How to Choose the Best Bedside Cot uk
Both the NHS and Lullaby Trust have issued official safe sleeping guidelines which advise that babies sleep in their own Moses basket or cot. A crib that is placed near the bed is a practical and space-saving option for room-sharing new parents.
Mumsnetters adore the co-sleeper because it is spacious, with plenty of room for babies to grow and play. It's also bigger than the Moses Basket. It's also easy to assemble and comes with a travel bag.
What is a bedside crib?
Bedside cots (also called bassinets, side sleepers, or co-sleepers) are an effective and safe method for your baby to be close to you during the first few months. These cribs fix 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 often a little smaller than a standard cot, but still offer plenty of space for your baby to rest. You can pick from various styles and features depending on your preferences. Many bedside cribs have a drop down or removable side, which makes it easier to reach your baby for feeding at night. They are also available in various sizes to fit the dimensions of your bed.
Some cribs for bedside use an adjustable riser that allows you to add a slight incline to the sleep area that can help with reflux and the ability to zip off the sides for easy cleaning. Other cribs have manual rocking functions which can be a relaxing distraction for your infant. You'll also need a breathable mattress to go with your crib. It must be at least 30cm deep to ensure that your newborn has enough headroom.
You can rest assured that your baby will be comfortable and safe in a bedside cot. With the likes of Kate Hudson, Serena Williams and Gigi Hadid all fans of the SNOO bedside crib, it's definitely worth considering this stylish alternative to 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 shouldn't sleep in your bed. This is to decrease the chance of suffocation and sudden infant death syndrome. A bedside crib is a great option that allows your child to comfortably be near enough for you to feed them at night and help them return to sleep without having to leave your own bed. This is also a great option if you are recovering from an operation or C-section and are unable to move.
Our top choice for a bedside cot the Silver Cross Slumber Carbon 3-in-1 travel cot bedside crib is small and folds flat in a matter of seconds and fits into its own travel bag so it's perfect for holidays and nights away from home. It's one of the lightest bedside cot options and has an extremely comfortable mattress, 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.
Chicco Next2me Magic is another great bedside crib option. It won Bronze at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It has built-in storage and a changing mat, is lightweight (only 10kg) and comes with an adjustable side that makes it easy to access.
Style
For a lot of moms, especially those recovering from C-sections A crib for bedside can prove to be a blessing in disguise. They are attached to your bed so you can reach your baby easily without needing to get out of bed and letting you feed them and comfort them quickly. They are also a great choice for mothers who are breastfeeding as close proximity can boost the amount of milk they produce.
They are not just convenient but also fashionable. This is why they're so popular. They're often a bit larger than Moses baskets and come in lots of different styles, with some featuring extra features like a gentle reflux incline setting. Designed to fit by your bed, they are able to be moved around the house when the baby grows older. Additionally, some can be carried to the go which makes them ideal for new parents travelling.
It is essential to select a bedside cot with drop-sides that are easy to use. These let you lower your infant into the bassinet without lifting them into your arms, which is difficult for mothers with mobility issues. bedside cot co sleeper is one of these models that has been highly praised and was shortlisted by Mumsnetters in the category of the best Cot or Crib or Moses Basket for our 2021 Mother and Baby Awards.
Some models also have a translucent side, allowing you to be able to always view your baby. This is especially useful during bleary-eyed 3am feeds where just a glance can make all the difference. One such option is the Sleepiest BassiNest which is easy to lower as noted by our MFM home tester Emily.
Budget
If you're not quite ready to make the leap to a larger cot, an infant crib on your bed could be an ideal solution. The bassinet-style crib is attached 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 an excellent choice for those who are unable to move after a C-section. Celebrity moms like Binky Felstead and Stacey Solomon have also chosen this model.
Our Parents Testers loved this latest version of the bestselling Chicco crib, which was awarded the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Cot or Crib. 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 crib for travel and comes with a handy storage case.
A bedside crib can be difficult to move around your home, but our Parents Testers found the Shnuggle Air near the crib to be easy to maneuver. It is among the lighter options that can be packed into its own travel bag.
The SnuzPod is another highly rated bedside cot that's simple to set up and take down, with plenty of features for a good night's sleep. It has a removable, adjustable bassinet that lifts off, which can fit more beds than other cots. The fabric is breathable and can help to regulate your baby's temperature. It has a gentle rocking feature, as well as an incline for reflux. It is also lightweight enough to be used as a travel crib when you're traveling. It's a bit more expensive than other cots for bed, but our Parent Testers say it's well worth the extra money.