How to Choose the Best Bedside Cot uk
Both the NHS and Lullaby Trust have issued official safe sleeping guidelines which suggest that infants sleep in their own Moses basket or cot. A bedside crib is an effective and space-saving solution for parents who live together.
Mumsnetters adore this co-sleeper since it's big enough with plenty of room for baby to grow and play and is much bigger than a Moses basket. It's also easy to put together and comes with a bag for travel.
What is a bedside cot?
Bedside cots (also called side sleepers, bassinets or co-sleepers) are an ideal and safe way for your baby to be close to you in the first few months. These cribs attach to your bed and let you raise your baby towards you at night for feeding or comforting without the danger of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome that is a result of traditional bed-sharing. They're also a great option for mothers who are breastfeeding or recovering from a Caesarean section.
These cots are often a little smaller than a standard cot but they provide plenty of room for your baby to relax. You can pick from different styles and features depending on your preferences. Many cribs with a bedside feature an adjustable or drop-down side that makes it easier to reach your baby at night for feedings. They also come in different heights depending on your bed size.
Some cribs with a bedside have a riser that allows you to add a slight rise to the sleep space which could help with reflux. It also has the ability to zip off the sides for easy cleaning. Some have manual rocking features that can provide a relaxing distraction for your infant. You'll also need a breathable mattress to go with your new crib. It must be at least 30cm in depth to ensure that your newborn has sufficient head room.
A bedside crib is an investment but you can rest assured that your newborn will get a secure and comfortable sleep. With the likes of Kate Hudson, Serena Williams and Gigi Hadid all being fans of the SNOO bedside crib, it's definitely worth considering this stylish 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 the first six months but not in your bed to reduce the risk of suffocation, and to lower the chance of sudden infant death syndrome. A crib that is placed near your bed allows you to keep your infant close to you to comfort them and feed them at night without having to leave your bed. This is also a great option for when you are recovering from an operation or C-section and are unable to move.
Our top choice for a bedside crib, the Silver Cross Slumber Carbon 3-in-1 bedside crib for travel is small and folds flat in a matter of seconds to fit into its own bag for travel, so it's perfect for holidays and nights away from home. It's one of the tiniest bedside cots and has the most comfortable deep foam mattress, air-flow panels and an tilting setting, and it was awarded Gold in the 2021 Mother&Baby awards for Best Crib, Cot or Moses Basket.
Chicco Next2me Magic is another fantastic bedside crib. It won Bronze at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It comes with a built-in changing mat and storage system It weighs just 10kg, and features an adjustable side that drops down for easy access.
Style
A crib for your bed is a blessing for many mums, especially those who are recovering from C-sections. They attach to your bed so that you can reach your baby easily without having to get up in order to feed them and comfort them quickly. They are an excellent choice for mothers who are breastfeeding as close proximity can boost their milk supply.
Bassinets aren't just practical, but also stylish. This is the reason they are so popular. They are larger than Moses Baskets, and some have extra features such as a gentle reflux incline. They are designed to fit right next to your bed and can be moved around the home as baby grows. Some are portable, so they're great for travelling parents.
When you are choosing a bedside cot it is important to choose a model that have drop sides that are simple to use. This allows you to lower your child into the bassinet, without having to lift them up into your arms. This can be difficult for mothers with mobility issues. Chicco Next2Me Magic is one such model that has been acknowledged 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 particularly useful when you are tired and sleepy where just a glance can make all the difference. As was noted by Emily, our MFM home test participant the Sleepiest BassiNest an excellent choice. agree with this is easy to lower.
Budget
A bedside crib is a fantastic option if you're not yet ready to upgrade to a bigger crib. The bassinet-style crib can be attached to your bed so that you can easily reach your baby for night feeds or comfort them without disturbing yourself. It's a great choice for those with restricted movement after the C-section. Celebrity moms such as Binky Felstead and Stacey Solomon have also chosen it.
Our Parents Testers loved this latest version of the well-loved Chicco crib, which took home the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards as the Best Cot or Crib. It's spacious and 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.
It can be difficult to move a bedside cot around your house however our Parents Testers said that the Shnuggle Air alongside the cot was simple to move. It is one of the lightest options and can be tucked away in its own travel bag.
The SnuzPod is a different highly rated bedside cot that's easy to set up and take down, with plenty of features for a good night's sleep. It has a bassinet with a lift-off that can fit more beds than any other cot and its breathable fabric can help your baby maintain their temperature. It has a gentle rocking feature and an incline to help with reflux. It is also lightweight enough to be used as a crib for travel when you are on the move. It's a little more expensive than other bedside cots, but our Parent Testers believe it's worth the extra cost.