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 crib or Moses basket. A bedside crib is a practical and space-saving option for parents who share a room.
Mumsnetters love the co-sleeper as it's spacious, with plenty of space for babies to grow and wriggle. It is also much bigger than the Moses Basket. It is also easy to put together, and comes with a carry bag.
What is a bedside cot?
Bedside cribs (also known as bassinets, side sleepers or co-sleepers) are a safe and convenient way for your baby to sleep with you during the first few months. These cribs can be attached to your bed and allow you to pull your child towards you for night-feeding or comforting. These cribs are also ideal for mums who are breastfeeding or recovering from a Cesarean Section.
These cots are often a little smaller than standard cots however, they still provide plenty of space for your baby to rest. You can pick from a wide range of designs and features according to what your preference is. A majority of cribs for bedside use a drop down or removable side that makes it easier to reach your baby's night feeds and are also available in various heights to suit the size of your bed.
Some cribs with a bedside have a riser which allows you to add an incline in the sleeping area. This can be helpful with reflux. They also have a zip off side to make cleaning easy. Some cribs come with manual rocking options that can provide a relaxing distractor for your infant. You'll need a mattress that is air-conditioned to match your crib. It should be at least 30cm in depth to give your baby enough headroom.
You can rest assured that your baby will be safe and secure in a bedside cot. With stars like Kate Hudson, Serena Williams and Gigi Hadid all awed by the SNOO bedside crib, it's definitely worth considering this fashionable alternative to a moses basket.
Safety
Official safe sleeping guidance from the Lullaby Trust and NHS advises that newborn babies should be placed in the same bed as you for the first six months, but not in your bed, to decrease the risk of suffocation, and to lower the chance of sudden infant death syndrome. A bedside crib allows you to keep your baby close to soothe them to sleep and even feed them at night without leaving your bed. This is also a great option if you are recovering from an operation or a 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 small and folds flat in a matter of seconds and fits into a travel bag so it's perfect for holidays and nights away from home. It's one of the lightest bedside cots available and comes with a an extremely comfortable mattress that has mesh air-flow panels, an optional incline setting, plus it was awarded Gold in the 2021 Mother&Baby awards for Best Crib, Cot, or Moses Basket.
Chicco Next2me Magic is another great bedside crib option. It won Bronze at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It comes with built-in storage and a changing mat, is light (only 10kg) and comes with an adjustable side that allows for easy access.
Style
A bedside crib can be a lifesaver for many mums, especially those recovering from C-sections. You can easily reach your baby without getting out of your bed. This lets you comfort and feed your baby at night. Being close to the baby can also help increase the production of milk for mothers who breastfeed.
In addition to being extremely convenient, these bassinets are elegant and that's why they're so popular. They are larger than Moses Baskets and some come with additional features like a gentle reflux upward slope. Designed to fit by your bed, they can be moved around your home when the baby grows older. Additionally, some can be carried to the go making them perfect for new parents traveling.
bedside crib travel cot is important to choose a cot for your bed with drop-sides that are easy to use. This lets you lower your baby into the bassinet without having to lift them up into your arms. This can be a challenge for mothers who have limited mobility. One of these models is the Chicco Next2Me Magic which has been highly praised by Mumsnetters and was shortlisted in our 2021 Mother&Baby Awards' Best Cot Crib, Moses or Crib Basket category.
Some models also come with a transparent side, allowing you to always see your baby. This is especially useful when you're exhausted at 3am and need to feed your child. A quick glance could make a big difference. As noted by Emily who is our MFM home tester Sleepiest BassiNest is a great option. It is easy to lower.
Budget
A bedside crib is a great option if you're not ready to move to a larger crib. This bassinet-style cot attaches to the side of your bed so that you can easily reach your baby for night feeds and comfort them without disturbing your own sleep. It's a great option for those who are unable to move following an operation such as a C-section. Famous moms like Binky Felstead and Stacey Solomon have also chosen this model.
Our Parents Testers loved this new version of the well-loved Chicco crib, which was awarded the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for the Best Cot or Crib. It's spacious and breathable and has six height settings to accommodate babies who are growing, and a gentle reflux incline setting. It can be used as a travel crib and comes with a storage case that is convenient for storage.
A bedside cot can be difficult to move around your home however our Parent Testers found the Shnuggle Air beside crib really easy to maneuver. It's one of the lightest options and is small enough to fit in its own travel bag, so you can take it along with you on your trip.
The SnuzPod bedside cot is yet another highly rated item that's easy to fold and assemble and comes with a variety of features to ensure the perfect night's rest. It has a removable lift-off bassinet that fits more beds than other cots. The fabric is breathable and helps keep your baby's temperature in check. It also features a soft rocking function and 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 little more expensive than other bedside cribs but Parents Testers agree that it's worth the extra cost.