How to Choose the
Best Bedside Cot uk
Official guidelines for safe sleep from both NHS and Lullaby Trust recommends that newborns sleep in their own crib or Moses basket. A crib for bed is an efficient and space-saving choice for parents who live together.
Mumsnetters adore the co-sleeper because it is spacious, with plenty of space for babies to grow and play. It's also bigger than the Moses Basket. It's also easy to put together and comes with a carry-on bag.
What is a bedside cot?
Bedside cots (also called side sleepers, bassinets or co-sleepers) are an ideal and safe way for your baby to sleep with you during their first few months. These cribs attach to your bed and allow you to raise your baby towards you for night feeding or comforting without the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome as a result of traditional bed sharing. They're also a great option for breastfeeding mothers or mothers recovering from a Caesarean section.
These cots are often a little smaller than a standard cot, but still offer plenty of room for your baby to relax. You can choose from a wide range of designs and features according to what your preference is. Many bedside cribs come with a removable or drop-down side that makes it easier to reach your baby at night for feedings. They are also available in different heights depending on the size of your bed.
Some cribs with a
bedside crib and travel cot have an riser that permits you to add a slight slope to the sleep space which can help with reflux and a zip-off side for easy cleaning. Some cribs have manual rocking options that can provide a relaxing distraction to your newborn. You'll also require a breathable mattress to go with your new crib. It should be a minimum of 30cm deep to ensure that your newborn has sufficient head room.
A bedside crib is a major investment, but you can be sure your baby will be secure and comfortable sleep. With stars like Kate Hudson, Serena Williams and Gigi Hadid all being fans of the SNOO bedside crib, it's definitely worth considering this fashionable alternative to moses basket.
Safety
Official safe sleeping guidelines from the Lullaby Trust and NHS advises that newborns be in the same room as you during the first six months, but not in your bed, to decrease the risk of suffocation and to lower the chance of sudden infant death syndrome. A bedside crib is a fantastic option that lets your baby comfortably be near enough for you to feed them at night and help them return to sleep without having to get out of your bed. It's also a great option for when you are recovering from an operation or a C-section, and have limited mobility.
Silver Cross Slumber Carbon 3 in 1 travel
cot bedside crib is our top choice for a bedside crib. It's small and folds flat to fit in its bag for travel which makes it ideal for nights out on the town or away from home. It's the lightest option for a bedside crib and features a comfortable deep foam mattress with mesh panels that allow air to flow. It also has an incline option that can be added. Additionally, it was awarded Gold at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for the Best Moses basket or Cot Crib.
Another fantastic bedside cot is the Chicco Next2me Magic bedside crib that was awarded Bronze in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It has a built-in storage solution and changing mat, is lightweight (only 10kg), and has an adjustable side that allows for easy access.
Style
A bedside crib is a godsend for many moms, particularly those who are recovering from C-sections. They attach to your bed so that you can easily reach your baby without needing to get up in order to feed them and comfort them quickly. They are also a great option for breastfeeding mothers since their close proximity will help boost their milk supply.
They are not just functional, but also fashionable. This is why they're so sought-after. Some are bigger than Moses Baskets, and some have extra features, like a gentle upward slope. They are designed to fit close 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.
It is essential to select an cot with bedside that has easy-to-use drop-sides. These let you lower your baby into the bassinet without lifting them into your arms, which is difficult for mums with mobility issues. One such model is the Chicco Next2Me Magic which has been praised by Mumsnetters and was shortlisted for our 2021 Mother&Baby Awards' Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket category.
Some models also come with a transparent side, allowing you to see your baby. This is particularly useful during bleary-eyed 3am feeds, when just a glance can make all the difference. As mentioned by Emily who is our MFM home tester the Sleepiest BassiNest an excellent choice. It's easy to lower.
Budget
If you're not quite ready to move to a larger cot a
bedside cot crib crib may be an ideal solution. The crib is attached to your bed, so you can reach your baby easily to feed them at night or even comfort them without disturbing yourself. It's also a great option for those with restricted movement after the birth and is a favorite option for celeb moms like Stacey Solomon and Binky Felstead.
Our Parent Testers loved the new version of the well-loved Chicco crib, which took home the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Cot or Crib. It's spacious and breathable and comes with six height settings to accommodate growing babies and a gentle reflux setting for incline. It can also be used as a travel crib and comes with a handy storage case.
It can be a challenge to move an upholstered bedside cot throughout the home However, our Parent Testers reported that the Shnuggle Air beside cot was very easy to maneuver. It's among the lightest options and small enough to fit in its own bag for travel, which means you can take it with you when you travel.
The SnuzPod is a different highly rated bedside cot that's simple to put together and fold away and packed with features that will ensure your child gets a good night's sleep. It has a removable, lift-off bassinet which fits more beds than other cots. The fabric is breathable, and helps keep your baby's temperature in check. It also features a soft rocking feature and an incline setting for reflux, and is light enough to be used as a travel cot while you're on the move. It's a bit more expensive than other bedside cots however our Parent Testers believe it's worth the extra money.