How to Choose the Best Bedside Cot uk
Official guidelines for safe sleep from both NHS and Lullaby Trust recommends that newborns sleep in their own cot or Moses basket. 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 baby to grow and play, and more spacious than the size of a Moses basket. It's also easy to put together and comes with a carry-on bag.
What is a bedside crib?
A bedside cot (also known as a side sleeper, bassinet or co-sleeper) is a safe way for your baby to rest close to you overnight during their first months. These cribs are attached to your bed and allow you to pull your child towards you for night-feeding or comforting. These cribs are also ideal for mothers who are nursing or recovering from a cesarean section.
These cots are often smaller than standard cots however, they still provide plenty of room for your baby to sleep. You can choose between various styles and features depending on your preferences. Many bedside cribs have a drop down or removable side that allows you to reach your baby for evening feeds. They are available in a variety of heights to suit the size of your bed.
Some cribs with a bedside have a riser which allows you to create an incline to the sleeping area. This can help with reflux. They also have the option of a zip-off side to make cleaning easy. Some cribs have manual rocking options which can provide a soothing distraction for your baby. You'll also require a breathable mattress to match your new crib. It must be at least 30cm deep to ensure your newborn has enough headroom.
You can be sure that your child will be safe and comfortable in a cot that is positioned at the bedside. With the likes of Kate Hudson, Serena Williams and Gigi Hadid all fans of the SNOO bedside crib, it's worth looking into this elegant alternative to a moses basket.
Safety
Official guidelines for safe sleep from the Lullaby Trust and NHS advises that babies born today should sleep in the same room as you for their 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 crib that is placed near your bed is an excellent option that allows your baby to safely be close enough for you to feed them at night and comfort them back to sleep without having to leave your bed. It's also a great option if you are recovering from an operation or a C-section and are unable to move.
Silver Cross Slumber Carbon 3 in 1 travel cot bedside crib is our top choice for a crib to sleep in. It's compact and folds flat to fit into a transport bag which makes it ideal for nights out on the town or away from home. It's one the lightest options for a bedside cot. It features a comfortable deep foam mattress with mesh panels which allow air to flow. It also comes with an incline option that can be added. Plus, it won Gold at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Moses Basket or Cot Crib.
Another fantastic bedside cot is the Chicco Next2me Magic bedside crib that was awarded Bronze in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It has an integrated storage unit and changing mat, is light (only 10kg) and comes with an adjustable side that makes it easy to access.
Style
A bedside crib can be a lifesaver for many mothers, particularly those who are recovering from C-sections. You can easily reach your baby without having to get out of your bed. This lets you provide comfort and food to your infant at night. They are also a great option for mothers who are breastfeeding as close proximity can boost their milk supply.
These bassinets are not only practical, but also fashionable. This is why they are so popular. They're often a bit larger than Moses baskets and are available in many different styles, some having additional features, like a soft tilt to the reflux. Designed to fit by your bed, they can be moved around your home when baby gets older and some are able to be taken with you on the go, making them great for new parents traveling.
It is important to choose a bedside cot with drop-sides that are easy to use. This allows you to lower your infant into the bassinet without lifting them up into your arms. This can be a challenge for mothers with mobility issues. One such model is the Chicco Next2Me Magic which has been highly praised by Mumsnetters and was shortlisted in our 2021 Mother&Baby Awards' Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket category.
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 in the case of 3am feeds that are bleary-eyed where a quick glance can make all the difference. As was noted by Emily our MFM home tester Sleepiest BassiNest is an excellent choice. It's easy to lower.
Budget
If you're not ready to move to a full-sized cot, a bedside crib may be the perfect solution. The crib is attached to your bed so that you can reach your baby easily to feed them at night or even comfort them without disturbing yourself. It's a great choice for those who are unable to move after the C-section. Celebrity moms such as Binky Felstead and Stacey Solomon have also chosen it.
Our Parent Testers loved the new version of the popular Chicco crib, which was awarded the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Cot or Crib. It is spacious and breathable, and comes with six different height settings for growing babies. There is also a gentle reflux setting. It can also be used as a travel cot, and it comes with an excellent storage bag.
It can be a challenge to move a bedside cot around the house However, our Parents Testers stated that the Shnuggle Air beside cot was very simple to move. It is among the lighter options that can be packed into its own travel bag.
The SnuzPod is a different highly rated bedside cot that's simple to assemble and fold away, with plenty of features to ensure the best night's rest. It has a removable adjustable bassinet that lifts off, which can fit more beds than other cots. The fabric is breathable, and helps to regulate your baby's temperature. It also has a gentle rocking function, as well as an incline option for reflux, and it's light enough to be used as a travel cot when you're out and about. It's more expensive than other bedside crib s however, Parent Testers believe it's worth the extra cost.