How to Choose the Best Bedside Cot uk
Both the NHS and Lullaby Trust have issued official safe sleeping guidelines that advise that babies sleep in their own Moses basket or cot. A crib that is placed near the bed is a practical and space-saving option for room-sharing new parents.
Mumsnetters adore the co-sleeper because it is spacious, with plenty of space for babies to grow and wiggle. It is also much larger than a Moses Basket. It's also easy to put together, and comes with a carry bag.
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 early months. These cribs are attached to your bed and let you bring your baby closer to you to feed them at night or for comforting without the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome associated with traditional bed-sharing. These cribs are also ideal for mums who are nursing or recovering from a cesarean section.
These cots are typically a little smaller than a standard cot however, they still provide plenty of room for your baby to rest. You can pick from a wide range of styles and features, depending on what you like best. A majority of cribs for bedside use an adjustable or drop down side that makes it easier to reach your baby for night feeds and are available in a variety of sizes to fit the dimensions of your bed.
Some cribs with a bedside have a riser which allows you to add an incline to the sleep area. This can be helpful with reflux. They also have a zip off side for easy cleaning. Some have manual rocking features that can provide a relaxing distraction for your baby. You'll also require a comfortable mattress to match your crib. It must be at least 30cm deep to ensure your newborn has enough headroom.
A bedside cot is an investment, but you can be sure your baby will be peaceful and safe night's 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 a moses basket.
Safety
The Lullaby Trust, in conjunction with the NHS, has issued official guidelines for safe sleeping which recommend that babies sleep 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 is a fantastic option that allows your child to safely be close enough for you to feed them during the night and soothe them back to sleep without needing to leave your bed. It is also a great option for when 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 crib that can be used as a bedside. It's small and folds flat to fit in its transport bag, making it perfect for holidays or nights away from home. It's one the lightest options for a bedside cot. It has a soft, comfortable foam mattress with mesh panels that allow air to flow. It also has an incline option that can be added. It also won Gold at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for the Best Cot Crib or Moses basket.
Chicco Next2me Magic is another fantastic bedside crib. It was awarded Bronze at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It has built-in storage and a changing mat, is lightweight (only 10kg) and features an adjustable side that allows for easy access.
Style
For many mums, particularly those who have had C-sections A crib that is placed near the bed can prove to an absolute blessing. You can easily reach your baby without having to get out of bed. This lets you soothe and feed your baby at night. The close proximity to the baby can also help increase milk production for mothers who are breastfeeding.
Alongside being incredibly practical, these bassinets can look pretty stylish too, which is why they're so sought-after. They're typically larger than Moses baskets and are available in many different styles, with some having additional features such as a gentle tilt to the reflux. The baskets are designed to fit under your bed, they are able to be moved around the home as the baby grows older, and some are able to be taken on the go too, making them great for new parents traveling.
When selecting a cot for your bedside it is important to look for designs with drop sides that are easy to use. bedside crib or cot allows you to lower your infant into the bassinet without lifting them up into your arms. This can be difficult for mothers with limited mobility. Chicco Next2Me Magic is one of the models that has been acknowledged and shortlisted by Mumsnetters in the category of Best Cot or Crib Moses Basket for our 2021 Mother and Baby Awards.
Another handy feature that some models have is a transparent side that allows you to be able to see your baby at all times. This is especially useful 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 a fantastic option if you're not ready to upgrade to a full-sized crib. The bassinet-style crib can be attached to your bed, ensuring that you can easily reach your baby for night feeds or comfort them without causing any disturbance to yourself. 4-in-1 bedside crib 's also a great choice for those who suffer from restricted movement after a C-section and is a popular option with famous mothers like Stacey Solomon and Binky Felstead.
Our Parent Testers loved this latest version of the popular Chicco crib, which won 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for the Best Cot or Crib. It's large 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 travel crib and comes with a convenient storage case.
It can be difficult to move a bedside cot around your home however our Parent Testers stated that the Shnuggle Air next to the cot was simple to move. It's among the lightest options and is small enough to fit into its own travel bag so you can take it with you on your travels.
The SnuzPod bedside cot is a highly rated product that's easy to put together and fold away, with many features for an unwinding night's sleep. It comes with a bassinet that lifts off to fit more beds than any other cot and its breathable fabric helps your baby maintain their temperature. It has a gentle rocking feature as well as an incline to aid in reflux. It's also light enough to be used as a crib for travel when you're on the move. It's more expensive than other bedside cots but our Parent Testers believe it's worth the extra cost.