How to Choose the Best Bedside Cot uk
Both the NHS and Lullaby Trust have issued official safe sleeping guidelines, which suggest that infants sleep in their own Moses basket or cot. A bedside crib is a space-saving and practical option for parents who live in a room together.
Mumsnetters love the co-sleeper as it's big and has plenty of room for baby's to grow and play. It's also bigger than the Moses Basket. It's also simple to put together and comes with a carry-on bag.
What is a bedside cot?
Bedside cribs (also called bassinets, side sleepers or co-sleepers) are a safe and convenient way for your baby to sleep near you during the early months. These cribs can be attached to your bed, allowing you to lift your child in your arms for night-feeding or comforting. These cribs are also great for mums who are breastfeeding or recovering from a cesarean section.
These cots are typically smaller than standard cots however, they still provide plenty of space for your baby to relax. You can choose between a variety of styles and features depending on your preferences. A lot of cribs for bedside use the option of removing or dropping down the side, which makes it easier to reach the baby at night for feedings. They are also available in different heights, based on your bed size.
Some cribs with a bedside have an adjustable riser that allows you to build an angle to the sleep area. This can be helpful with reflux. They also come with the option of a zip-off side for easy cleaning. Some cribs have manual rocking features which can provide a soothing distraction to your newborn. You'll need a mattress that is air-conditioned to match your crib. It should be at least 30cm thick to give your baby enough headroom.
A bedside crib is an investment but you can be sure your baby will be secure and comfortable sleep. Kate Hudson, Serena Williams and Gigi Hadid are all avid users of SNOO's crib for babies. It is definitely worth a look as an alternative to the Moses basket.
Safety
The Lullaby Trust, in conjunction with the NHS, has issued official guidelines for safe sleep that advise that babies stay in the same bedroom as their parents for the first six months. However they shouldn't sleep in your bed. This is to lower the risk of suffocation, or sudden infant death syndrome. A crib for bed lets you keep your baby close to comfort them and feed them at night without leaving your bed. This is also a great option if you are recovering from an operation or 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 to sleep in. It's compact and folds down flat to fit in its bag for travel which makes it ideal for nights out on the town or away from home. It's one of the tiniest bedside cots available and comes with a the most comfortable deep foam mattress that has mesh air-flow panels, and an tilt setting, and it was awarded Gold in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for the best Crib, Cot, or Moses Basket.
Chicco Next2me Magic is another excellent bedside crib. It was awarded Bronze at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It comes with an integrated storage unit and changing mat, is light (only 10kg), and has an adjustable side for easy access.
Style
For many mums, particularly those who are recovering from a C-section A crib for bedside can be a blessing in disguise. They can be attached to your bed so you can reach your baby easily without having to get up in order to feed them and comfort them quickly. They're also a great option for breastfeeding mothers as their close proximity will help boost their milk supply.
As well as being incredibly practical, these bassinets are elegant and that's why they're so popular. They're usually larger than Moses baskets and come in a variety of different styles, some having additional features, like a soft reflux incline setting. They are designed to be placed near your bed, they can be moved around your home as the baby grows older, and some can be carried on the go too, making them great for new parents travelling.
It's important to choose a cot for your bed that has easy-to-use drop-sides. These let you lower your baby into the bassinet without needing to lift them into your arms, which can be difficult for mums who have limited mobility. Chicco Next2Me Magic is one of the models that has been acknowledged and shortlisted by Mumsnetters in the category of the Best Cot or Crib, or Moses Basket for our 2021 Mother and Baby Awards.
Another handy feature that some models come with is a translucent side that allows you to see your baby at all times. This is especially helpful when you are tired and sleepy, when one glance could make all the difference. One such option is the Sleepiest BassiNest that is easy to lower as was noted by our MFM home tester Emily.
Budget
A bedside crib is a great option if you're not yet ready to upgrade to a bigger crib. The bassinet-style crib is attached to the bed's side so that you can easily reach your baby for evening feeds and also comfort them without disturbing your own sleep. It's a great choice for those who have limited movement following an operation such as a C-section. Famous moms such as Binky Felstead and Stacey Solomon have also chosen this model.
Our Parent Testers loved this latest version of the popular Chicco crib, which was awarded the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards as the Best Cot or Crib. It's afclimatizing and spacious and has six height settings to accommodate growing babies, and a gentle reflux incline setting. It can be used as a travel crib and comes with a storage case that is convenient for storage.
A bedside crib can be tricky to move around the home, but our Parents Testers found the Shnuggle Air beside crib really simple to move. It's one of the smallest alternatives and is small enough to fit in its own travel bag which means you can take it with you on your travels.
The SnuzPod bedside cot is a highly rated item that's easy to assemble and fold and comes with a variety of features to ensure a restful night's sleep. bedside cot bed has a lift-off bassinet that fits more beds than any other cot and its breathable fabric can help your baby regulate their temperature. It also features a soft rocking feature and an incline option for reflux, and is lightweight enough to be used as a travel cot when you're on the move. It's a little more expensive than other bedside cots however our Parents Testers say it's well worth the extra money.