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 is a practical and space-saving option for parents who share a room.
Mumsnetters love the co-sleeper as it's big and has plenty of space for babies to grow and wiggle. It is also much larger than the Moses Basket. It's also easy to assemble, and comes with a carry bag.
What is a bedside cot?
A bedside cot (also called a side sleeper, bassinet or co-sleeper) is a safe way for your newborn to sleep close to you throughout their first few months. These cribs are attached to your bed and allow you to lift your baby out towards you to feed them at night or for comforting without the threat of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome that is a result of traditional bed-sharing. These cribs are also ideal for mothers who are nursing or recovering from a Cesarean Section.
These cots are typically a little smaller than standard cots, but still offer plenty of room for your baby to relax. You can pick from a variety of styles and features, depending on what you prefer. A majority of cribs for bedside use a drop down or removable side that allows you to reach your baby for evening feeds. They are available in a variety of sizes to fit the dimensions of your bed.
Some cribs with a bedside have an adjustable riser that allows you to create an incline in the sleep area. This can aid in reducing reflux. They also have an open side for easy cleaning. Some cribs have manual rocking features which can provide a soothing distraction to your newborn. You'll also require a breathable mattress to match your new crib. It should be a minimum of 30cm deep to ensure your baby has enough head space.
You can be confident that your child will be safe and secure in a cot that is positioned at the bedside. With stars like Kate Hudson, Serena Williams and Gigi Hadid all being fans of the SNOO bedside crib, it's definitely worth considering this fashionable alternative to moses basket.
Safety
Official safe sleeping guidelines from the Lullaby Trust and NHS advises that babies born today should sleep in the same room as you during the first six months but not in your bed to reduce the risk of suffocation and to decrease the risk of sudden infant death syndrome. A bedside crib is a great option that allows your child to comfortably be near enough for you to night feed them and help them return to sleep without having to leave your own bed. It's also a great option if you have limited mobility after an operation or are recovering from an operation such as a C-section.
Silver Cross Slumber Carbon 3 in 1 bedside cot travel cot is our top pick for a bedside crib. It's compact and folds down flat to fit in its bag for travel, making it perfect for trips away on holidays or from home. It's among the lightest bedside cot options and has a comfy deep foam mattress with mesh 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.
Another great bedside cot is the Chicco Next2me Magic bedside crib that won Bronze in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It has built-in storage and a changing mat, is lightweight (only 10kg) and comes with an adjustable side that makes it easy to access.
Style
For a lot of moms, especially those who have had C-sections A crib that is placed near the bed can be an absolute godsend. They attach to your bed so you can easily reach your baby without needing to get up in order to feed them and comfort them quickly. They are also a great option for mothers who are breastfeeding as their close proximity will help boost their milk supply.
As well as being incredibly convenient, these bassinets are elegant, which is why they're so sought-after. They're typically larger than Moses baskets and come in lots of different styles, some even having extra features, like a soft reflux incline setting. 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 ideal for parents who travel.
When choosing a bedside cot, it's important to look for designs that have easy-to-use drop sides. This allows you to lower your baby into the bassinet without lifting them up into your arms. This can be a hassle for mothers who have limited mobility. Chicco Next2Me Magic is one of these models that has been acknowledged and shortlisted by Mumsnetters in the category of Best Cot or Crib or Moses Basket for our 2021 Mother and Baby Awards.
Another handy feature that some models have is a transparent side that allows you to see your baby at all times. This is especially useful when you are tired and sleepy where one glance could make all the difference. One such option is the Sleepiest BassiNest, which is easy to lower as noted by our MFM home tester Emily.
Budget
A bedside crib is an excellent option if you're not ready to move to a larger crib. The cot is attached to the bed's side to allow you to easily reach your baby's evening feeds and also comfort them without disturbing your sleep. It's a great option for those who are unable to move after a C-section. Famous moms like Binky Felstead and Stacey Solomon have also chosen this model.
Our Parent Testers loved the 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 comes with six height options to accommodate babies who are growing, plus a gentle reflux setting for incline. her response can be used as a travel crib and comes with a storage case that is convenient for storage.
A bedside cot can be a little difficult to move around your home However, our Parent Testers found the Shnuggle Air beside crib really simple to move. It is one of the lightest options and can be tucked away in its own travel bag.
The SnuzPod is another highly rated bedside cot that's simple to put together and fold away and packed with features to ensure the best night's rest. It has a bassinet that lifts off to fit more beds than any other cot and its breathable fabric can help your baby to regulate their temperature. It also has a soft rocking function, as well as an incline option for reflux, and is light enough to be used as a travel cot when you're out and about. It's a bit more expensive than other bedside cribs however, Parent Testers are of the opinion that it is worth the extra expense.