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 can be practical and space-saving for parents who share a room.
Mumsnetters love this co-sleeper because it's spacious with lots of room for baby to grow and play, and much bigger than a Moses basket. It's also easy to assemble and comes with a carry-on bag.
What is a bedside cot?
Bedside cots (also known as bassinets, side sleepers, or co-sleepers) are a safe and convenient way for your baby to be close to you during their early months. These cribs attach 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 as a result of traditional bed sharing. They're also a great choice for breastfeeding mothers or mums recovering from a Caesarean section.
They are usually smaller than standard cots however, they still provide plenty of room for your baby to relax. You can choose between various styles and features depending on your preferences. A lot of cribs with a bedside feature the option of a drop-down or removable side that makes it easier to reach your baby's feeding at night. They are also available in various heights to accommodate 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 a zip off side for easy cleaning. Some cribs have manual rocking features which can provide a soothing distractor for your infant. You'll require a mattress that's comfortable to be used with your crib. It should be at least 30cm in depth to allow your baby plenty of headroom.
A bedside crib is a major 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 worth looking into this elegant alternative to 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 decrease the risk 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 safely be close enough for you to night feed them and comfort them back to sleep without needing to leave your bed. It's also ideal if you have limited mobility after an operation or recovering from C-section.
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 seconds to fit into its own bag for travel, so it's perfect for holidays and nights away from home. It's one of the tiniest bedside cots available and comes with a an extremely comfortable mattress, air-flow panels, and an tilting setting, and it won Gold in the 2021 Mother&Baby awards for the 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 has built-in storage and a changing mat, is light (only 10kg) and features an adjustable side for easy access.
Style
A bedside crib is a godsend for many mums, especially those 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 soothe them quickly. They're also a great choice for breastfeeding mothers as the close proximity can help boost their milk supply.
These bassinets are not only convenient but also fashionable. This is why they're so sought-after. They're usually bigger than Moses baskets and are available in many different styles, some featuring extra features, like a soft reflux incline setting. They are designed to fit right next to your bed and can be moved around the home as baby grows. Some are portable, which means they're great for travelling parents.
It is essential to select a cot for your bed with drop-sides that are easy to use. This lets you lower your infant into the bassinet without having to lift them up into your arms. This can be a challenge for mothers who have limited mobility. One of them is the Chicco Next2Me Magic which has been highly praised by Mumsnetters and was shortlisted for our 2021 Mother&Baby Awards' Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket category.
Another great feature that certain models come with is a transparent side that lets you observe your baby at all times. This is particularly useful when you're exhausted at 3am and have to feed your child. A quick glance can make a huge difference. As noted by Emily our MFM home test participant the Sleepiest BassiNest an excellent choice. It is simple to lower.
Budget
A bedside crib is a great option if you're not ready to upgrade to a bigger crib. The cot is attached to the side of your bed so you can easily reach your baby for evening feeds and also comfort them without disturbing your own sleep. bedside rocking crib cotsfortots 's also a great choice for those with restricted movement following an operation, and is a popular option with famous mothers like Stacey Solomon and Binky Felstead.
Our Parents Testers loved the new version of the popular Chicco crib, which took home the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards as the Best Cot or Crib. It is spacious and breathable, and comes with six different height settings for growing babies. There is also a gentle reflux setting. You can also use it as a travel cot, and it comes with an easy-to-store storage bag.
It can be a challenge to move a bedside cot around the home however our Parent Testers stated that the Shnuggle Air next to the cot was easy to maneuver. It is among the lighter options and can be put in its own travel bag.
The SnuzPod is a different highly rated bedside cot that's simple to assemble and fold away and comes with a variety of features to ensure an enjoyable night's sleep. It has a removable lift-off bassinet that fits more beds than other cots. The fabric is breathable, and helps to regulate your baby's temperature. It also has a gentle rocking function, as well as an incline setting to help with reflux, and is lightweight enough to be used as a travel cot while you're on the move. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs for bed, but Parent Testers are of the opinion that it is worth the extra cost.