How to Choose the Best Bedside Cot uk
Official safe sleeping guidance from both NHS and Lullaby Trust recommends that newborns sleep in their own crib or Moses basket. A crib that is placed near the bed can be practical and space-saving for parents who share a room.
Mumsnetters adore the co-sleeper because it's spacious, with plenty of space for babies to grow and wiggle. It's also bigger than a Moses Basket. It's also easy to put together and comes with a bag for travel.
What is a bedside cot?
A bedside cot (also known as a bassinet, side-sleeper or co-sleeper) is a secure way for your newborn to sleep near you during their first few months. These cribs attach to your bed and allow you to pull your child in your arms to feed them at night or even comfort them. These cribs are also ideal for mothers who are nursing or recovering from a Cesarean Section.
These cots are often smaller than standard cots however, they still provide plenty of room for your baby to sleep. You can choose from a variety of styles and features, according to what you like best. A majority of cribs for bedside use the option of a drop-down or removable side that allows you to reach your baby for feeding at night. They are also available in various heights to accommodate the size of your bed.
Some cribs for bedside use an riser that permits you to add a slight slope to the sleeping space that can help with reflux and an easy zip-off side for cleaning. Some cribs have manual rocking features that can provide a relaxing distraction for your baby. You'll also require a comfortable mattress for your crib. It should be a minimum of 30cm deep to ensure that your newborn has enough headroom.
A bedside crib is an investment but you can rest assured that your baby will be secure and comfortable sleep. With stars like Kate Hudson, Serena Williams and Gigi Hadid all fans of the SNOO bedside crib, it's definitely worth considering this stylish alternative to a moses basket.
Safety
Official safe sleeping guidelines from the Lullaby Trust and NHS advises that babies born today should be placed in the same bed as you for their first six months but not in your bed to lower the chance of suffocation and to lower the chance of sudden infant death syndrome. my explanation is an excellent option that allows your baby to remain close enough to you to feed them at night and comfort them back to sleep without needing to leave your bed. This is also a great option if you are recovering from an operation or a C-section, and have limited mobility.
Our top choice for a bedside crib, the Silver Cross Slumber Carbon 3-in-1 bedside crib for travel is compact and folds down in a matter of seconds and fits into its own travel bag which makes it perfect for trips to the beach and nights away from home. It's among the lightest options for a bedside cot. It features a comfortable deep foam mattress with mesh panels which allow air to flow. It also has an incline option that can be added. Additionally, it was awarded Gold at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Moses Basket or Cot Crib.
Another great bedside cot is the Chicco Next2me Magic bedside crib which was awarded Bronze in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It has a built-in changing mat and storage solution, is lightweight at 10kg, and has an adjustable side that drops down for easy access.
Style
A crib for your bed can be a lifesaver for many mothers, particularly those recovering from C-sections. They attach to your bed so that you can easily reach your baby without needing to get out of bed, allowing you to night feed them and soothe them quickly. They're also a great choice for breastfeeding mothers since the close proximity can help boost the amount of milk they produce.
These bassinets are not only convenient but also stylish. This is why they are so popular. They're typically larger than Moses baskets and come in a variety of different styles, with some even having extra features like a gentle reflux incline setting. They're designed to sit close to your bed and can be moved around the house as your baby grows. Some are portable, which means they're ideal for parents who travel.
When choosing a bedside cot it is important to choose a model with drop sides that are easy to use. This lets you lower your baby into the bassinet without having to lift them up into your arms. This 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're exhausted at 3am and you need to feed your baby. A quick glance can make a huge difference. One of these options is the Sleepiest BassiNest, which is easy to lower, as was noted by our MFM home tester Emily.
Budget
A bedside crib is an excellent alternative if you're not yet ready to upgrade to a full-sized crib. The cot is attached to the bed's side to allow you to easily reach your baby for night feeds and comfort them without disturbing your sleep. It's also a great choice for those with limited movement after the birth and is a favorite choice with celeb mums including Stacey Solomon and Binky Felstead.
Our Parents Testers loved the new version of the bestselling Chicco crib, which won 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Cot or Crib. It's large, breathable, and has six different height settings suitable for growing babies. There is also a gentle reflux setting. It can be used as a travel crib and comes with a storage case that is convenient for storage.
It can be difficult to move an upholstered bedside cot throughout the house however our Parents Testers reported that the Shnuggle Air beside cot was very easy to maneuver. It's among the lightest options and small enough to fit in its own travel bag, so you can take it with you on your travels.
The SnuzPod bedside cot is yet another highly rated product that's easy to fold and assemble, with many features for a restful night's sleep. It has a removable 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 function and an incline option for reflux, and is lightweight enough to use as a travel cot if you're on the move. It's a bit more expensive than other cots for bed but our Parent Testers affirm that it's worth the extra cash.