How to Choose the Best Bedside Cot uk
Both the NHS and Lullaby Trust have issued official safe sleeping guidelines that recommend that newborns sleep only in their own Moses basket or cot. A crib for bed is an effective and space-saving solution for parents who share a room.
Mumsnetters adore this co-sleeper since it’s spacious with lots of room for babies to grow and play, and much bigger than a Moses basket. It’s also simple to put together and comes with a carry-on bag.
What is a bedside crib?
A bedside cot (also called a side sleeper, bassinet or co-sleeper) is a safe method for your newborn to sleep near you during their first few months. These cribs attach to your bed and allow you to pull your child towards you to feed them at night or even comfort them. These cribs are also great for mothers who are breastfeeding or recovering from a Cesarean Section.
These cots are typically smaller than a standard cot, but still offer plenty of space for your baby to sleep. You can choose from a variety of styles and features depending on your preferences. A majority of cribs for bedside use an adjustable or drop down side that makes it easier to reach your baby’s night feeds and are also available in different heights to suit the size of your bed.
Some cribs with a bedside have an adjustable riser that allows you to add a slight slope to the sleeping space that can aid in reflux and a zip-off side for easy cleaning. Some cribs feature manual rocking options which can provide a soothing distraction to your newborn. You’ll also require a comfortable mattress for your new crib. It should be a minimum of 30cm deep to ensure your newborn has sufficient head room.
You can rest assured that your baby will be comfortable and safe in a cot that is positioned at the bedside. With the likes of Kate Hudson, Serena Williams and Gigi Hadid all being fans of the SNOO bedside crib, it’s definitely worth considering this stylish 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 lower the risk of suffocation, and to decrease the risk of sudden infant death syndrome. A crib for bed allows you to keep your baby close to soothe them to sleep and night feed them without having to leave your bed. This is also a great option if you are recovering from an operation or a C-section, and have limited mobility.
Our top pick for a bedside cot the Silver Cross Slumber Carbon 3-in-1 bedside crib for travel is compact and folds flat in seconds to fit into its own bag for travel, which makes it perfect for trips to the beach and nights away from home. It’s one the lightest options for a bedside cot and has a soft, comfortable foam mattress with mesh panels that allow air to flow. It also comes with an option for incline. It also won Gold at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Moses Basket or Cot Crib.
Another great bedside cot is the Chicco Next2me Magic bedside crib that was awarded Bronze in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It comes with a built-in changing mat and storage solution, is lightweight at 10kg, and comes with an adjustable side that can be lowered down to make it easy to access.
Style
For many mothers, particularly those who have had a C-section A crib that is placed near the bed could prove to be a blessing in disguise. You can easily reach your baby without getting out of bed. This lets you soothe and feed your infant during the night. The close proximity to your baby can also increase milk production for mothers who breastfeed.
In addition to being extremely convenient, these bassinets can also look attractive too and that’s why they’re so sought-after. Some are bigger than Moses Baskets and some even have additional features such as a gentle reflux and incline. They’re designed to sit close to your bed and can be moved around the house as baby grows. Some are portable so they’re great for parents who travel.
It’s important to choose a bedside cot with drop-sides that are easy to use. bedside sleeper cot let you lower your infant into the bassinet without having to lift them into your arms, which is difficult for mothers with limited mobility. Chicco Next2Me Magic is one such model that has been highly praised and was shortlisted by Mumsnetters in the category of the Best Cot or Crib, or Moses Basket for our 2021 Mother&Baby Awards.
Some models also have a transparent side, allowing you to see your baby. This is especially helpful when you are groggy at 3am and you need to feed your baby. A quick glance can make a huge difference. As noted by Emily our MFM home tester the Sleepiest BassiNest a great option. It is simple to lower.
Budget
If you’re still not ready to make the transition to a larger cot, a bedside crib may be an ideal solution. The cot 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 an excellent choice for those with restricted movement after an operation such as a C-section. Celeb mums like Binky Felstead and Stacey Solomon have also chosen it.
Our Parents Testers loved this new version of the bestselling Chicco crib, which won 2021 Mother&Baby Awards as the Best Cot or Crib. It’s large and breathable, and has six height settings to accommodate growing babies, plus a gentle reflux setting for the incline. You can also use it as a travel cot. Additionally, it comes with an excellent storage bag.
It can be a challenge to move a bedside cot around the house However, our Parents Testers said that the Shnuggle Air next to the cot was easy to move. It’s among the lightest alternatives and is compact enough to fit into its own bag for travel, so you can take it with you when you travel.
The SnuzPod bedside cot is yet another highly rated product that’s simple to assemble and fold and comes with a variety of features to ensure a restful night’s sleep. It comes with a removable, lift-off bassinet that fits more beds than other cots. The fabric is breathable and helps regulate your baby’s temperature. It also has a gentle rocking function, as well as an incline setting for reflux, and is lightweight enough to use as a travel cot if you’re out and about. It’s a little more expensive than other bedside cribs but Parents Testers are of the opinion that it is worth the extra cost.
