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 cot or Moses basket. A crib that is placed near the bed is an effective and space-saving solution for parents who share a room.
Mumsnetters adore this co-sleeper since it's spacious with lots of room for babies to grow and play, and far more substantial than a Moses basket. It is also easy to put together, and comes with a bag for carrying.
What is a bedside crib?
Bedside cots (also called bassinets, side sleepers, or co-sleepers) are a safe and convenient way for your baby to sleep with you during the first few months. These cribs attach to your bed and let you lift your child in your arms to feed them at night or even comfort them. These cribs are also great for mums who are breastfeeding or recovering from a cesarean.
They're usually a little smaller than a regular cot, but they provide ample space for your baby to lay down. You can pick from different styles and features based on your preferences. Many bedside cribs come with a removable or drop-down side, which makes it easier to reach your baby during the night to feed them. They are also available in various heights based on the size of your bed.
Some bedside cribs come with an adjustable riser that allows you to add a slight slope to the sleeping space that can aid in reflux and an easy zip-off side for cleaning. Some have manual rocking features that can provide a relaxing distraction for your baby. You'll need a mattress that is comfortable to be used with your crib. It should be at least 30cm deep to allow your baby plenty of headroom.
You can be confident that your child will be comfortable and safe in a cot that is positioned at the bedside. Kate Hudson, Serena Williams, and Gigi hadid are all fans of SNOO's crib for babies. It is definitely worth considering as an alternative to the Moses basket.
Safety
The Lullaby Trust, in conjunction with the NHS has issued 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 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 lets you keep your baby close to you to comfort them and night feed them without having to leave your bed. It's also a great option when you are unable to move after an operation or recovering from a C-section.
Our top choice for a bedside cot the Silver Cross Slumber Carbon 3-in-1 bedside crib for travel is compact and folds flat in seconds to fit into its own travel bag so it's perfect for holidays and nights away from home. It's one of the tiniest bedside cots available and comes with a the most comfortable deep foam mattress, air-flow panels and an tilt setting, and it won Gold in the 2021 Mother&Baby awards for Best Crib, Cot or Moses Basket.
Chicco Next2me Magic is another great bedside crib option. It won Bronze at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It has a built-in changing mat and storage solution, is lightweight at 10kg, and features an adjustable side that drops down for easy access.
Style
A crib for your bed can be a lifesaver for many moms, particularly those who are recovering from C-sections. You can easily reach your baby without getting out of the bed. This lets you comfort and feed your infant during the night. They are also a great choice for breastfeeding mothers since close proximity can boost the amount of milk they produce.
Bassinets aren't just convenient but also fashionable. This is why they are so popular. They're typically larger than Moses baskets and come in lots of different styles, some even having extra features, like a soft tilting of the reflux. Designed to fit by your bed, they can be moved around your home when baby gets older and some are portable enough to take with you on the go, making them great for new parents travelling.
It is important to choose an cot with bedside that is easy to use drop-sides. This allows you to lower your baby into the bassinet without lifting them up into your arms. This can be a hassle for mothers who have limited mobility. One of these models is the Chicco Next2Me Magic which has been applauded by Mumsnetters and was shortlisted in our 2021 Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot Crib, Moses or Crib Basket category.
Some models also have a transparent side, allowing you to be able to always view your baby. This is especially useful when you're groggy at 3am and need to feed your child. A quick glance can make a huge difference. As mentioned by Emily who is our MFM home tester the Sleepiest BassiNest an excellent choice. It is simple to lower.
Budget
If you're not ready to move to a full-sized cot, an infant crib on your bed could be an ideal solution. The bassinet-style crib is attached to the side of your bed so you can easily reach your baby for evening feeds and also comfort them without disturbing your sleep. It's also a great choice for those who suffer from restricted movement following 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 popular crib from Chicco, which won the 2021 Mother&Baby Award for Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket. It's spacious and breathable and comes with six height settings to accommodate growing babies and a gentle reflux setting for incline. You can also use it as a travel cot and it comes with an excellent storage bag.
A bedside cot can be a little tricky to move around the home however our Parent Testers found the Shnuggle Air near the crib to be simple to move. It is among the lighter options that can be put in its own travel bag.
The SnuzPod bedside cot is a highly rated product that's easy to put together and fold away, with many features for the perfect night's rest. It has a removable lift-off bassinet that fits more beds than other cots. The fabric is breathable and helps to regulate your baby's temperature. It features a soft rocking feature, as well as an incline to help with reflux. It is also lightweight enough to be used as a travel crib while you're on the move. newborn bedside cot 's more expensive than other bedside cribs however, Parent Testers agree that it's worth the extra cost.