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 is a practical and space-saving option for parents who live together.
Mumsnetters adore the co-sleeper because it's 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?
Bedside cots (also known as bassinets, side sleepers or co-sleepers) are a safe and convenient way for your baby to be close to you during their first few months. These cribs are attached to your bed, allowing you to lift your child in your arms to feed them at night or even comfort them. These cribs are also great for mothers who are breastfeeding or recovering from a cesarean.
These cots are typically smaller than a standard cot however, they still provide plenty of space for your baby to rest. You can pick from different designs and features based on your preferences. A majority of cribs for bedside use a drop down or removable side that allows you to reach your baby's night feeds and are also available in different heights to accommodate the size of your bed.
Some cribs for bedside use an adjustable riser that allows you to add an incline to the sleeping area. This can help with reflux. They also come with an open side to make cleaning easy. bedside cot 6 months plus have manual rocking functions that can provide a relaxing distraction for your baby. You'll require a mattress that's breathable to go 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 sure your newborn will get a comfortable and safe sleep. Kate Hudson, Serena Williams, and Gigi Hadid are all big fans of SNOO's bedside crib. It is definitely worth considering as an alternative to a Moses basket.
Safety
Official safe sleeping guidelines from the Lullaby Trust and NHS advises that newborns be in the same room as you during the first six months but not in your bed, to decrease the risk of suffocation and to lower the chance of sudden infant death syndrome. A crib for bed allows you to keep your baby close to you to comfort them and even feed them at night without having to leave your bed. It's also great when you are unable to move after an operation or are recovering from an operation such as a C-section.
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 a travel bag, making it perfect for trips away on holidays or from home. It's among the lightest bedside cots available and comes with a the most comfortable deep foam mattress, air-flow panels and an incline setting, plus it won Gold in the 2021 Mother&Baby awards for the Best Crib, Cot, or Moses Basket.
Chicco Next2me Magic is another great bedside crib option. It won 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 can be lowered down for easy access.
Style
A bedside crib is a blessing for many mums, especially those who are recovering from C-sections. You can easily reach your baby without having to get out of your bed. This lets you soothe and feed your baby at night. The close proximity to your baby can also increase milk production for mothers who are breastfeeding.
As well as being incredibly useful, bassinets are stylish too which is the reason they're so popular. They are larger than Moses Baskets and some come with additional features like a gentle reflux incline. They are designed to be placed near your bed, they can usually be moved around the house when baby gets older and some can be carried to the go which makes them ideal for new parents traveling.
When you are choosing a bedside cot It is essential to select a model with drop sides that are easy to use. These allow you to lower your infant into the bassinet without having to lift them into your arms, which is difficult for mums with limited mobility. 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, or Moses Basket for our 2021 Mother and Baby Awards.
Another great feature that certain models come with is a translucent side that lets you see your baby at all times. This is particularly useful when you are groggy at 3am and need to feed your baby. A quick glance could make a big difference. As mentioned by Emily who is 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 are not ready to upgrade to a bigger crib. The cot is attached to the bed's side so you can easily reach your baby's night feeds and comfort them without disturbing your sleep. It's also a great choice for those with limited movement after a C-section and is a popular option for celeb moms like Stacey Solomon and Binky Felstead.
Our Parent Testers loved the new version of this well-loved crib from Chicco which was awarded the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket. It's large, breathable, and has six different height settings for babies who are growing. There is also a soft reflux setting. what is it worth can be used as a travel crib and comes with a storage case that is convenient for storage.
A bedside crib can be tricky to move around the home However, our Parents Testers found the Shnuggle Air on the side of the crib easy to maneuver. It is one of the lighter options that can be packed into its own travel bag.
The SnuzPod bedside cot is a highly rated product that's easy to fold and assemble with plenty of features for a restful night's sleep. 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 also has a gentle rocking function, as well as an incline setting to help with reflux, and is lightweight enough to be used as a travel cot if you're on the move. It's a bit more expensive than other bedside cots however our Parents Testers say it's well worth the extra cash.