How to Choose the Best Bedside Cot uk
Both the NHS and Lullaby Trust have issued official safe sleeping guidelines that advise that babies sleep in their own Moses basket or cot. A crib that is placed near the bed is a practical and space-saving option for room-sharing new parents.
Mumsnetters love this co-sleeper as it's big enough with plenty of room for babies to grow and play, and far more substantial than the typical Moses basket. It's also simple to put together and comes with a bag for travel.
What is a bedside cot?
A bedside cot (also known as a bassinet, side-sleeper or co-sleeper) is a safe way for your baby to sleep near you during the first few months of their life. These cribs are attached to your bed and let you bring your baby closer to 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 mums who are nursing or recovering from a cesarean section.
They are usually a little smaller than standard cots but they provide plenty of space for your baby to relax. You can pick from a wide range of styles and features, depending on what your preference is. Many cribs with a bedside feature a removable or drop-down side, which makes it easier to reach the baby at night for feedings. They also come in different heights, based on your bed size.
Some bedside cribs have a riser which allows you to add an incline in the sleep area. This can help with reflux. They also have a zip off side for easy cleaning. Some cribs come with manual rocking features that can be a soothing distractor for your infant. You'll also require a breathable mattress to match your crib. It should be a minimum of 30cm deep to ensure your newborn has enough headroom.
You can be confident that your child will be safe and comfortable in a bedside cot. Kate Hudson, Serena Williams, and Gigi hadid are all fans of SNOO's bedside crib. It is definitely worth a look as an alternative to the Moses basket.
Safety
The Lullaby Trust, in conjunction with the NHS has released official guidelines for safe sleep which recommend that babies stay in the same bedroom as their parents for the first six months. However, they should not sleep in your bed. This is to decrease the chance of suffocation and sudden infant death syndrome. A bedside crib is an excellent option that allows your baby to comfortably be near enough for you to night feed them and comfort them back to sleep without needing to leave your bed. It's an excellent option if you are recovering from an operation or C-section, and have limited mobility.
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 flat to fit into its bag for travel which makes it ideal for holidays or nights away from home. It's among the lightest options for a bedside cot and features a comfortable deep foam mattress with mesh panels that let air flow. It also comes with an option for incline. Plus, it won Gold at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for the Best Moses Basket or Cot Crib.
Another fab bedside cot option is the Chicco Next2me Magic bedside crib that won Bronze in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It comes with a built-in changing mat and storage solutions It weighs just 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 recovering from C-sections. They attach to your bed so you can reach your baby easily without needing to get out of bed and letting you feed them and soothe them quickly. Being close to the baby can also increase milk production for mothers who breastfeed.
In addition to being extremely convenient, these bassinets can look pretty elegant and that's why they're so sought-after. They're usually larger than Moses baskets and are available in many different styles, with some even having extra features such as a gentle tilting of the reflux. They are designed to fit right next to your bed and can be moved around the home as baby grows. Some are portable, so they're great for parents who travel.
When you are choosing a bedside cot it is important to select a model that have easy-to-use drop sides. These allow you to lower your baby's bassinet without needing to lift them into your arms, which is difficult for moms with limited mobility. One of them is the Chicco Next2Me Magic which has been highly praised by Mumsnetters and was shortlisted for our 2021 Mother&Baby Awards' Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket category.
Another great feature that certain models come with is a translucent side that lets you be able to see your baby at all times. This is particularly useful in the case of 3am feeds that are bleary-eyed where a quick glance can make all the difference. As mentioned by Emily, our MFM home tester, the Sleepiest BassiNest is a great option. It's easy to lower.
Budget
A bedside crib is an excellent option if you're not ready to upgrade to a bigger crib. The bassinet-style crib is attached to the side of your bed so you can easily reach your baby's night feeds and comfort them without disrupting your sleep. It's also a great option for those with restricted movement after a C-section, and is a popular option for celeb moms like Stacey Solomon and Binky Felstead.
Our Parents Testers loved this latest version of the bestselling Chicco crib, which was awarded the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for the Best Cot or Crib. It's large and breathable, and has six height settings to accommodate babies who are growing, plus a gentle reflux incline setting. It can also be used as a travel cot, and it comes with a handy storage bag.
It can be a challenge to move a bedside cot around the house However, our Parent Testers stated that the Shnuggle Air next to the cot was easy to move. It's one of the smallest options and small enough to fit into its own travel bag which means you can take it with you on your travels.
The SnuzPod bedside cot is yet another highly rated item that's easy to assemble and fold, with many features for the perfect night's rest. It comes with a bassinet that lifts off to fit more beds than any other cot, and its breathable fabric helps your baby to regulate their temperature. It has a gentle rocking feature, as well as an incline to help with reflux. It is also lightweight enough to use as a travel crib when you are on the move. It's a bit more expensive than other bedside crib s but Parents Testers are of the opinion that it is worth the extra cost.