How to Choose the Best Bedside Cot uk
Both the NHS and the Lullaby Trust have issued official safe sleeping guidelines which advise that babies sleep in their own Moses basket or cot. A crib that is placed near the bed is an efficient and space-saving choice for parents who share a room.
Mumsnetters love the co-sleeper as it is spacious, with plenty of space for babies to grow and play. It is also much larger than the Moses Basket. bedside cosleeper is also easy to put together, and comes with a bag for carrying.
What is a bedside cot?
Bedside cribs (also known as bassinets, side sleepers or co-sleepers) are an ideal and safe way for your baby to sleep with you in the first few months. These cribs attach to your bed and allow you to lift your baby out towards you for night feeding or comforting without the threat of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome that is a result of traditional bed-sharing. These cribs are also ideal for mothers who are breastfeeding or recovering from a cesarean.
These cots are often smaller than standard cots however, they still provide plenty of space for your baby to relax. You can choose from a variety of designs and features according to what you like best. A majority of cribs for bedside use a drop down or removable side that makes it easier to reach your baby for night feeds and are also available in various heights to suit the size of your bed.
Some cribs with a bedside have an riser that permits you to add a slight incline to the sleep space which can help with reflux and the ability to zip off the sides for easy cleaning. Some cribs have manual rocking options which can provide a soothing distraction to your newborn. You'll also require a breathable mattress for your new crib. It should be a minimum of 30cm deep to ensure your baby has enough head space.
You can be confident that your child will be safe and comfortable in a cot that is positioned at the bedside. With stars like Kate Hudson, Serena Williams and Gigi Hadid all being 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 issued official guidelines for safe sleeping which recommend that babies stay in the same bedroom as their parents for the first six months. However, they should not sleep in your bed. This is to reduce the risk of suffocation, or sudden infant death syndrome. A bedside crib allows you to keep your infant close to you so that you can comfort them and even feed them at night without having to leave your bed. It's also a great option when you are unable to move after an operation or recovering from an operation such as a C-section.
Silver Cross Slumber Carbon 3 in 1 bedside cot travel cot is our top choice for a crib that can be used as a bedside. It's compact and folds down 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. It comes with a comfy deep foam mattress with mesh panels that let air flow. It also has an option for incline. Plus, it 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 that was awarded Bronze in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It comes with built-in storage and a changing mat, is light (only 10kg) and features an adjustable side that makes it easy to access.
Style
A bedside crib is a blessing for many moms, particularly those recovering from C-sections. They attach to your bed so you can easily reach your baby without needing to get out of bed, allowing you to night feed them and soothe them quickly. The close proximity to the baby can also increase milk production for mothers who are breastfeeding.
Alongside being incredibly useful, bassinets can also look elegant which is the reason they're so sought-after. Some are bigger than Moses Baskets, and some have extra features, like a gentle upward slope. They're designed to fit right next to your bed and can be moved around the house as your baby grows. Some are portable so they're ideal for parents who travel.
It is essential to select an cot with bedside that has easy-to-use drop-sides. This lets you lower your baby into the bassinet without having to lift them up into your arms. This can be a hassle for mothers with mobility issues. One such model is the Chicco Next2Me Magic which has been highly praised by Mumsnetters and was shortlisted for our 2021 Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot Crib, Moses or Crib Basket category.
Another useful feature that a few models come with is a translucent side that lets you be able to see your baby at all times. This is especially helpful in the case of 3am feeds that are bleary-eyed when one glance could make all the difference. One of these options is the Sleepiest BassiNest, which is simple 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 full-sized crib. This bassinet-style crib attaches to your bed, ensuring that you can easily reach your baby for feedings at night or cuddle them without causing any disturbance to yourself. It's also a great option for those with restricted movement after an operation and is a favorite option with famous mothers like Stacey Solomon and Binky Felstead.
Our Parent Testers loved the new version of this well-loved crib from Chicco that won the 2021 Mother&Baby Award for Best Cot Crib, Crib or Moses Basket. It's spacious and breathable and has six height settings to accommodate growing babies, as well as a gentle setting for the incline. You can also use it as a travel cot. Additionally, it comes with a handy storage bag.
A bedside crib can be difficult to move around the home however our Parent Testers found the Shnuggle Air beside crib really simple to move. It's one of the smallest options and is small enough to fit in its own bag for travel, so you can take it with you when you travel.
The SnuzPod is a different highly rated bedside cot that's simple to assemble and fold away and comes with a variety of features for a good night's sleep. It comes with a bassinet that lifts off to fit more beds than any other cot, and its breathable fabric can help your baby to regulate their temperature. It has a gentle rocking feature, as well as an incline to aid in reflux. It is also lightweight enough to be used as a travel crib while you're traveling. It's more expensive than other bedside cots but our Parents Testers believe it's worth the extra money.