How to Choose the Best Bedside Cot uk
Both the NHS and the Lullaby Trust have issued official safe sleeping guidelines, which recommend that newborns sleep only in their own Moses basket or cot. A bedside crib can be a space-saving and practical option for parents who share a room.
Mumsnetters adore this co-sleeper since it's large and spacious, with plenty of room for babies to grow and play and is much bigger than the typical Moses basket. It's also easy to assemble and comes with a carry-on bag.
What is a bedside cot?
Bedside cots (also called bassinets, side sleepers or co-sleepers) are a safe and convenient way for your baby to sleep with you in the early months. These cribs fix to your bed and let you bring your baby closer to you for night feeding or comforting without the danger of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome that is a result of traditional bed-sharing. These cribs are also great for mums who are nursing or recovering from a cesarean section.
These cots are often smaller than a standard cot, but still offer plenty of room for your baby to sleep. You can pick from a wide range of styles and features, according to what your preference is. A lot of cribs for bedside use a removable or drop-down side to make it easier to reach the baby at night for feedings. They are also available in different heights depending 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 help with reflux. They also come with the option of a zip-off side to make cleaning easy. Others have manual rocking functions which can be a relaxing distraction for your baby. You'll also require a comfortable mattress to go with your new crib, which must be at least 30cm deep to ensure your baby has enough head space.
You can be sure that your child will be comfortable and safe in a bedside cot. With stars like Kate Hudson, Serena Williams and Gigi Hadid all fans of the SNOO bedside crib, it's definitely worth looking into this elegant alternative to moses basket.
Safety
The Lullaby Trust, in conjunction with the NHS has released official guidelines for safe sleeping which recommend 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 bedside crib lets you keep your baby close to you to soothe them to sleep and even feed them at night without having to leave your bed. It is also a great option if you are recovering from an operation or a C-section, and have limited mobility.
Silver Cross Slumber Carbon 3 in 1 travel cot bedside Crib is our top choice for a crib that can be used as a bedside. It's compact and folds down flat to fit into its bag for travel, making it perfect for trips away on holidays or from home. It's the lightest option for a bedside crib and features a comfortable deep foam mattress with mesh panels which allow air to flow. It also has an optional incline option. Plus, it won Gold at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Moses Basket or Cot Crib.
bedside cot mattress is another great bedside crib option. It won Bronze at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It features a built-in change mat and storage solution and weighs only 10kg. It is light at 10kg, and features an adjustable side that drops down to make it easy to access.
Style
For a lot of moms, especially those recovering from C-sections, a bedside crib could prove to be a blessing in disguise. They can be attached to your bed so you can easily reach your baby without needing to get out of bed in order to feed them and soothe them quickly. They're an excellent choice for mothers who are breastfeeding as their close proximity will help boost their milk supply.
Alongside being incredibly useful, bassinets can also look elegant and that's why they're so popular. Some are bigger than Moses Baskets, and some have extra features, like a gentle 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 ideal for parents who travel.
It is important to choose an cot with bedside that is easy to use drop-sides. They allow you to lower your baby's bassinet without lifting them into your arms, which is difficult for mothers who have limited mobility. Chicco Next2Me Magic is one such model that has been acknowledged and shortlisted by Mumsnetters in the category of Best Cot or Crib or Moses Basket for our 2021 Mother and Baby Awards.
Another useful feature that a few models come with is a translucent side that lets you observe your baby at all times. This is particularly useful when you are tired and sleepy where just a glance can make all the difference. As mentioned by Emily who is our MFM home tester Sleepiest BassiNest is a great option. It's easy to lower.
Budget
If you're still not ready to make the transition to a full-sized cot, a bedside crib may be an ideal solution. This bassinet-style crib attaches to your bed, ensuring that you can reach your baby easily for feedings at night or cuddle them without causing any disturbance to yourself. It's a great choice for those who are unable to move after a C-section. Celebrity moms such as Binky Felstead and Stacey Solomon have also chosen this model.
Our Parents Testers loved the new version of this well-loved crib from Chicco, which won the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket. It's large and breathable, and comes with six height options to accommodate growing babies as well as a gentle incline setting. It can be used as a travel crib 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 near the crib to be easy to move around. It's among the lightest options and is small enough to fit into its own travel bag which means you can take it with you on your travels.
The SnuzPod is another highly-rated bedside cot that's easy to set up and take down, with plenty of features to ensure a good night's sleep. 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 has a soft rocking feature and an incline setting to help with reflux, and is light enough to use as a travel cot when you're on the move. It's a bit more expensive than other bedside cots but our Parent Testers believe it's worth the extra cash.