infant death syndrome. A bedside crib is an excellent option that lets your baby safely be close enough for you to feed them during the night and help them return to sleep without needing to leave your own bed. It's also great when you are unable to move following 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 compact and folds flat to fit into its transport bag and is perfect for nights out on the town or away from home. It's among the lightest options for a bedside crib and features a comfortable deep foam mattress with mesh panels which allow air to flow. It also has an optional incline option. Plus, it won Gold at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Cot Crib or Moses basket.
Another fantastic bedside cot is the Chicco Next2me Magic bedside crib that won Bronze in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It comes with a built-in changing mat and storage solutions, is lightweight at 10kg, and comes with an adjustable side that can be lowered down for easy access.
Style
A bedside crib can be a lifesaver 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 out of bed in order to feed them and soothe them quickly. The close proximity to your baby can also aid in increasing the production of milk for mothers who are breastfeeding.
In addition to being extremely useful, bassinets can look pretty 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 right next to your bed and can be moved around the house as baby grows. Some are portable, so they're ideal for parents who travel.
It is important to choose a bedside cot that is easy to use drop-sides. These allow you to lower your baby into the bassinet without having to lift them into your arms, which can be difficult for moms who have limited mobility. Chicco Next2Me Magic is one of these models that has been praised and shortlisted by Mumsnetters in the category of the Best Cot or Crib Moses Basket for our 2021 Mother&Baby Awards.
Another great feature that certain models come with is a translucent side that lets you observe your baby at all times. This is especially helpful when you're exhausted at 3am and you need to feed your child. A quick glance can make a big difference. One such option is the Sleepiest BassiNest which is simple to lower, as outlined by our MFM home tester Emily.
Budget
If you're not ready to make the transition to a larger cot, the bedside crib could be the perfect solution. This bassinet-style crib attaches to your bed, so you can reach your baby easily for feedings at night or cuddle your child without causing disturbance. It's a great choice for those who are unable to move after an operation such as a C-section. Celeb mums 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 for Best Cot or Crib. It's large, 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 crib and comes with a convenient storage case.
A bedside cot can be a little tricky to move around the home However, our Parents Testers found the Shnuggle Air beside crib really simple to move. It's one of the lightest options and is small enough to fit in its own travel bag which means you can carry it with you when you travel.
The SnuzPod is another highly-rated bedside cot that's simple to set up and take down, with plenty of features for a good night's sleep. It comes with a bassinet with a lift-off that can fit more beds than any other cot and its breathable fabric helps your baby maintain their temperature. It features a soft rocking feature, as well as an incline to aid in reflux. It is also lightweight enough to use as a crib for travel when you're on the move. It's a little more expensive than other cots for bed however our Parent Testers affirm that it's worth the extra cost.