How to Choose the Best Bedside
cot bedside uk
Official guidelines for safe sleep from both NHS and Lullaby Trust recommends that newborns sleep in their own crib or Moses basket. A crib that is placed near the bed can be a space-saving and practical option for parents who live in a room together.
Mumsnetters love the co-sleeper as it's big and has plenty of room for baby's to grow and play. It's also bigger than the Moses Basket. It's also simple to assemble, and comes with a bag for carrying.
What is a bedside crib?
A bedside cot (also known as a bassinet, side-sleeper or co-sleeper) is a secure way for your baby to rest near you during the first few months of their life. These cribs attach to your bed and allow you to raise your baby towards you to feed them at night or for comforting without the threat of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome that is a result of traditional bed-sharing. These cribs are also great for mothers who are breastfeeding or recovering from a Cesarean Section.
They're typically smaller than a regular cot or cotbed, but they provide ample space for your baby to lay down. You can choose from a variety of styles and features based on your preferences. Many bedside cribs have the option of a drop-down or removable side, which makes it easier to reach your baby's night feeds and are available in a variety of sizes to fit the dimensions of your bed.
Some cribs for
bedside cot co sleeper use a riser which allows you to add an angle to the sleeping area. This can be helpful with reflux. They also have the option of a zip-off side to make cleaning easy. Some have manual rocking features which can be a soothing distraction for your newborn. You'll also require a comfortable mattress for your new crib. It must be at least 30cm deep to ensure your baby has enough head space.
A bedside crib is a major investment, but you can rest assured that your newborn will get a peaceful and safe night's sleep. 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 moses basket.
Safety
The Lullaby Trust, in conjunction with the NHS, has issued official guidelines for safe sleeping that advise that babies stay 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 bedside crib is a fantastic option that allows your child to safely be close enough for you to night feed them and help them return to sleep without having to leave your own bed. It's also a great option if you have limited mobility after an operation or are recovering from C-section.
Our top choice for a
large bedside crib 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 making it ideal for
travel bedside crib and nights away from home. It's the lightest option for a bedside cot. It comes with a comfy deep foam mattress with mesh panels that allow air to flow. It also comes with an optional incline option. It also won Gold at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Moses Basket or Cot Crib.
Another fantastic bedside cot is the Chicco Next2me Magic bedside crib that won Bronze in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It has a built-in changing mat and storage system and weighs only 10kg. It is light at 10kg, and comes with an adjustable side that can be lowered down to make it easy to access.
Style
A crib for your bed is a godsend for many mums, especially those recovering from C-sections. You can easily reach your baby without getting out of the bed. This lets you comfort and feed your infant during the night. The close proximity to the baby can also help increase the production of milk for mothers who breastfeed.
Alongside being incredibly practical, these bassinets can look pretty elegant and that's why they're so popular. Some are more spacious than Moses Baskets, and some have extra features like a gentle reflux upward slope. They're designed to sit next to your bed and can be moved around the house as baby grows. Some are portable, so they're ideal for parents who travel.
When you are choosing a
bedside cots uk cot It is essential to choose a model that have drop sides that are simple to use. These let you lower your baby's bassinet without needing to lift them into your arms, which can be difficult for moms with limited mobility. Chicco Next2Me Magic is one such model that has been praised and shortlisted by Mumsnetters in the category of Best Cot or Crib or Moses Basket for our 2021 Mother and Baby Awards.
Another great feature that certain models have is a transparent side that lets you be able to see your baby at all times. This is particularly useful when you are groggy at 3am and have 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
A bedside crib is an excellent option if you're not ready to upgrade to a larger crib. This bassinet-style crib attaches to your bed, ensuring that you can easily reach your baby to feed them at night or even comfort them without disturbing yourself. It's also a great option for those with restricted movement after an operation and is a favorite option with famous mothers like Stacey Solomon and Binky Felstead.
Our Parent Testers loved the new version of the popular Chicco crib, which was awarded the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for the Best Cot or Crib. It is spacious comfortable, breathable, and comes with six different height settings for growing babies. There is also a gentle reflux setting. You can also use it as a travel cot and it comes with a handy storage bag.
It can be a challenge to move an upholstered bedside cot throughout the house However, our Parent Testers reported that the Shnuggle Air beside cot was very easy to move. It's 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 set up and take down and packed with features to ensure the best night's rest. It comes with a removable, adjustable bassinet that lifts off, which can fit more beds than other cots. The fabric is breathable and helps to regulate your baby's temperature. It has a gentle rocking feature, as well as an incline to help with reflux. It is also lightweight enough to use as a crib for travel when you're out and about. It's more expensive than other bedside cots however our Parents Testers say it's well worth the extra cost.