How to Choose the Best Bedside Cot uk
Official safe sleeping guidance from both NHS and Lullaby Trust recommends that newborns sleep in their own crib or Moses basket. A crib that is placed near the bed is an effective and space-saving solution for parents who live together.
Mumsnetters adore this co-sleeper since it's spacious with lots of room for babies to grow and wriggle and more spacious than the size of a Moses basket. It's also simple to put together and comes with a carry-on bag.
What is a bedside crib?
A bedside cot (also called a bassinet, side sleeper or co-sleeper) is a safe way for your newborn to sleep close to you throughout their first months. These cribs are attached to your bed and allow you to pull your child in your arms to feed them at night or even comfort them. They're also a great option for mothers who are breastfeeding or recovering from a Caesarean section.
These cots are typically smaller than standard cots but they provide plenty of room for your baby to relax. You can choose from a variety of designs and features depending on what you like best. Many bedside cribs have an adjustable or drop down side, which makes it easier to reach your baby for night feeds and 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 add a slight rise to the sleep space which could help with reflux. It also has a zip-off side for easy cleaning. Some cribs come with manual rocking options that can be a soothing distractor for your infant. You'll also need a breathable mattress to match your new crib. It should be a minimum of 30cm deep to ensure that your newborn has enough headroom.
You can rest assured that your child will be comfortable and safe in a bedside cot. Kate Hudson, Serena Williams, and Gigi Hadid are all avid users of SNOO's bedside crib. It is definitely worth considering as an alternative to the Moses basket.
Safety
Official safe sleeping guidance from the Lullaby Trust and NHS advises that babies born today should be placed in the same bed as you during the first six months but not in your bed, to decrease the risk of suffocation and to decrease the risk of sudden infant death syndrome. A crib that is placed near your bed 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 needing to leave your bed. It's also a great option if you have limited mobility following an operation or recovering from a C-section.
Our top pick for a bedside cot, the Silver Cross Slumber Carbon 3-in-1 bedside crib for travel is compact and folds down in seconds to fit into its own travel bag so it's perfect for holidays and nights away from home. It's the lightest option for a bedside cot and comes with a comfy deep foam mattress with mesh panels that allow air to flow. travel cot bedside comes with an option for incline. Plus, it won Gold at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Moses basket or Cot Crib.
Another great bedside cot is the Chicco Next2me Magic bedside crib which was awarded Bronze in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It comes with built-in storage and a changing mat, is lightweight (only 10kg) and features an adjustable side that allows for easy access.
Style
A crib for your bed is a godsend for many moms, particularly those who are recovering from C-sections. They attach to your bed so you can easily reach your baby without needing to get up in order to feed them and soothe them quickly. Being close to the baby can also help increase the production of milk for mothers who are breastfeeding.
In addition to being extremely useful, bassinets can look pretty attractive too and that's why they're so popular. They're often a bit more spacious than Moses baskets and come in a variety of different styles, some having additional features like a gentle tilting of the reflux. They're designed to sit close to your bed and can be moved around the house as baby grows. Some are portable, so they're great for travelling parents.
It is important to choose an cot with bedside that is easy to use drop-sides. These let you lower your baby's bassinet without lifting them into your arms, which is difficult for mothers with mobility issues. Chicco Next2Me Magic is one such model that has been acknowledged and shortlisted by Mumsnetters in the category of the best Cot or Crib or Moses Basket for our 2021 Mother&Baby Awards.
Some models also have a translucent side, which allows you to see your baby. This is especially helpful when you are tired and sleepy when a quick glance can make all the difference. As mentioned by Emily, our MFM home test participant, the Sleepiest BassiNest is a great option. It is easy to lower.
Budget
A bedside crib is a fantastic option if you're not ready to upgrade to a bigger crib. The bassinet-style crib is attached to the bed's side 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 have limited movement following a C-section. Famous moms such as Binky Felstead and Stacey Solomon have also chosen it.
Our Parents Testers loved this new version of the well-loved Chicco crib, which was awarded the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards as the Best Cot or Crib. It is spacious, breathable, and has six different height settings for babies who are growing. There is also a soft reflux setting. It can also be used as a travel cot. Additionally, it comes with an easy-to-store storage bag.
It can be a challenge to move a bedside cot around the house however our Parents Testers stated that the Shnuggle Air beside cot was very 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 along with you on your trip.
The SnuzPod is another highly rated bedside cot that is easy to set up and take down and comes with a variety of features that will ensure your child gets a good night's sleep. It comes with a lift-off bassinet that fits more beds than any other cot and its breathable fabric can help your baby maintain their temperature. It features a soft rocking feature, as well as an incline to help with reflux. It's also light enough to be used as a travel crib when you are on the move. It's a bit more expensive than other bedside cots, but our Parents Testers say it's well worth the extra money.