How to Choose the Best Bedside Cot uk
Both the NHS and Lullaby Trust have issued official safe sleeping guidelines, which suggest that infants sleep in their own Moses basket or cot. A crib that is placed near the bed can be a space-saving and practical option for parents who share a room.
Mumsnetters adore the co-sleeper because it's big and has plenty of room for baby's to grow and play. It's also bigger than the Moses Basket. It's also simple to put together and comes with a travel bag.
What is a bedside cot?
A bedside cot (also called a side sleeper, bassinet or co-sleeper) is a safe method for your baby to sleep near you during their first few months. These cribs fix to your bed and allow you to lift your baby out towards you for night feeding or comforting without the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome that is a result of traditional bed-sharing. They're also a great choice for breastfeeding mothers or mums recovering from a caesarean section.
They're usually a little smaller than a standard cot or cotbed, but offer plenty of space for your baby to rest. You can pick from a wide range of designs and features depending on what you prefer. A majority of cribs for bedside use the option of a drop-down or removable side that makes it easier to reach your baby for night feeds and are available in a variety of heights to accommodate the size of your bed.
Some cribs for bedside use a riser which allows you to create an incline in the sleeping area. This can be helpful with reflux. They also come with an open side to make cleaning easy. Some cribs come with manual rocking options that can be a soothing distractor for your infant. You'll need a mattress that is air-conditioned to match your crib. It should be at least 30cm thick to give your baby enough headroom.
A bedside crib is a major investment, but you can rest assured that your baby will have a secure and comfortable sleep. With the likes of Kate Hudson, Serena Williams and Gigi Hadid all being fans of the SNOO bedside crib, it's worth considering this stylish alternative to moses basket.
Safety
The Lullaby Trust, in conjunction with the NHS has released 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 risk of suffocation, or sudden infant death syndrome. A crib that is placed near your bed lets you keep your baby close to help calm them down and even feed them at night without having to leave your bed. It's also a great option when you are unable to move after an operation or are recovering from a C-section.
Our top choice for a bedside cot, the Silver Cross Slumber Carbon 3-in-1 bedside crib that travels cots is compact and folds flat in a matter of seconds to fit into its own travel bag making it ideal for travel and nights away from home. It's one the lightest options for a bedside crib and has a soft, comfortable foam mattress with mesh panels that allow air to flow. It also comes with an optional incline option. Additionally, it was awarded Gold at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Moses basket or Cot Crib.
Chicco Next2me Magic is another excellent bedside crib. It won Bronze at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It has a built-in changing mat and storage solutions, is lightweight at 10kg, and features an adjustable side that can be lowered down for easy access.
Style
A bedside crib is a godsend for many mums, especially those who are recovering from C-sections. You can easily reach your baby without having to get out of bed. This allows you to provide comfort and food to your infant at night. They are an excellent choice for breastfeeding mothers since close proximity can boost their milk supply.
Bassinets aren't just convenient but also stylish. This is why they are so popular. bedside rocking crib than Moses baskets and come in a variety of different styles, with some even having extra features, like a soft tilting of the reflux. They're designed to fit right next to your bed and can be moved around the house as baby grows. Some are portable, which means they're ideal for parents who travel.
When choosing a bedside cot it is important to look for designs that have easy-to-use drop sides. 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 mobility issues. Chicco Next2Me Magic is one of these 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.
Some models also have a translucent side, allowing you to be able to always view your baby. This is especially helpful in the case of 3am feeds that are bleary-eyed, when just a glance can make all the difference. One such option is the Sleepiest BassiNest which is simple to lower, as outlined by our MFM home tester Emily.
Budget
A bedside crib is a fantastic option if you are not ready to move to a bigger crib. The bassinet-style crib is attached to the bed's side so you can easily reach your baby's night feeds and comfort them without disrupting your sleep. It's a great option for those who are unable to move after the C-section. Celebrity moms like Binky Felstead and Stacey Solomon have also chosen this model.
Our Parent Testers loved the new model of this well-loved crib from Chicco that won the 2021 Mother&Baby Award for Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket. It's spacious and breathable and has six height settings to accommodate babies who are growing, plus a gentle reflux setting for the incline. You can also use it as a travel cot. Additionally, it comes with an easy-to-store storage bag.
A bedside cot can be a little difficult to move around your home, but our Parent Testers found the Shnuggle Air on the side of the crib simple to move. It's among the lightest options and compact enough to fit into its own travel bag which means you can take it with you when you travel.
The SnuzPod is another highly-rated bedside cot that's simple to set up and take down, with plenty of features that will ensure your child gets a good night's sleep. It has a removable lift-off bassinet which fits more beds than other cots. The fabric is breathable and helps keep your baby's temperature in check. It has a gentle rocking feature and an incline to help with reflux. It's also light enough to use as a travel crib when you are out and about. It's a little more expensive than other bedside cots, but our Parent Testers believe it's worth the extra cash.