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 bedside crib is a practical and space-saving option 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 wiggle. It's also bigger than a Moses Basket. It's also easy to put together, and comes with a bag for carrying.
What is a bedside crib?
A bedside cot (also called a bassinet, side-sleeper or co-sleeper) is a secure way for your baby to rest close to you overnight during their first months. These cribs attach 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 ideal for mums who are breastfeeding or recovering from a cesarean.
These cots are typically smaller than a standard cot however, they still provide plenty of room for your baby to relax. You can choose from a wide range of styles and features, depending on what your preference is. bedside baby sleeper of cribs for bedside use the option of removing or dropping down the side that makes it easier to reach the baby during feeding time at night. They also come in different heights, based on the size of your bed.
Some bedside cribs come with an adjustable riser that allows you to add a slight incline to the sleep area that can aid in reflux and the ability to zip off the sides for easy cleaning. Some cribs have manual rocking options that can provide a relaxing distractor for your infant. You'll require a mattress that's comfortable to be used with your crib. It must be at least 30cm thick to give your baby enough headroom.
You can be sure that your child will be safe and secure in a cot that is positioned at the bedside. 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
The Lullaby Trust, in conjunction with the NHS has issued official guidelines for safe sleeping that advise 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 chance of suffocation and sudden infant death syndrome. A crib that is placed near your bed is a great option that lets your baby comfortably be near enough for you to feed them during the night and comfort them back to sleep without needing to leave your bed. It's also great when you are unable to move following an operation or recovering from an operation such as a C-section.
Silver Cross Slumber Carbon 3 in 1 travel cot bedside crib is our top pick for a crib that can be used as a bedside. It's compact and folds down flat to fit into a bag for travel which makes it ideal for trips away on holidays or from home. It's one the lightest options for a bedside cot and has a soft, comfortable foam mattress with mesh panels that allow air to flow. It also comes with an option for incline. 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 a built-in storage solution and changing mat, is light (only 10kg) and comes with an adjustable side that makes it easy to access.
Style
For a lot of moms, especially those who are recovering from a C-section, a bedside crib can prove to be a blessing in disguise. They attach 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. 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 attractive too which is the reason they're so sought-after. Some are more spacious than Moses Baskets, and some have extra features like a gentle reflux incline. The baskets are designed to fit under your bed, they are able to be moved around your home when baby gets older and some can be carried with you on the go which makes them ideal for parents who are new to traveling.
When you are choosing a bedside cot It is essential to look for designs with drop sides that are easy to use. This allows you to lower your baby into the bassinet without lifting them up into your arms. This can be difficult 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 the best Cot or Crib Moses Basket for our 2021 Mother and Baby Awards.
Some models also have a translucent side, which allows you to always see your baby. This is especially useful when you're exhausted at 3am and need to feed your child. A quick glance could make a big difference. One such option is the Sleepiest BassiNest that is easy to lower, as outlined by our MFM home tester Emily.
Budget
A bedside crib is an excellent option if you are not ready to move to a full-sized crib. This bassinet-style cot attaches to the bed's side to allow you to easily reach your baby for feedings at night and soothe them without disturbing your own sleep. It's an excellent choice for those with restricted movement following a C-section. Celeb mums such as Binky Felstead and Stacey Solomon have also chosen this model.
Our Parent Testers loved this new version of the popular Chicco crib, which took home the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for the Best Cot or Crib. It's large and breathable, and has six height settings to accommodate growing babies plus a gentle reflux setting for incline. You can also use it as a travel cot, and it comes with a handy storage bag.
It can be difficult to move an upholstered bedside cot throughout the home However, our Parent Testers stated that the Shnuggle Air beside cot was very easy to move. It's one of the lighter options and can be tucked away in its own travel bag.
The SnuzPod bedside cot is another highly rated product that's easy to fold and assemble, with many features for an unwinding night's sleep. It has a removable, adjustable bassinet that lifts off, which can fit more beds than other cots. The fabric is breathable and can help 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 little more expensive than other cribs for bed but Parents Testers are of the opinion that it is worth the extra expense.