How to Choose the Best Bedside Cot uk
Both the NHS and Lullaby Trust have issued official safe sleeping guidelines which advise that babies sleep in their own Moses basket or cot. A bedside crib can be an efficient and space-saving option 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 wriggle and far more substantial than the typical Moses basket. It's also easy to assemble and comes with a carry-on bag.
What is a bedside cot?
A bedside cot (also known as a bassinet, side sleeper or co-sleeper) is a secure way for your newborn to sleep close to you overnight during their first few months. These cribs are attached to your bed and allow you to pull your child in your arms to feed them at night or even comfort them. They're also a great option for breastfeeding mothers or mums recovering from a caesarean section.
They're usually a little smaller than a standard cot or cotbed, but provide plenty of space for your baby to rest. You can choose from various styles and features based on your preferences. Many bedside cribs have an adjustable or drop down side that makes it easier to reach your baby for evening feeds. They are available in a variety of heights to accommodate the size of your bed.
Some cribs with a bedside have an riser that permits you to add a slight incline to the sleep space which could help with reflux. It also has a zip-off side for easy cleaning. Some have manual rocking features that can provide a relaxing distraction for your newborn. You'll require a mattress that's air-conditioned to match your crib. It must be at least 30cm thick to give your baby enough headroom.
You can be sure that your child will be comfortable and safe in a cot that is positioned at the bedside. Kate Hudson, Serena Williams and Gigi Hadid are all avid users 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 for their first six months but not in your bed to lower the risk of suffocation and to lower the chance of sudden infant death syndrome. bedside cot newborn lets you keep your baby close to help soothe them to sleep and even feed them at night without leaving your bed. It is also a great option for when you are recovering from an operation or C-section and are unable to move.
Our top choice for a bedside cot, the Silver Cross Slumber Carbon 3-in-1 travel cot bedside crib is compact and folds flat in a matter of seconds to fit into a travel bag making it ideal for travel and nights away from home. It's one of the tiniest bedside cots and has a comfy deep foam mattress, air-flow panels, and an tilt setting, and it won Gold in the 2021 Mother&Baby awards for the Best Crib, Cot or Moses Basket.
Another great bedside cot is the Chicco Next2me Magic bedside crib that was awarded Bronze in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It comes with a built-in changing mat and storage solution, is lightweight at 10kg, and comes with an adjustable side that slides down to make it easy to access.
Style
A crib for your bed can be a lifesaver for many mothers, particularly those recovering from C-sections. You can easily reach your baby without having to get out of bed. This lets you comfort and feed your baby at night. The close proximity to your baby can also increase milk production for mothers who are breastfeeding.
These bassinets are not only functional, but also stylish. This is why they're so popular. They're often a bit more spacious than Moses baskets and come in a variety of different styles, with some having additional features like a gentle tilting of the reflux. They're designed to fit next to your bed and can be moved around the house as baby grows. Some are portable so they're great for parents who travel.
When you are choosing a bedside cot, it's important to look for designs that have easy-to-use drop sides. This lets you lower your infant into the bassinet without lifting them up into your arms. This can be difficult for mothers with mobility issues. One such model is the Chicco Next2Me Magic which has been applauded by Mumsnetters and was shortlisted in our 2021 Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket category.
Some models also come with a transparent side, which allows you to see your baby. This is especially useful when you're groggy at 3am and need to feed your child. A quick glance could make a huge difference. As noted by Emily our MFM home test participant Sleepiest BassiNest is an excellent choice. It is easy to lower.
Budget
A bedside crib is an excellent option if you're not ready to upgrade to a full-sized crib. The bassinet-style crib is attached to the side of your bed so that you can easily reach your baby's evening feeds and also comfort them without disrupting your sleep. It's a great option for those with restricted movement following a C-section. Celebrity moms like Binky Felstead and Stacey Solomon have also chosen this model.
Our Parents Testers loved this latest version of the popular Chicco crib, which won 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for the Best Cot or Crib. It's spacious and breathable and comes with six height settings to accommodate growing babies and a gentle reflux incline setting. It can also be used as a travel crib and comes with a handy storage case.
It can be difficult to move an upholstered bedside cot throughout the house however our Parents Testers reported that the Shnuggle Air next to the cot was easy to maneuver. It is one of the lighter options and can be packed into its own travel bag.
The SnuzPod is a different highly rated bedside cot that's simple to put together and fold away and comes with a variety of features that will ensure your child gets a good 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 has a gentle rocking function and an incline option for reflux, and is light enough to use as a travel cot when you're out and about. It's a little more expensive than other bedside cots, but our Parent Testers affirm that it's worth the extra cash.