How to Choose the Best Bedside Cot uk
Official guidelines for safe sleep 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 the co-sleeper because it's spacious, with plenty of room for babies to grow and wriggle. It is also much bigger than a Moses Basket. It's also easy to assemble and comes with a travel bag.
What is a bedside crib?
A bedside cot (also known as a side sleeper, bassinet or co-sleeper) is a safe way for your baby to sleep near you during their first few months. These cribs can be attached to your bed and let you lift your child to you to feed them at night or for comforting. They're also a great option for mothers who are breastfeeding or recovering from a caesarean.
They're typically smaller than a standard cot, but offer plenty of space for your baby to rest. You can choose from a wide range of styles and features, according to what your preference is. A lot of cribs for bedside use the option of removing or dropping down the side to make it easier to reach the baby during feeding time at night. They are also available in different heights, based on the size of your bed.
Some cribs with a bedside have an riser that permits you to add a slight slope to the sleep space which can aid in reflux and an easy zip-off side for cleaning. Some cribs feature manual rocking options which can provide a soothing distractor for your infant. You'll also require a comfortable mattress for your new crib. It must be at least 30cm deep to ensure that your baby has enough head space.
A bedside crib is an investment but you can rest assured that your baby will have a secure and comfortable sleep. With stars like Kate Hudson, Serena Williams and Gigi Hadid all being fans of the SNOO bedside crib, it's definitely worth considering this stylish alternative to moses basket.
Safety
Official safe sleeping guidance from the Lullaby Trust and NHS advises that babies born today should be in the same room as you during the first six months but not in your bed, to decrease the risk of suffocation and to decrease the risk of sudden infant death syndrome. A crib that is placed near your bed lets you keep your baby close to help calm them down and night feed them without having to leave your bed. It's an excellent option if you are recovering from an operation or a C-section and are unable to move.
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 its travel bag, making it perfect for holidays or nights away from home. It's one the lightest options for a bedside cot and comes with a comfy deep foam mattress with mesh panels that let air flow. It also has an incline option that can be added. It also won 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 which was awarded Bronze in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It comes with an integrated storage unit and changing mat, is lightweight (only 10kg) and features an adjustable side that makes it easy to access.
Style
For many mothers, particularly those who are recovering from C-sections, a bedside crib can be an absolute godsend. They are attached to your bed so that you can easily reach your baby without having to get up, allowing you to night feed them and soothe them quickly. Being close to the baby can also help increase the production of milk for mothers who are breastfeeding.
They are not just convenient but also stylish. This is the reason they are so popular. They're usually more spacious than Moses baskets and come in lots of different styles, with some featuring extra features like a gentle tilting of the reflux. They're designed to sit right next to your bed and can be moved around the home as baby grows. Some are portable so they're ideal for parents who travel.
It is important to choose a cot for your bed that is easy to use drop-sides. These let you lower your infant into the bassinet without having to lift them into your arms, which is difficult for mothers with limited mobility. One such model is the Chicco Next2Me Magic which has been applauded by Mumsnetters and was shortlisted in our 2021 Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot Moses, Crib or Basket category.
Another handy feature that some models have is a transparent side that allows you to be able to see your baby at all times. small bedside cot is especially helpful during bleary-eyed 3am feeds, when one glance could make all the difference. One such option is the Sleepiest BassiNest that is simple to lower, as was noted by our MFM home tester Emily.
Budget
If you're not quite ready to make the transition to a larger cot a bedside crib may be a great option. This bassinet-style crib attaches to your bed so that you can easily reach your baby for night feeds or comfort your child without causing disturbance. It's also a great option for those who suffer from restricted movement after a C-section and is a popular choice with celeb mums including Stacey Solomon and Binky Felstead.
Our Parents Testers loved the new model of this bestselling crib from Chicco which was awarded the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket. It's spacious and breathable, and comes with six different height settings suitable for growing babies. There is also a gentle reflux setting. You can also use it as a travel cot, and it comes with an excellent storage bag.
A bedside crib can be difficult to move around your home However, our Parents Testers found the Shnuggle Air beside crib really simple to move. It's one of the lighter options that can be packed into its own travel bag.
The SnuzPod is a different highly rated bedside cot that is easy to put together and fold away and comes with a variety of features for a good night's sleep. It has a removable lift-off bassinet which fits more beds than other cots. The fabric is breathable and helps to regulate your baby's temperature. It features a soft rocking feature and an incline for reflux. It is also lightweight enough to use as a travel crib when you're on the move. It's a little more expensive than other bedside cribs however, Parent Testers agree that it's worth the extra cost.