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 cot or Moses basket. A crib for bed is an effective and space-saving solution for parents who share a room.
Mumsnetters love this co-sleeper because it's large and spacious, with plenty of space for babies to grow and wriggle and far more substantial than a Moses basket. It is also easy to assemble, and comes with a bag for carrying.
What is a bedside cot?
Bedside cots (also known as bassinets, side sleepers, or co-sleepers) are an effective and safe method for your baby to sleep near you in the early months. These cribs are attached to your bed, allowing you to lift your child to you to feed them at night or for comforting. They're also a great choice for breastfeeding mothers or mothers recovering from a Caesarean section.
These cots are often a little smaller than standard cots however, they still provide plenty of space for your baby to sleep. You can pick from a variety of designs and features according to what you prefer. Many cribs with a bedside feature a removable or drop-down side to make it easier to reach the baby at night for feedings. They are also available in different heights depending on the size of your bed.
Some cribs for bedside use a riser which allows you to add an incline to the sleep area. This can help with reflux. They also have the option of a zip-off side to make cleaning easy. Other cribs have manual rocking functions which can be a relaxing distraction for your newborn. 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 cot is an investment, but you can be certain that your baby will be secure and comfortable sleep. Kate Hudson, Serena Williams and Gigi hadid are all fans of SNOO's crib for babies. It is definitely worth a look as an alternative to a Moses basket.
Safety
Official guidelines for safe sleep from the Lullaby Trust and NHS advises that newborns sleep in the same room as you during the first six months but not in your bed to lower the risk of suffocation, and to lower the chance of sudden infant death syndrome. A crib that is placed near your bed lets you keep your baby close to you to help soothe them to sleep and feed them at night without having to leave your bed. This is an excellent option if 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 crib to sleep in. It's compact and folds flat to fit in its travel bag, making it perfect for holidays or nights away from home. bedside crib travel 's the lightest option for a bedside crib and comes with a comfy deep foam mattress with mesh panels which allow air to flow. It also has an optional incline option. Additionally, it was awarded Gold at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for the Best Moses Basket or Cot Crib.
Chicco Next2me Magic is another fantastic bedside crib. It was awarded Bronze at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It features a built-in change mat and storage solutions and weighs only 10kg. It is light at 10kg, and comes with an adjustable side that slides down to make it easy to access.
Style
For many mothers, particularly those who are recovering from C-sections A crib that is placed near the bed can be an absolute godsend. They attach to your bed so that you can reach your baby easily without needing to get out of bed, allowing you to night feed them and soothe them quickly. The close proximity to the baby can also increase the production of milk for mothers who are breastfeeding.
As well as being incredibly practical, these bassinets are stylish too which is the reason they're so popular. Some are bigger than Moses Baskets and some come with additional features, like a gentle and incline. They're designed to sit next to your bed and can be moved around the house as baby grows. Some are portable so they're ideal for parents who travel.
It is important to choose a cot for your bed that has easy-to-use drop-sides. This lets you lower your infant into the bassinet without lifting them up into your arms. This can be a hassle for mothers with mobility issues. Chicco Next2Me Magic is one such model that has been praised and shortlisted by Mumsnetters in the category of the Best Cot or Crib Moses Basket for our 2021 Mother&Baby Awards.
Some models also have a transparent side, allowing you to always see your baby. This is especially useful when you are tired and sleepy when just a glance can make all the difference. One such option is the Sleepiest BassiNest which is easy to lower, as was noted by our MFM home tester Emily.
Budget
If you're not quite ready to make the transition to a larger cot, a bedside crib may be an ideal solution. The bassinet-style crib can be attached to your bed, so you can easily reach your baby for night feeds or comfort your child without causing disturbance. It's a great option for those who are unable to move after a C-section. Celebrity moms such as Binky Felstead and Stacey Solomon have also chosen this model.
Our Parents Testers loved this latest version of the popular Chicco crib, which took home the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards as the Best Cot or Crib. It's afclimatizing and spacious and has six height settings to accommodate growing babies as well as a gentle setting for incline. It can be used as a crib for travel and comes with a handy 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 is small enough to fit into its own travel bag, which means you can carry it with you on your travels.
The SnuzPod is another highly rated bedside cot that's simple to put together and fold away and comes with a variety of features for an enjoyable night's sleep. It has a lift-off bassinet that fits more beds than any other cot, and its breathable fabric can help your baby to regulate their temperature. It has a gentle rocking feature, as well as an incline to aid in reflux. It is also lightweight enough to be used as a travel crib when you are 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.