How to Choose the Best Bedside Cot uk
Both the NHS and Lullaby Trust have issued official safe sleeping guidelines that advise that babies sleep in their own Moses basket or cot. A bedside crib can be a space-saving and practical option for parents who live in a room together.
Mumsnetters love the co-sleeper because it is spacious, with plenty of room for baby's to grow and wriggle. It is also much larger than the Moses Basket. It's also simple to put together and comes with a bag for travel.
What is a bedside cot?
A bedside cot (also called a bassinet, side sleeper or co-sleeper) is a safe way for your baby to sleep close to you throughout the first few months of their life. These cribs attach to your bed and let you lift your child to you to feed them at night or for comforting. They're also a great option for breastfeeding mothers or mothers recovering from a caesarean.
They're usually a little smaller than a standard cot, but provide plenty of space for your baby to lay down. You can pick from different designs and features based on your preferences. Many bedside cribs have an adjustable or drop down side that makes it easier to reach your baby for night feeds and are also available in different sizes to fit the dimensions of your bed.
Some cribs for bedside use a riser that allows you to add a slight slope to the sleep space which can aid in reflux and a zip-off side for easy cleaning. Some cribs feature manual rocking features that can be a soothing distraction for your baby. You'll require a mattress that's breathable to go with your crib. It should be at least 30cm deep to allow your baby plenty of headroom.
You can rest assured that your baby will be safe and comfortable in a cot that is positioned at the bedside. With the likes of Kate Hudson, Serena Williams and Gigi Hadid all being fans of the SNOO bedside crib, it's definitely worth considering this fashionable alternative to a moses basket.
Safety
Official safe sleeping guidelines from the Lullaby Trust and NHS advises that newborns be in the same room as you for the first six months, but not in your bed to lower the chance of suffocation and to reduce the chance of sudden infant death syndrome. A bedside crib lets you keep your infant close to you to help comfort them and even feed them at night without leaving your bed. This is an excellent option if you are recovering from an operation or C-section and are unable to move.
Silver Cross Slumber Carbon 3 in 1 travel cot bedside Crib is our top pick for a bedside crib. It's compact and folds flat to fit into a travel bag which makes it ideal for trips away on holidays or from home. It's among the lightest options for a bedside crib and comes with a comfy deep foam mattress with mesh panels that let air flow. It also comes with an option for incline. Additionally, bedside cots for newborns was awarded Gold at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Moses Basket or Cot Crib.
Another fantastic bedside cot is the Chicco Next2me Magic bedside crib which was awarded Bronze in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It comes with a built-in storage solution and changing mat, is lightweight (only 10kg) and comes with an adjustable side for easy access.
Style
A bedside crib is a blessing for many mums, especially those recovering from C-sections. You can easily reach your baby without having to get out of bed. This lets you soothe and feed your baby at night. The close proximity to your baby can also increase milk production for mothers who are breastfeeding.
In addition to being extremely practical, these bassinets can look pretty attractive too and that's why they're so sought-after. They are larger than Moses Baskets and some even have additional features like a gentle reflux and incline. The baskets are designed to fit under your bed, they can usually be moved around the house when the baby grows older. Additionally, some are portable enough to take on the go too, making them great for new parents traveling.
It's important to choose a bedside cot that is easy to use drop-sides. This lets you lower your infant into the bassinet without having to lift them up into your arms. This can be difficult for mothers with mobility issues. Chicco Next2Me Magic is one of the models that has been praised and shortlisted by Mumsnetters in the category of Best Cot or Crib, or Moses Basket for our 2021 Mother and Baby Awards.
Another handy feature that some models come with is a translucent side that allows you to be able to see your baby at all times. This is especially useful when you are groggy at 3am and you need to feed your baby. A quick glance could make a big difference. As mentioned by Emily who is our MFM home test participant the Sleepiest BassiNest 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 a great option. This bassinet-style cot attaches to the side of your bed to allow you to easily reach your baby for feedings at night and soothe them without disturbing your sleep. It's an excellent choice for those who have limited movement after the C-section. Celeb mums such as Binky Felstead and Stacey Solomon have also chosen this model.
Our Parent Testers loved this new version of the popular Chicco crib, which took home the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Cot or Crib. It is spacious, breathable, and has six different height settings for babies who are growing. There is also a gentle reflux setting. It can be used as a crib for travel and comes with a convenient storage case.
A bedside cot can be tricky to move around the home however our Parents Testers found the Shnuggle Air near the crib to be easy to maneuver. It's one of the lightest options and can be put in its own travel bag.
The SnuzPod bedside cot is yet another highly rated product that's simple to fold and assemble with plenty of features for an unwinding night's sleep. It comes with a bassinet with a lift-off that can fit more beds than any other cot and its breathable fabric can help your baby regulate their temperature. It also has a soft rocking function, as well as an incline option for reflux, and is lightweight enough to be used as a travel cot if you're on the move. bedside cots for newborns 's more expensive than other bedside cribs, but Parent Testers believe it's worth the extra expense.