How to Choose the Best Bedside Cot uk
Both the NHS and Lullaby Trust have issued official safe sleeping guidelines which 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 room-sharing new parents.
Mumsnetters adore this co-sleeper since it's big enough with plenty of space for babies to grow and wriggle and much bigger than a Moses basket. It's also simple to put together and comes with a bag for travel.
What is a bedside crib?
A bedside cot (also known as a side sleeper, bassinet or co-sleeper) is a safe way for your baby to rest close to you overnight during their first months. These cribs are attached to your bed and allow you to lift your baby out towards you at night for feeding or comforting without the threat of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome as a result of traditional bed sharing. These cribs are also ideal for mothers who are nursing or recovering from a cesarean.
They're usually a little smaller than a standard cot, but offer plenty of space for your baby to sleep. You can pick from different styles and features depending on your preferences. Many bedside cribs have the option of a drop-down or removable side, which makes it easier to reach your baby's night feeds and are available in a variety of heights to accommodate the size of your bed.
Some cribs with a bedside have a riser that allows you to add a slight incline to the sleep space which can help with reflux and a zip-off side for easy cleaning. Some have manual rocking features which can be a relaxing distraction for your baby. You'll also require a breathable mattress to go with your new crib. It must be at least 30cm deep to ensure your newborn has sufficient head room.
A bedside crib is an investment but you can be certain that your baby will be peaceful and safe night's sleep. With stars like Kate Hudson, Serena Williams and Gigi Hadid all being fans of the SNOO bedside crib, it's definitely worth looking into this elegant alternative to a moses basket.
Safety
Official safe sleeping guidance from the Lullaby Trust and NHS advises that newborn babies should be placed in the same bed as you for their first six months, but not in your bed to reduce the chance of suffocation and to lower the chance of sudden infant death syndrome. A bedside crib is an excellent option that lets your baby remain close enough to you to feed them during the night and comfort them back to sleep without having to get out of your own bed. It's also a great option for when you are recovering from an operation or C-section, and have limited mobility.
Our top pick for a bedside crib, the Silver Cross Slumber Carbon 3-in-1 bedside crib that travels cots is compact and folds down in a matter of seconds to fit into a travel bag making it ideal for travel 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 that allow air to flow. It also comes with an optional incline option. Additionally, it was awarded Gold at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for the Best Moses Basket or Cot Crib.
Chicco Next2me Magic is another excellent bedside crib. It was awarded Bronze at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It has built-in storage and a changing mat, is light (only 10kg) and features an adjustable side that makes it easy to access.
Style
For many mums, particularly those who have had C-sections A crib for bedside can be a blessing in disguise. They are attached to your bed so that you can easily reach your baby without needing to get up in order to feed them and soothe them quickly. They are also a great choice for breastfeeding mothers since their close proximity will help increase their milk supply.
In addition to being extremely useful, bassinets can look pretty elegant, which is why they're so popular. They're often a bit larger than Moses baskets and come in lots of different styles, some having additional features such as a gentle reflux incline setting. They are designed to be placed near your bed, they can usually be moved around the house when the baby grows older. Additionally, some are able to be taken on the go too which makes them ideal for new parents travelling.
When you are choosing a bedside cot It is essential to select a model that have easy-to-use drop sides. This allows you to lower your baby into the bassinet without lifting them up into your arms. This can be a challenge for mothers who have limited mobility. One such model is the Chicco Next2Me Magic which has been applauded by Mumsnetters and was shortlisted in our 2021 Mother&Baby Awards' Best Cot Moses, Crib or Basket category.
Another handy feature that some models come with is a transparent side that lets you see your baby at all times. This is particularly useful when you're groggy at 3am and need to feed your baby. bedside crib and travel cot could make a big difference. As noted by Emily our MFM home test participant, the Sleepiest BassiNest is an excellent choice. It is easy to lower.
Budget
If you're not quite ready to move to a larger cot the bedside crib could be a great option. The crib is attached to your bed, so you can reach your baby easily for night feeds or comfort them without disturbing yourself. It's a great option for those who are unable to move following an operation such as a C-section. Celebrity moms such as Binky Felstead and Stacey Solomon have also chosen this model.
Our Parent Testers loved the new version of this popular crib from Chicco which was awarded the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot Crib, Crib or Moses Basket. It's spacious and breathable, and comes with six different height settings for babies who are growing. There is also a gentle reflux setting. It can also be used as a travel cot. Additionally, it comes with a handy storage bag.
A bedside cot can be a little tricky to move around the home, but our Parent Testers found the Shnuggle Air near the crib to be easy to maneuver. It's one of the lighter options that can be tucked away in its own travel bag.
The SnuzPod is a different highly rated bedside cot that's easy to put together and fold away and packed with features that will ensure your child gets the best night's rest. It has a removable lift-off bassinet that fits more beds than any other cot, and its breathable fabric helps your baby regulate their temperature. It has a gentle rocking feature, as well as an incline for reflux. It's also light enough to use as a travel crib while you're on the move. It's a little more expensive than other bedside cots however our Parents Testers say it's well worth the extra money.