How to Choose the Best Bedside Cot uk
Both the NHS and the Lullaby Trust have issued official safe sleeping guidelines that recommend that newborns sleep only in their own Moses basket or cot. A crib that is placed near the bed is an effective and space-saving solution for parents who share a room.
Mumsnetters love the co-sleeper as it's big and has plenty of room for baby's to grow and play. It is also much larger than the Moses Basket. It's also easy to put together, and comes with a bag for carrying.
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 fix to your bed and let you bring your baby closer to you to feed them at night or for comforting without the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome that is a result of traditional bed-sharing. These cribs are also ideal for mothers who are breastfeeding or recovering from a cesarean section.
They're typically smaller than a standard cot, but provide plenty of space for your baby to rest. You can pick from a variety of designs and features based on your preferences. A lot of cribs for bedside use a removable or drop-down side that makes it easier to reach your baby during feeding time at night. They also come in various heights based on the size of your bed.
Some cribs with a bedside have an adjustable riser that allows you to build an angle to the sleeping area. This can help with reflux. They also come with the option of a zip-off side for easy cleaning. Some cribs have manual rocking options which can provide a soothing distractor for your infant. You'll need a mattress that is breathable to go with your crib. bedside cots for newborns should be at least 30cm in depth to give your baby enough headroom.
You can be confident that your child will be safe and secure in a cot that is positioned at the bedside. With stars like Kate Hudson, Serena Williams and Gigi Hadid all fans of the SNOO bedside crib, it's worth considering this fashionable alternative to a moses basket.
Safety
The Lullaby Trust, in conjunction with the NHS has issued official guidelines for safe sleep that advise that babies sleep in the same bedroom as their parents for the first six months. However they should not be sleeping in your bed. This is to reduce the risk of suffocation or sudden infant death syndrome. A bedside crib is a great option that allows your baby to comfortably be near enough for you to feed them during the night and soothe them back to sleep without having to get out of your own bed. This is also a great option for when you are recovering from an operation or C-section, and have limited mobility.
Silver Cross Slumber Carbon 3 in 1 bedside cot travel cot is our top choice for a crib that can be used as a bedside. It's compact and folds down flat to fit into a travel bag which makes it ideal for holidays or nights away from home. It's among the lightest bedside cot options and has a comfy deep foam mattress with mesh air-flow panels and an tilting setting, and it won Gold in the 2021 Mother&Baby awards for Best Crib, Cot or Moses Basket.
Another fab bedside cot option is the Chicco Next2me Magic bedside crib that was awarded Bronze in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It comes with a built-in changing mat and storage system, is lightweight at 10kg, and has an adjustable side that can be lowered down for easy access.
Style
A bedside crib is a blessing for many mums, especially those recovering from C-sections. You can easily reach your baby without having to get out of the bed. This allows you to provide comfort and food to your baby at night. They are also a great option for mothers who are breastfeeding as close proximity can boost the amount of milk they produce.
As well as being incredibly useful, bassinets can look pretty attractive too, which is why they're so popular. Some are more spacious than Moses Baskets and some even have additional features such as a gentle reflux incline. They're designed to fit next to your bed and can be moved around the house as your baby grows. Some are portable, so they're ideal for parents who travel.
It's important to choose a bedside cot that has easy-to-use drop-sides. This lets you lower your infant into the bassinet without having to lift them up into your arms. This can be difficult for mothers with 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 transparent side, which allows you to be able to always view your baby. This is particularly useful when you're exhausted at 3am and you need to feed your child. A quick glance could make a huge difference. One of these options is the Sleepiest BassiNest which is easy to lower as outlined by our MFM home tester Emily.
Budget
If you're still not ready to make the leap to a full-sized cot, a bedside crib may be the perfect solution. This bassinet-style cot attaches to the side of your bed to allow you to easily reach your baby's evening feeds and also comfort them without disturbing your own sleep. It's a great choice for those who have limited movement after the C-section. Famous moms like Binky Felstead and Stacey Solomon have also chosen it.
Our Parent Testers loved the new version of this popular crib from Chicco that won the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot Crib, Crib or Moses Basket. It's spacious and breathable and comes with six height options to accommodate growing babies and a gentle reflux setting for incline. It can also be used as a travel crib and comes with a convenient storage case.
It can be a challenge to move a bedside cot around your house However, our Parent Testers said that the Shnuggle Air next to the cot was easy to maneuver. It's one of the lighter options and can be put in its own travel bag.
bedside cot 6 months plus is another highly-rated bedside cot that's simple to put together and fold away and comes with a variety of features for the best night's rest. It has a removable, adjustable bassinet that lifts off, which can fit 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 help with reflux. It's also light enough to use as a travel crib while you're on the move. It's more expensive than other cots for bed but our Parent Testers affirm that it's worth the extra cost.