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 an efficient and space-saving option for parents who live in a room together.
Mumsnetters adore this co-sleeper since it's large and spacious, with plenty of room for baby to grow and wriggle and much bigger than the size of a Moses basket. It's also easy to assemble and comes with a bag for travel.
What is bedside cots ?
Bedside cribs (also known as bassinets, side sleepers, or co-sleepers) are a safe and convenient way for your baby to sleep with you in the first few months. These cribs can be attached to your bed, allowing you to lift your child towards you to feed them at night or even comfort them. They're also a great option for breastfeeding mothers or mums recovering from a caesarean section.
These cots are typically smaller than a standard cot however, they still provide plenty of space for your baby to rest. You can pick from a variety of styles and features, according to what you prefer. A lot of cribs with a bedside feature the option of a drop-down or removable side that allows you to reach your baby's evening feeds. They 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 rise to the sleep space which can aid in reflux and the ability to zip off the sides for easy cleaning. Some cribs come with manual rocking features that can provide a relaxing distractor for your infant. You'll also require a breathable mattress to match your new crib. It should be a minimum of 30cm in depth to ensure that your baby has enough head space.
You can rest assured that your baby will be comfortable and safe in a cot that is positioned at the bedside. With the likes of Kate Hudson, Serena Williams and Gigi Hadid all awed by the SNOO bedside crib, it's worth considering this fashionable alternative to moses basket.
Safety
Official guidelines for safe sleep from the Lullaby Trust and NHS advises that newborns be placed in the same bed as you during the first six months, but not in your bed to lower the chance of suffocation and to reduce the chance of sudden infant death syndrome. A crib that is placed near your bed is a fantastic option that allows your child to safely be close enough for you to night feed them and soothe them back to sleep without having to get out of your bed. It is also a great option if you are recovering from an operation or a C-section, and have limited mobility.
Silver Cross Slumber Carbon 3 in 1 bedside cot travel cot is our top choice for a crib to sleep in. It's small and folds flat to fit in its bag for travel and is perfect for trips away on holidays or from home. It's the lightest option for a bedside cot and features a comfortable deep foam mattress with mesh panels that allow air to flow. It also has an incline option that can be added. Plus, it won Gold at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Cot Crib or Moses basket.
Chicco Next2me Magic is another great bedside crib option. It won Bronze at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It has a built-in changing mat and storage solutions and weighs only 10kg. It is light at 10kg, and has an adjustable side that slides down to make it easy to access.
Style
A bedside crib is a godsend for many mothers, particularly those who are recovering from C-sections. You can easily reach your baby without getting out of the bed. This allows you to comfort and feed your infant during the night. The close proximity to your baby can also aid in increasing the production of milk for mothers who are breastfeeding.
Alongside being incredibly practical, these bassinets are attractive too and that's why they're so popular. Some are bigger than Moses Baskets and some come with additional features like a gentle reflux and incline. They are 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 great for parents who travel.
When selecting a cot for your bedside, it's important to choose a model with drop sides that are easy to use. This allows you to lower your baby into the bassinet without having to lift them up into your arms. This can be a challenge for mothers with limited mobility. Chicco Next2Me Magic is one of the models that has been highly praised and was shortlisted by Mumsnetters in the category of Best Cot or Crib Moses Basket for our 2021 Mother and Baby Awards.
Some models also come with a transparent side, allowing you to always see your baby. This is especially helpful during bleary-eyed 3am feeds, when a quick glance can make all the difference. One such option is the Sleepiest BassiNest which is easy to lower as outlined by our MFM home tester Emily.
Budget
A bedside crib is a great option if you're not ready to upgrade to a full-sized crib. The crib is attached to your bed, so you can reach your baby easily for feedings at night or cuddle your child without causing disturbance. It's an excellent choice for those who have limited movement after the C-section. Celeb mums like Binky Felstead and Stacey Solomon have also chosen it.
Our Parent Testers loved the new version of this well-loved crib from Chicco that won the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket. It's large and breathable, and comes with six height settings to accommodate growing babies, as well as a gentle setting for the incline. It can be used as a crib for travel and comes with a handy storage case.
A bedside crib can be difficult to move around the home, but our Parent Testers found the Shnuggle Air on the side of the crib easy to maneuver. It's one of the lightest options and can be packed into its own travel bag.
The SnuzPod bedside cot is yet another highly rated product that's simple to assemble and fold with plenty of features for a restful 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 has a gentle rocking feature as well as an incline to aid in reflux. It's also light enough to be used as a travel crib when you're out and about. It's a little more expensive than other cots for bed, but our Parents Testers say it's well worth the extra cash.
