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 crib or Moses basket. A crib for bed is an effective and space-saving solution for room-sharing new parents.
Mumsnetters adore the co-sleeper because it is spacious, with plenty of room for baby's to grow and play. It is also much larger than a Moses Basket. It's also simple to put together, and comes with a carry bag.
What is a bedside cot?
A bedside cot (also known as a bassinet, side sleeper or co-sleeper) is a safe method for your newborn to sleep close to you throughout their first months. These cribs are attached to your bed and let you lift your child to you to feed them at night or even comfort them. These cribs are also ideal for mums who are breastfeeding or recovering from a Cesarean Section.
These cots are often smaller than standard cots but they provide plenty of space for your baby to sleep. You can choose from various styles and features based on your preferences. 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 also available in various heights to suit the size of your bed.
Some cribs for bedside use a riser which allows you to build an incline to the sleep area. This can be helpful with reflux. They also come with the option of a zip-off side to make cleaning easy. Some cribs have manual rocking options that can provide a relaxing distraction to your newborn. You'll need a mattress that is breathable to go with your crib. It should be at least 30cm in depth to give your baby enough headroom.
You can be confident that your child will be comfortable and safe 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 definitely worth looking into this elegant alternative to a moses basket.
Safety
The Lullaby Trust, in conjunction with the NHS, has issued official safe sleeping guidelines which recommend that babies are in the same room as their parents for the first six months. However additional reading shouldn't sleep in your bed. This is to lower the risk of suffocation, or sudden infant death syndrome. A crib that is placed near your bed is an excellent option that allows your child to safely be close enough for you to night feed them and comfort them back to sleep without having to get out of your bed. It's also a great option for those who have a limited mobility after an operation or are recovering from a C-section.
Our top pick for a bedside crib, the Silver Cross Slumber Carbon 3-in-1 travel cot bedside crib is compact and folds down in a matter of seconds and fits into a travel bag making it ideal for travel and nights away from home. It's the lightest option for a bedside cot and comes with a comfy deep foam mattress with mesh panels which allow air to flow. It also comes with an incline option that can be added. Plus, it won Gold at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for the Best Moses Basket or Cot Crib.
Chicco Next2me Magic is another excellent bedside crib. It was awarded Bronze at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It comes with a built-in changing mat and storage solution, is lightweight at 10kg, and comes with an adjustable side that can be lowered down to make it easy to access.
Style
For a lot of moms, especially those recovering from C-sections A crib that is placed near the bed can be an absolute godsend. They attach to your bed so that you can easily reach your baby without having to get up and letting you feed them and comfort them quickly. They're also a great choice for breastfeeding mothers since their close proximity will help increase their milk supply.
As well as being incredibly useful, bassinets can look pretty attractive too, which is why they're so sought-after. They are larger than Moses Baskets and some even have additional features, like a gentle and incline. They are designed to fit next to your bed and can be moved around the home as baby grows. Some are portable, which means they're ideal for parents who travel.
When you are choosing a bedside cot it is important to look for designs that have drop sides that are simple to use. These allow you to lower your infant into the bassinet without needing to lift them into your arms, which can be difficult for mothers who have limited mobility. One such model is the Chicco Next2Me Magic which has been highly praised by Mumsnetters and was shortlisted in our 2021 Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot Crib, Moses or Crib Basket category.
Some models also have a translucent side, which allows you to be able to always view your baby. This is especially useful when you are groggy at 3am and you need to feed your baby. A quick glance can make a big difference. As noted by Emily, our MFM home test participant Sleepiest BassiNest is an excellent choice. It's easy to lower.
Budget
If you're still not ready to make the leap to a full-sized cot, the bedside crib could be the perfect solution. The crib is attached to your bed, ensuring that you can reach your baby easily for night feeds or comfort your child without causing disturbance. It's also a great option for those with limited movement after the birth, and is a popular choice with celeb mums including Stacey Solomon and Binky Felstead.
Our Parents Testers loved this latest version of the popular Chicco crib, which took home the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for the Best Cot or Crib. It's large comfortable, breathable, and comes with six different height settings for growing babies. There is also a gentle reflux setting. It can also be used as a travel cot and it comes with an excellent storage bag.
It can be difficult to move an upholstered bedside cot throughout the home, but our Parent Testers said that the Shnuggle Air beside cot was very easy to maneuver. It is one of the lighter options that can be tucked away in its own travel bag.
The SnuzPod is a different highly rated bedside cot that's simple to set up and take down and comes with a variety of features to ensure an enjoyable night's sleep. It comes with a removable, lift-off bassinet that fits more beds than other cots. The fabric is breathable and can help keep your baby's temperature in check. It also features a soft rocking function and an incline setting to help with reflux, and is light enough to use as a travel cot while you're on the move. It's a little more expensive than other cribs for bed but Parents Testers agree that it's worth the extra expense.