How to Choose the Best Bedside Cot uk
Both the NHS and the Lullaby Trust have issued official safe sleeping guidelines which advise that babies sleep in their own Moses basket or cot. A bedside crib is practical and space-saving for parents who share a room.
Mumsnetters love the co-sleeper as 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 crib?
A bedside cot (also known as a bassinet, side-sleeper or co-sleeper) is a safe way for your baby to rest near you during their first few months. These cribs fix to your bed and let you bring your baby closer to you to feed them at night or for comforting without the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome that is a result of traditional bed-sharing. These cribs are also great for mums who are nursing or recovering from a Cesarean Section.
These cots are typically a little smaller than standard cots however, they still provide plenty of space for your baby to sleep. You can pick from a wide range of designs and features depending on what you like best. A majority of cribs for bedside use an adjustable or drop down side that makes it easier to reach your baby's feeding at night. They are available in a variety of heights to suit the size of your bed.
Some cribs with a bedside have a riser which allows you to build an incline to the sleeping area. This can aid in reducing reflux. They also have an open side to make cleaning easy. Some cribs feature manual rocking options that can provide a relaxing distraction for your baby. You'll also require a breathable mattress to match your new crib. It should be a minimum of 30cm deep to ensure that your newborn has sufficient head room.
You can be sure that your baby will be safe and comfortable in a cot that is positioned at the bedside. Kate Hudson, Serena Williams and Gigi hadid are all fans of SNOO's bedside crib. 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 be placed in the same bed as you for their first six months, but not in your bed to lower the chance of suffocation and to decrease the risk of sudden infant death syndrome. A crib that is placed near your bed lets you keep your baby close to you to soothe them to sleep and even feed them at night without having to leave your bed. It is also a great option if you are recovering from an operation or C-section, and have limited mobility.
Our top choice for a bedside crib, the Silver Cross Slumber Carbon 3-in-1 travel cot bedside crib is small and folds flat in a matter of seconds to fit into its own bag for travel, so it's perfect for holidays and nights away from home. It's among the lightest options for a bedside crib and comes with a comfy deep foam mattress with mesh panels that allow air to flow. It also has an incline option that can be added. 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 has built-in storage and a changing mat, is lightweight (only 10kg) and features an adjustable side that makes it easy to access.
Style
For a lot of moms, especially those recovering from C-sections A crib for bedside can prove to be an absolute godsend. They are attached to your bed so that you can reach your baby easily without having to get up in order to feed them and soothe them quickly. bedside cosleeper are also a great option for breastfeeding mothers as their close proximity will help increase their milk supply.
They are not just practical, but also stylish. This is why they're so sought-after. Some are more spacious than Moses Baskets and some come with additional features like a gentle reflux and incline. They are designed to be placed near your bed, they can be moved around the house as the baby grows older, and some are able to be taken on the go too which makes them ideal for new parents traveling.
When choosing a bedside cot it is important to look for designs that have easy-to-use drop sides. These let you lower your infant into the bassinet without needing to lift them into your arms, which is difficult for moms with limited mobility. Chicco Next2Me Magic is one of these models that has been praised and shortlisted by Mumsnetters in the category of the best Cot or Crib, or Moses Basket for our 2021 Mother and Baby Awards.
Another useful feature that a few models come with is a translucent side that lets you be able to see your baby at all times. This is especially helpful when you're groggy at 3am and you need to feed your child. A quick glance could make a huge difference. As mentioned by Emily, our MFM home test participant Sleepiest BassiNest is a great option. It is simple to lower.
Budget
If you're not ready to make the transition to a larger cot a bedside crib may be a great option. The bassinet-style crib can be attached to your bed, ensuring that you can reach your baby easily for feedings at night or cuddle your child without causing disturbance. It's a great option for those who are unable to move after a C-section. Famous moms such as Binky Felstead and Stacey Solomon have also chosen this model.
Our Parents Testers loved the new version of this bestselling crib from Chicco which was awarded the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Cot Crib, Crib or Moses Basket. It's large and breathable, and comes with six height settings to accommodate growing babies, and a gentle reflux setting for incline. It can also be used as a travel cot, and it comes with an easy-to-store storage bag.
A bedside crib can be difficult to move around your home however our Parents Testers found the Shnuggle Air beside crib really simple to move. It's one of the lightest options and small enough to fit into its own travel bag, which means you can carry it along with you on your trip.
The SnuzPod bedside cot is yet another highly rated product that's simple to assemble and fold with plenty of features for the perfect night's rest. It comes with a removable, adjustable bassinet that lifts off, which can fit more beds than other cots. The fabric is breathable, and helps keep your baby's temperature in check. It also has a gentle rocking function and an incline option for reflux, and it's light enough to be used as a travel cot when you're on the move. It's a bit more expensive than other cots for bed, but our Parent Testers say it's well worth the extra money.