How to Choose the Best Bedside Cot uk
Official guidelines for safe sleep from both NHS and Lullaby Trust recommends that newborns sleep in their own crib or Moses basket. A bedside crib can be an efficient and space-saving option for parents who share a room.
Mumsnetters adore this co-sleeper since it's large and spacious, with plenty of room for baby to grow and play, and much bigger than the typical Moses basket. It's also simple to put together and comes with a carry bag.
What is a bedside crib?
A bedside cot (also called a side sleeper, bassinet or co-sleeper) is a safe method for your baby to sleep close to you overnight during their first months. These cribs are attached to your bed and let you lift your child to you to feed them at night or even comfort them. These cribs are also ideal for mothers who are nursing or recovering from a cesarean.
They're typically smaller than a standard cot or cotbed, yet offer plenty of space for your baby to lay down. You can choose from a variety of styles and features depending on your preferences. A majority of cribs for bedside use an adjustable or drop down side that allows you to reach your baby's night feeds and are also available in different heights to suit the size of your bed.
Some cribs for bedside use an adjustable riser that allows you to add a slight slope to the sleep space which could help with reflux. It also has an easy zip-off side for cleaning. Some cribs feature manual rocking features which can provide a soothing distractor for your infant. You'll also require a breathable mattress to match your new crib. It must be at least 30cm deep to ensure that your newborn has sufficient head room.
A bedside crib is a major investment, but you can rest assured that your baby will have a comfortable and safe sleep. With stars like Kate Hudson, Serena Williams and Gigi Hadid all fans of the SNOO bedside crib, it's definitely worth considering this stylish alternative to a moses basket.
Safety
The Lullaby Trust, in conjunction with the NHS has released official guidelines for safe sleeping that recommend that newborns are in the same room as their parents for the first six months. However they should not be sleeping in your bed. This is to decrease the risk of suffocation or sudden infant death syndrome. A bedside crib is a great option that allows your baby to remain close enough to you to feed them at night and comfort them back to sleep without needing to leave your bed. It's also ideal 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 travel cot bedside crib 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 among the lightest options for a bedside crib and has a soft, comfortable foam mattress with mesh panels that let air flow. It also comes with 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 comes with an integrated storage unit and changing mat, is light (only 10kg) and features an adjustable side that allows for easy access.
Style
For many mothers, particularly those who have had a C-section A crib for bedside can prove to be a blessing in disguise. They are attached to your bed so you can easily reach your baby without having to get out of bed and letting you feed them and comfort them quickly. They are an excellent choice for breastfeeding mothers as close proximity can boost their milk supply.
Alongside being incredibly practical, these bassinets are elegant, which is why they're so sought-after. Some are bigger than Moses Baskets and some even have additional features such as a gentle reflux incline. They are designed to fit next to your bed and can be moved around the house as your baby grows. Some are portable, which means they're great for parents who travel.
When you are choosing a bedside cot it is important to look for designs that have drop sides that are simple to use. This lets you lower your child into the bassinet, without having to lift them up into your arms. This can be a challenge for mothers with limited mobility. Chicco Next2Me Magic is one of the models that has been praised and shortlisted by Mumsnetters in the category of Best Cot or Crib, or Moses Basket for our 2021 Mother&Baby Awards.
what is it worth have a transparent side, which allows you to always see your baby. This is particularly useful when you're groggy at 3am and need to feed your baby. A quick glance could make a big difference. As mentioned by Emily, our MFM home test participant, the Sleepiest BassiNest is a great option. It is easy to lower.
Budget
If you're still not ready to move to a larger cot a bedside crib may be a great option. This Web page -style crib attaches to your bed, ensuring that you can reach your baby easily to feed them at night or even comfort them without causing any disturbance to yourself. It's also a great option for those with restricted movement after a C-section, and is a popular choice with celeb mums including Stacey Solomon and Binky Felstead.
Our Parents Testers loved the new model of this bestselling crib from Chicco that won the 2021 Mother&Baby Award for Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket. It's spacious and breathable and comes with six height options to accommodate growing babies, plus a gentle reflux incline setting. You can also use it as a travel cot, and it comes with an excellent storage bag.
It can be a challenge to move an upholstered bedside cot throughout the home However, our Parents Testers reported that the Shnuggle Air next to the cot was simple to move. It's one of the lightest options and is compact enough to fit into its own bag for travel, which means you can carry it along with you on your trip.
The SnuzPod bedside cot is a highly rated product that's easy to assemble and fold with plenty of features for an unwinding night's sleep. It comes with a removable, lift-off bassinet that fits more beds than other cots. The fabric is breathable, and helps to regulate your baby's temperature. It also features a soft rocking function and an incline option for reflux, and is lightweight enough to be used as a travel cot while you're on the move. It's a bit more expensive than other cots for bed but our Parent Testers believe it's worth the extra cost.