How to Choose the Best Bedside Cot uk

Both the NHS and the 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 can be a space-saving and practical option for parents who share a room.

Mumsnetters love the co-sleeper as it's spacious, with plenty of room for baby's to grow and wiggle. It is also much larger than a Moses Basket. It's also simple to put together, and comes with a carry bag.

What is a bedside crib?

A bedside cot (also called a side sleeper, bassinet or co-sleeper) is a safe way for your baby to sleep close to you throughout their first few months. These cribs are attached to your bed and allow you to raise your baby towards you at night for feeding or comforting without the danger of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome associated with traditional bed-sharing. They're also a great option for breastfeeding mothers or mums recovering from a caesarean.

These cots are typically smaller than a standard cot, but still offer plenty of room for your baby to rest. You can pick from different 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 the baby during the night to feed them. They also come in different heights, based on the size of your bed.

Some cribs with a bedside have an adjustable riser that allows you to create an incline to the sleeping area. This can be helpful with reflux. They also have a zip off side to make cleaning easy. Others have manual rocking functions which can be a soothing distraction for your infant. You'll also require a comfortable mattress to go with your new crib. It must be at least 30cm deep to ensure your baby has enough head space.

A bedside cot is an investment, but you can be sure your baby will be peaceful and safe night's sleep. With the likes of Kate Hudson, Best Bedside Cot uk Serena Williams and Gigi Hadid all awed by the SNOO bedside crib co sleeper crib, it's definitely worth considering this stylish alternative to moses basket.

Safety

Official guidelines for safe sleep from the Lullaby Trust and NHS advises that newborn babies should sleep in the same room 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 crib that is placed near your bed is an excellent option that lets your baby comfortably be near enough for you to feed them at night and soothe them back to sleep without needing to leave your own bed. It is also a great option if you are recovering from an operation or a 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 small and folds flat in a matter of seconds and fits into its own bag for travel, which makes it perfect for trips to the beach and nights away from home. It's among the lightest bedside cots and has a comfy deep foam mattress that has mesh air-flow panels, and an tilting setting, and it was awarded Gold in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for the best Crib, Cot, or Moses Basket.

Another fantastic bedside cot is the Chicco Next2me Magic bedside crib which was awarded Bronze in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It has a built-in storage solution and changing mat, is lightweight (only 10kg) and features an adjustable side for easy access.

Style

A crib for your bed is a godsend for many mothers, particularly those who are recovering from C-sections. You can easily reach your baby without getting out of bed. This lets you comfort and feed your baby at night. They're an excellent choice for breastfeeding mothers as their close proximity will help increase their milk supply.

As well as being incredibly convenient, these bassinets can also look attractive too, which is why they're so popular. They're usually more spacious than Moses baskets and come in a variety of different styles, some featuring extra features, Best Bedside Cot uk like a soft tilt to the reflux. They're designed to fit close 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 is essential to select a cot for your bed with drop-sides that are easy to use. They allow you to lower your baby's bassinet without lifting them into your arms, which is difficult for moms with mobility issues. Chicco Next2Me Magic is one of the models that has been acknowledged and shortlisted by Mumsnetters in the category of the best Cot or Crib Moses Basket for our 2021 Mother and Baby Awards.

Some models also have a translucent side, allowing you to see your baby. This is especially helpful when you are tired and sleepy, when a quick glance can make all the difference. As noted by Emily our MFM home tester, the Sleepiest BassiNest is an excellent choice. It is easy to lower.

Budget

If you're still not ready to move to a full-sized cot, the bedside crib could be an ideal solution. The bassinet-style crib can be attached to your bed, ensuring that you can easily reach your baby for night feeds or comfort your child without causing disturbance. It's an excellent choice for those with restricted movement following the C-section. Celeb mums such as Binky Felstead and Stacey Solomon have also chosen it.

Our Parents Testers loved this latest version of the popular Chicco crib, which was awarded the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards as the best bedside cots cot bedside or Crib. It's spacious and breathable and comes with six height options to accommodate babies who are growing, plus a gentle reflux setting for the incline. It can be used as a travel crib and comes with a storage case that is convenient for storage.

A bedside cot mattress crib can be tricky to move around the home however our Parents Testers found the Shnuggle Air on the side of the crib easy to move around. It is one of the lighter options and can be tucked away in its own travel bag.

The SnuzPod bedside cot is a highly rated product that's simple to assemble and fold and comes with a variety of features to ensure the perfect night's rest. It has a bassinet that lifts off to fit more beds than any other cot and its breathable fabric helps your baby to regulate their temperature. It has a gentle rocking feature as well as an incline for reflux. It's also light enough to be used as a travel crib when you are traveling. It's more expensive than other cribs for bed however, Parent Testers believe it's worth the extra cost.