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 cot or Moses basket. A crib that is placed near the bed can be practical and space-saving 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 much bigger than a Moses basket. It's also simple to put together and comes with a carry-on bag.
What is a bedside crib?
Bedside cots (also known as side sleepers, bassinets or co-sleepers) are a safe and convenient way for your baby to be close to you during their early months. These cribs are attached to your bed and allow you to bring your baby closer to you at night for feeding or comforting without the threat of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome that is a result of traditional bed-sharing. They're also a great choice for breastfeeding mothers or mums recovering from a Caesarean section.
They're usually a little smaller than a regular cot, but provide plenty of space for your baby to sleep. bedside crib vs cot can choose from various styles and features based on your preferences. Many bedside cribs have the option of a drop-down or removable side that allows you to reach your baby's night feeds and are also available in various heights to accommodate the size of your bed.
Some cribs for bedside use a riser which allows you to build an angle to the sleeping area. This can be helpful with reflux. They also have a zip off side to make cleaning easy. Some have manual rocking features which can be a soothing distraction for your baby. You'll also need a breathable mattress for your crib. It must be at least 30cm deep to ensure your newborn has enough headroom.
A bedside cot is an investment, but you can rest assured that your newborn will get a comfortable and safe sleep. With the likes of Kate Hudson, Serena Williams and Gigi Hadid all awed by the SNOO bedside crib, it's definitely worth considering this fashionable alternative to moses basket.
Safety
The Lullaby Trust, in conjunction with the NHS has issued official guidelines for safe sleeping that recommend that newborns stay in the same bedroom as their parents for the first six months. However they shouldn't sleep in your bed. This is to decrease the risk of suffocation or sudden infant death syndrome. A crib that is placed near your bed is a great option that allows your baby to remain close enough to you to feed them at night and help them return to sleep without having to leave your own bed. It's also ideal when you are unable to move after an operation or are recovering from an operation such as a C-section.
Our top choice for a bedside crib, the Silver Cross Slumber Carbon 3-in-1 bedside crib that travels cots is compact and folds flat in a matter of seconds and fits into its own bag for travel, which makes it perfect for trips to the beach and nights away from home. It's one the lightest options for a bedside cot. It features a comfortable deep foam mattress with mesh panels that allow air to flow. It also comes with an optional incline option. It also won Gold at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for 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
A bedside crib is a blessing for many mums, especially those who are recovering from C-sections. They can be attached to your bed so you can easily reach your baby without having to get up in order to feed them and comfort them quickly. They are also a great option for breastfeeding mothers since the close proximity can help boost the amount of milk they produce.
Alongside being incredibly practical, these bassinets are stylish too which is the reason they're so popular. They're typically larger than Moses baskets and are available in many different styles, some even having extra features such as a gentle tilt to the reflux. They're designed to sit next to your bed and can be moved around the house as your baby grows. Some are portable, so they're ideal for parents who travel.
When choosing a bedside cot It is essential to look for designs that have drop sides that are simple to use. They allow you to lower your infant into the bassinet without lifting them into your arms, which is difficult for moms with mobility issues. Chicco Next2Me Magic is one of the models that has been acknowledged and shortlisted by Mumsnetters in the category of the best Cot or Crib Moses Basket for our 2021 Mother&Baby Awards.
Another great feature that certain models come with is a transparent side that lets you observe your baby at all times. This is especially helpful during bleary-eyed 3am feeds, when a quick glance can make all the difference. As noted by Emily our MFM home tester, the Sleepiest BassiNest is a great option. It is simple to lower.
Budget
A bedside crib is a fantastic option if you're not ready to move to a larger crib. This bassinet-style crib attaches to your bed so that you can easily reach your baby to feed them at night or even comfort them without disturbing yourself. It's also a great choice for those with restricted movement following an operation and is a popular option for celeb moms like Stacey Solomon and Binky Felstead.
Our Parent Testers loved the new version of the well-loved Chicco crib, which took home the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards as the Best Cot or Crib. It is spacious, breathable, and has six different height settings for growing babies. There is also a soft reflux setting. It can be used as a travel crib and comes with a handy storage case.
A bedside crib can be difficult to move around the home however our Parent Testers found the Shnuggle Air on the side of the crib easy to maneuver. It's one of the lighter options and can be tucked away in its own travel bag.
The SnuzPod is a different highly rated bedside cot that is easy to put together and fold away and packed with features for the best night's rest. It comes with 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, as well as an incline to help with reflux. It's also light enough to be used as a crib for travel when you are traveling. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs for bed but Parents Testers are of the opinion that it is worth the extra expense.