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 for bed is a practical and space-saving option for room-sharing new parents.
Mumsnetters love the co-sleeper because it's spacious, with plenty of room for babies to grow and wiggle. It is also much larger than a Moses Basket. It is also easy to assemble, and comes with a carry bag.
What is a bedside crib?
A bedside cot (also known as 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 are attached to your bed and allow you to pull your child in your arms for night-feeding or comforting. They're also a great option for mothers who are breastfeeding or recovering from a caesarean.
They're often slightly smaller than a regular cot or cotbed, yet they provide ample space for your baby to rest. You can pick from a variety of styles and features, according to what you prefer. A lot of cribs with a bedside feature a drop down or removable side, which makes it easier to reach your baby for evening feeds. They are also available in various sizes to fit the dimensions of your bed.
Some cribs with a bedside have a riser which allows you to create an incline to the sleep area. This can be helpful with reflux. They also have the option of a zip-off side for easy cleaning. Some cribs feature manual rocking options that can be a soothing distractor for your infant. You'll also require a breathable mattress for your new crib. It should be a minimum of 30cm in depth to ensure that your baby has enough head space.
You can be sure that your child will be safe and comfortable in a bedside cot. Kate Hudson, Serena Williams, and Gigi Hadid are all avid users of SNOO's bedside crib. It is definitely worth a look as an alternative to a Moses basket.
Safety
The Lullaby Trust, in conjunction with the NHS has issued 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 lower the risk of suffocation or sudden infant death syndrome. A crib that is placed near your bed is a fantastic option that allows your baby to comfortably be near enough for you to feed them during the night and help them return to sleep without needing to leave your own bed. It's also ideal if you have limited mobility following an operation or recovering from an operation such as a C-section.
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 small and folds flat to fit in its transport bag which makes it ideal for nights out on the town or away from home. It's the lightest option for a bedside cot and features a comfortable deep foam mattress with mesh panels that allow air to flow. It also has an optional incline option. Plus, it won Gold at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for the Best Moses Basket or Cot Crib.
Chicco Next2me Magic is another fantastic bedside crib. It was awarded Bronze at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It has a built-in changing mat and storage solutions, is lightweight at 10kg, and comes with an adjustable side that drops down for easy access.
Style
For a lot of moms, especially those recovering from a C-section A crib that is placed near the bed can be a blessing in disguise. You can easily reach your baby without having to get out of the bed. This allows you to comfort and feed your infant during the night. They are also a great choice for mothers who are breastfeeding as their close proximity will help boost their milk supply.
As well as being incredibly convenient, these bassinets are attractive too and that's why they're so popular. They are larger than Moses Baskets, and some have extra features such as a gentle reflux and incline. They are designed to be placed near your bed, they are able to be moved around the home as the baby grows older, and some are able to be taken with you on the go which makes them ideal for parents who are new to traveling.
It is important to choose a bedside cot that is easy to use drop-sides. This lets you lower your child into the bassinet, without lifting them up into your arms. This can be a hassle for mothers with limited mobility. One of them is the Chicco Next2Me Magic which has been applauded 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, which allows you to be able to always view your baby. This is especially useful during bleary-eyed 3am feeds, when just a glance can make all the difference. As mentioned by Emily, our MFM home test participant the Sleepiest BassiNest an excellent choice. best bedside cot is easy to lower.
Budget
A bedside crib is a great alternative if you're not yet ready to upgrade to a full-sized crib. The cot is attached to the side of your bed so you can easily reach your baby for night feeds and comfort them without disturbing your own sleep. It's also a great option for those with limited movement after an operation and is a popular choice with celeb mums including Stacey Solomon and Binky Felstead.
Our Parents Testers loved the new version of this well-loved crib from Chicco which was awarded the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket. It is spacious comfortable, breathable, and comes with six different height settings for growing babies. There is also a gentle reflux setting. It can be used as a crib for travel and comes with a handy storage case.
A bedside cot can be tricky to move around the home However, our Parents Testers found the Shnuggle Air on the side of the crib simple to move. It is one of the lighter options and can be put in its own travel bag.
The SnuzPod is a different highly rated bedside cot that is easy to assemble and fold away and comes with a variety of features to ensure an enjoyable night's sleep. It has a removable lift-off bassinet which fits more beds than other cots. The fabric is breathable and can help 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're out and about. It's a little more expensive than other bedside cots but our Parents Testers affirm that it's worth the extra cost.