How to Choose the Best Bedside Cot uk
Both the NHS and Lullaby Trust have issued official safe sleeping guidelines that advise that babies sleep in their own Moses basket or cot. A crib for bed is an efficient and space-saving choice for parents who live together.
Mumsnetters love this co-sleeper because it's large and spacious, with plenty of space for babies to grow and play, and much bigger than the typical Moses basket. It's also easy to assemble and comes with a bag for travel.
What is a bedside cot?
Bedside cribs (also known as side sleepers, bassinets or co-sleepers) are a safe and convenient way for your baby to be close to you during their early months. These cribs attach to your bed and let you lift your baby out towards you for night feeding or comforting without the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome as a result of traditional bed sharing. These cribs are also ideal for mums who are breastfeeding or recovering from a cesarean section.
These cots are typically smaller than a standard cot, but still offer plenty of room for your baby to rest. You can pick from a wide range of styles and features, according to what you like best. A majority of cribs for bedside use a drop down or removable side that allows you to reach your baby's evening feeds. They are available in a variety of heights to accommodate the size of your bed.
Some cribs for bedside use an riser that permits you to add a slight rise to the sleep space which could help with reflux. It also has an easy zip-off side for cleaning. Some have manual rocking features that can provide a relaxing distraction for your infant. You'll also require a breathable mattress for your new crib. It must be at least 30cm deep to ensure that your baby has enough head space.
You can rest assured that your child will be safe and comfortable in a bedside cot. Kate Hudson, Serena Williams and Gigi Hadid are all big fans of SNOO's bedside crib. It is definitely worth considering as an alternative to a Moses basket.
Safety
Official safe sleeping guidelines from the Lullaby Trust and NHS advises that newborn babies should sleep in the same room as you for the first six months but not in your bed to reduce the chance of suffocation and to reduce the chance of sudden infant death syndrome. A crib that is placed near your bed is an excellent option that lets your baby safely be close enough for you to night feed them and help them return to sleep without having to get out of your own bed. It's also a great option if you are recovering from an operation or C-section, and have limited mobility.
Our top choice for a bedside crib, the Silver Cross Slumber Carbon 3-in-1 bedside crib that travels cots is compact and folds down in seconds to fit into its own bag for travel, making it ideal for travel and nights away from home. It's one of the tiniest bedside cots and has a comfy deep foam mattress with mesh air-flow panels, and an incline setting, plus it was awarded Gold in the 2021 Mother&Baby awards for the Best Crib, Cot or Moses Basket.
best bedside cot uk is the Chicco Next2me Magic bedside crib which was awarded Bronze in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It comes with built-in storage and a changing mat, is lightweight (only 10kg) and features an adjustable side that allows for easy access.
Style
A crib for your bed can be a lifesaver for many moms, particularly those recovering from C-sections. They are attached to your bed so you can easily reach your baby without needing to get out of bed, allowing you to night feed them and comfort them quickly. Being close to the baby can also help increase the amount of milk produced by mothers who breastfeed.
Bassinets aren't just practical, but also stylish. This is why they're so sought-after. They're usually larger than Moses baskets and come in lots of different styles, with some having additional features like a gentle reflux incline setting. They are designed to be placed near your bed, they can usually be moved around the house when baby gets older and some are portable enough to take to the go which makes them ideal for new parents travelling.
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 infant into the bassinet without having to lift them into your arms, which can be difficult for mums 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 the Best Cot or Crib Moses Basket for our 2021 Mother&Baby Awards.
Some models also come with a transparent side, which allows you to always see your baby. This is especially helpful when you are groggy 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 that is simple to lower, as outlined by our MFM home tester Emily.
Budget
If you're not ready to move to a larger cot the bedside crib could be an ideal solution. This bassinet-style crib attaches to your bed, so you can easily reach your baby to feed them at night or even comfort your child without causing disturbance. It's a great choice for those who are unable to move after the C-section. Famous moms such as Binky Felstead and Stacey Solomon have also chosen it.
Our Parents Testers loved this new version of the bestselling Chicco crib, which won 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Cot or Crib. It is spacious comfortable, breathable, and comes with six different height settings for growing babies. There is also a soft reflux setting. You can also use it as a travel cot. Additionally, it comes with a handy storage bag.
It can be difficult to move a bedside cot around the home However, our Parent Testers stated that the Shnuggle Air alongside the cot was simple to move. It's one of the smallest alternatives and is compact enough to fit into its own travel bag, so you can take it along with you on your trip.
The SnuzPod bedside cot is a highly rated item that's easy to assemble and fold with plenty of features for an unwinding night's sleep. It comes with a bassinet that lifts off to fit more beds than any other cot, and its breathable fabric can help your baby to regulate their temperature. It also features a soft rocking function, as well as an incline option for reflux, and is lightweight enough to use as a travel cot while you're out and about. It's a bit more expensive than other bedside cribs but Parents Testers agree that it's worth the extra expense.