How to Choose the Best Bedside Cot uk
Both the NHS and the 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 can be an efficient and space-saving option for parents who live in a room together.
Mumsnetters love the co-sleeper because it’s big and has plenty of space for babies to grow and play. It is also much larger than a Moses Basket. It’s also simple to put together, and comes with a carry bag.
What is a bedside crib?
A bedside cot (also called a side sleeper, bassinet or co-sleeper) is a safe method for your baby to rest close to you throughout the first few months of their life. These cribs are attached to your bed and let you bring your baby closer to you at night for feeding or comforting without the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome associated with traditional bed-sharing. These cribs are also great for mums who are breastfeeding or recovering from a cesarean.
They’re often slightly smaller than a regular cot or cotbed, yet they provide ample space for your baby to sleep. You can choose from a variety of styles and features, according to what your preference is. Many cribs with a bedside feature an adjustable or drop-down side, which makes it easier to reach the baby bedside cot during the night to feed them. They also come in various heights based on the size of your bed.
Some bedside cribs have an adjustable riser that allows you to add an angle to the sleep area. This can be helpful with reflux. They also come with an open side for easy cleaning. Some have manual rocking features which can be a soothing distraction for your infant. You’ll also require a comfortable mattress to go with your crib. It should be a minimum of 30cm in depth to ensure that your newborn has sufficient head room.
You can be sure 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 fans of the SNOO bedside crib, it’s definitely worth considering this stylish alternative to a 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 sleep in your bed. This is to reduce the risk of suffocation, or sudden infant death syndrome. A crib that is placed near your bed allows you to keep your baby close to you to comfort them and feed them at night without having to leave your bed. It is an excellent option if you are recovering from an operation or a C-section and are unable to move.
Our top pick for a bedside crib, the Silver Cross Slumber Carbon 3-in-1 travel cot bedside cot wooden crib [linked resource site] is compact and folds flat in seconds to fit into its own travel bag making it ideal for travel and nights away from home. It’s one of the tiniest bedside cot options and has an extremely comfortable mattress with mesh air-flow panels, and an tilting setting, and it was awarded 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 which was awarded Bronze in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It comes with a built-in changing mat and storage solution and weighs only 10kg. It is light at 10kg, and features an adjustable side that slides down for easy access.
Style
For many mothers, particularly those who are recovering from C-sections A crib for bedside travel crib could prove to be a blessing in disguise. They attach to your bed so you can reach your baby easily without having to get up in order to feed them and soothe them quickly. Being close to the baby can also help increase the amount of milk produced by mothers who breastfeed.
As well as being incredibly convenient, these bassinets can also look elegant and that’s why they’re so sought-after. They are larger than Moses Baskets, and some have extra features like a gentle reflux upward slope. They are designed to fit close to your bed and can be moved around the house as your baby grows. Some are portable, which means they’re great for parents who travel.
It is essential to select an cot with bedside crib and cot that is easy to use drop-sides. These allow you to lower your baby’s bassinet without lifting them into your arms, which can be difficult for mums who have limited mobility. One such model is the Chicco Next2Me Magic which has been praised by Mumsnetters and was shortlisted in our 2021 Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot Moses, Crib or Basket category.
Some models also have a transparent side, which allows you to be able to always view your baby. This is especially useful when you are groggy at 3am and you need to feed your child. A quick glance could make a huge difference. One such option is the Sleepiest BassiNest which is easy to lower as noted by our MFM home tester Emily.
Budget
If you’re not quite ready to move to a larger cot, an infant crib on your bed could be a great option. This bassinet-style crib attaches to your bed so that you can reach your baby easily for night feeds or comfort your child without causing disturbance. It’s also a great option for those who suffer from restricted movement after the birth and is a favorite option for celeb moms like Stacey Solomon and Binky Felstead.
Our Parent Testers loved the new version of this popular crib from Chicco which was awarded the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket. It is spacious, breathable, and has six different height settings for babies who are growing. There is also a soft reflux setting. It can also be used as a crib for travel and comes with a convenient storage case.
A bedside cot can be a little difficult to move around the home however our Parent Testers found the Shnuggle Air beside crib really easy to maneuver. It is among the lightest options and can be packed into its own travel bag.
The SnuzPod is another 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 lift-off bassinet that fits more beds than any other cot and its breathable fabric can help your baby regulate their temperature. It also has a soft rocking function and an incline option for reflux, and it’s light enough to use as a travel cot if you’re out and about. It’s more expensive than other cribs for bed, but Parent Testers believe it’s worth the extra expense.