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 cot or Moses basket. A bedside crib is an efficient and space-saving choice for room-sharing new parents.
Mumsnetters love this co-sleeper as it's large and spacious, with plenty of space for babies to grow and play and is much bigger than the typical Moses basket. It's also simple to put together and comes with a carry-on bag.
What is a bedside crib?
Bedside cots (also called bassinets, side sleepers, or co-sleepers) are a safe and convenient way for your baby to be close to you in the first few months. These cribs are attached to your bed, allowing you to lift your child in your arms to feed them at night or for comforting. These cribs are also great for mothers who are nursing or recovering from a Cesarean Section.
They're often slightly smaller than a regular cot or cotbed, but they provide ample space for your baby to lay down. You can choose from various styles and features based on your preferences. Many cribs with a bedside feature the option of removing or dropping down the side, which makes it easier to reach your baby during feeding time at night. They are also available in various heights based on the size of your bed.
Some bedside cribs come with an riser that permits you to add a slight incline to the sleeping space that can aid in reflux and a zip-off side for easy cleaning. Other cribs have manual rocking functions which can be a relaxing distraction for your newborn. You'll require a mattress that's air-conditioned to match your crib. It should be at least 30cm deep to allow your baby plenty of headroom.
You can be sure that your baby will be safe and secure in a cot that is positioned at the bedside. Kate Hudson, Serena Williams and Gigi hadid are all fans of SNOO's crib for babies. It is definitely worth considering as an 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 be sleeping in your bed. bedside travel crib is to reduce the risk of suffocation, or sudden infant death syndrome. A crib that is placed near your bed allows you to keep your infant close to you to soothe them to sleep and even feed them at night without having to leave your bed. It's also a great option if you have limited mobility after an operation or are recovering from an operation such as a C-section.
Silver Cross Slumber Carbon 3 in 1 travel cot bedside Crib is our top pick for a bedside crib. It's compact and folds flat to fit into its bag for travel, making it perfect for nights out on the town or away from home. It's among the lightest bedside cot options and has a comfy deep foam mattress that has mesh air-flow panels, an optional incline setting, plus it won Gold in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for the best Crib, Cot, or Moses Basket.
Chicco Next2me Magic is another excellent bedside crib. It won Bronze at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It has a built-in changing mat and storage solutions, is lightweight at 10kg, and features an adjustable side that slides down for easy access.
Style
For a lot of moms, especially those who are recovering from a C-section A crib for bedside could prove to be an absolute godsend. bedside crib co sleeper can be attached to your bed so you can easily reach your baby without having to get out of bed, allowing you to night feed them and soothe them quickly. They're an excellent choice for breastfeeding mothers since their close proximity will help increase their milk supply.
As well as being incredibly practical, these bassinets are attractive too, which is why they're so sought-after. Some are more spacious than Moses Baskets and some even have additional features, like a gentle and incline. They're 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 choosing a bedside cot it is important to choose a model with drop sides that are easy to use. They allow you to lower your baby's bassinet without needing to lift them into your arms, which can be difficult for mums with limited mobility. One of them is the Chicco Next2Me Magic which has been highly praised by Mumsnetters and was shortlisted in our 2021 Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot Moses, Crib or Basket category.
Some models also have a transparent side, allowing you to always see your baby. This is particularly 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 that is easy to lower, as was noted by our MFM home tester Emily.
Budget
A bedside crib is a fantastic alternative if you're not yet ready to upgrade to a larger crib. The crib is attached to your bed, so you can easily reach your baby for feedings at night or cuddle them without causing any disturbance to yourself. It's a great option for those who are unable to move after an operation such as a C-section. Famous moms like Binky Felstead and Stacey Solomon have also chosen it.
Our Parent Testers loved this latest version of the popular Chicco crib, which was awarded the 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 also be used as a travel crib and comes with a handy storage case.
It can be difficult to move a bedside cot around your home however our Parent Testers stated that the Shnuggle Air alongside the cot was easy to move. It's one of the lightest options and can be tucked away in its own travel bag.
The SnuzPod bedside cot is another highly rated product that's easy to put together and fold away and comes with a variety of features to ensure a restful night's sleep. It has a removable lift-off bassinet which fits more beds than other cots. The fabric is breathable and helps to regulate your baby's temperature. It has a gentle rocking feature, as well as an incline to aid in reflux. It's also light enough to use as a travel crib while you're out and about. It's more expensive than other bedside cots, but our Parents Testers say it's well worth the extra cost.