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 can be an efficient and space-saving option for parents who share a room.
Mumsnetters love this co-sleeper because it's big enough with plenty of space for babies to grow and play and is much bigger than the size of a Moses basket. It's also easy to assemble, and comes with a bag for carrying.
What is a bedside crib?
A bedside cot (also called a side sleeper, bassinet or co-sleeper) is a safe way for your baby to sleep close to you throughout their first few months. These cribs attach to your bed and allow you to bring your baby closer to you to feed them at night or for comforting without the danger of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome as a result of traditional bed sharing. These cribs are also ideal for mothers who are nursing or recovering from a cesarean.
These cots are typically smaller than standard cots but they provide plenty of space for your baby to sleep. You can choose between various designs and features based on your preferences. Many bedside cribs come with the option of removing or dropping down the side to make it easier to reach your baby at night for feedings. They also come in different heights, based on your bed size.
Some bedside cribs come with an riser that permits you to add a slight slope to the sleeping space that can aid in reflux and an easy zip-off side for cleaning. Some cribs have manual rocking features that can provide a relaxing distraction to your newborn. You'll also need a breathable mattress to go with your new crib, which should be a minimum of 30cm deep to ensure that your newborn has enough headroom.
A bedside crib is an investment but you can be certain that your newborn will get a peaceful and safe night's sleep. With stars like Kate Hudson, Serena Williams and Gigi Hadid all awed by the SNOO bedside crib, it's worth considering this stylish alternative to moses basket.
Safety
The Lullaby Trust, in conjunction with the NHS has issued official guidelines for safe sleeping which recommend that babies sleep in the same bedroom as their parents for the first six months. However they should not be sleeping in your bed. This is to lower the risk of suffocation, or sudden infant death syndrome. A crib that is placed near your bed is a fantastic option that lets your baby remain close enough to you to feed them during the night and help them return to sleep without having to get out of your bed. It's also a great 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 choice for a crib to sleep in. It's compact and folds flat to fit into its travel bag and is perfect for holidays or nights away from home. It's among the lightest options for a bedside cot and comes with a comfy deep foam mattress with mesh panels which allow air to flow. It also comes with an incline option that can be added. Plus, it won Gold at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Cot Crib or Moses basket.
Chicco Next2me Magic is another great bedside crib option. It was awarded Bronze at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It features a built-in change mat and storage system and weighs only 10kg. It is light at 10kg, and features an adjustable side that drops down to make it easy to access.
Style
For many mums, particularly those recovering from C-sections A crib that is placed near the bed can be a blessing in disguise. They are attached to your bed so you can easily reach your baby without needing to get up in order to feed them and comfort them quickly. The close proximity to your baby can also increase milk production for mothers who breastfeed.
In addition to being extremely practical, these bassinets can look pretty stylish too, which is why they're so sought-after. Some are bigger than Moses Baskets, and some have extra features, like a gentle incline. They are designed to be placed near your bed, they can usually be moved around your home when the baby grows older. Additionally, some are able to be taken on the go too which makes them ideal for new parents travelling.
It is important to choose a bedside cot that has easy-to-use drop-sides. This allows you to lower your infant into the bassinet without lifting them up into your arms. This can be a hassle for mothers with limited mobility. Chicco Next2Me Magic is one of the models that has been highly praised and was shortlisted by Mumsnetters in the category of Best Cot or Crib or Moses Basket for our 2021 Mother&Baby Awards.
Some models also have a translucent side, allowing you to see your baby. This is especially helpful when you're groggy at 3am and you need to feed your baby. A quick glance could make a big difference. As noted by Emily, our MFM home tester, the Sleepiest BassiNest is a great option. It is easy to lower.
Budget
If you're not quite ready to move to a larger cot the bedside crib could be a great option. The crib is attached to your bed so that you can easily reach your baby for night feeds or comfort them without disturbing yourself. It's also a great choice for those suffering from limited movement after the birth, and is a popular option for celeb moms like Stacey Solomon and Binky Felstead.
Our Parents Testers loved the new version of the bestselling Chicco crib, which won 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for the Best Cot or Crib. It is spacious, breathable, and has six different height settings suitable for growing babies. There is also a soft reflux setting. It can be used as a crib for travel and comes with a handy storage case.
bedside cot used can be difficult to move around your home However, our Parent Testers found the Shnuggle Air beside crib really simple to move. It's one of the lightest options and can be packed into its own travel bag.
The SnuzPod bedside cot is another highly rated product that's easy to put together and fold away with plenty of features for the perfect night's rest. It has a removable lift-off bassinet which fits more beds than other cots. The fabric is breathable, and helps regulate your baby's temperature. It has a gentle rocking feature and an incline for reflux. It is also lightweight enough to use as a crib for travel when you're out and about. It's more expensive than other bedside cots, but our Parent Testers believe it's worth the extra cash.