How to Choose the
Best Bedside Cot ukBoth the NHS and Lullaby Trust have issued official safe sleeping guidelines which advise that babies sleep in their own Moses basket or cot. A bedside crib is an effective and space-saving solution for parents who share a room.
Mumsnetters adore the co-sleeper because it is spacious, with plenty of room for baby's to grow and wiggle. It is also much bigger than a Moses Basket. It's also easy to assemble and comes with a carry-on bag.
What is a bedside cot?
A bedside cot (also called a side sleeper, bassinet or co-sleeper) is a safe way for your baby to rest close to you throughout the first few months of their life. These cribs fix to your bed and let you raise your baby towards you at night for feeding or comforting without the danger of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome as a result of traditional bed sharing. These cribs are also great for mothers who are nursing or recovering from a cesarean section.
These cots are often smaller than standard cots but they provide plenty of space for your baby to rest. You can choose from a variety of designs and features based on your preferences. A majority of cribs for bedside use the option of a drop-down or removable side, which makes it easier to reach your baby for evening feeds. They are also available in various heights to suit the size of your bed.
Some bedside cribs come with an adjustable riser that allows you to add a slight incline to the sleeping space that could help with reflux. It also has the ability to zip off the sides for easy cleaning. Others have manual rocking functions which can be a soothing distraction for your baby. You'll require a mattress that's breathable to go with your crib. It must be at least 30cm in depth to give your baby enough headroom.
You can be confident 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 fashionable alternative to a moses basket.
Safety
Official guidelines for safe sleep from the Lullaby Trust and NHS advises that newborns sleep in the same room as you for their first six months, but not in your bed to reduce the risk of suffocation and to decrease the risk of sudden infant death syndrome. A bedside crib lets you keep your baby close so that you can comfort them and night feed them without having to leave your bed. It's also ideal if you have limited mobility following an operation or recovering from C-section.
Silver Cross Slumber Carbon 3 in 1 travel cot bedside Crib is our top pick for a bedside crib. It's small and folds flat to fit into its travel bag which makes it ideal for trips away on holidays or from home. It's among the lightest options for a bedside cot. It has a soft, comfortable foam mattress with mesh panels that let air flow. It also comes with an incline option that can be added. Additionally, it was awarded Gold at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Cot Crib or Moses basket.
Chicco Next2me Magic is another excellent bedside crib. It was awarded Bronze at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It has a built-in storage solution and changing mat, is light (only 10kg) and comes with an adjustable side that allows for easy access.
Style
A bedside crib is a blessing for many mums, especially those who are recovering from C-sections. You can easily reach your baby without having to get out of your bed. This allows you to comfort and feed your infant during the night. They're also a great choice for breastfeeding mothers as their close proximity will help boost the amount of milk they produce.
They are not just practical, but also stylish. This is why they are so popular. They're usually bigger than Moses baskets and are available in many different styles, some featuring extra features such as a gentle tilting of the reflux. Designed to fit by your bed, they are able to be moved around the house as the baby grows older, and some can be carried on the go too making them perfect for new parents traveling.
It's important to choose an cot with
bedside cot mattress that has easy-to-use drop-sides. This allows you to lower your baby into the bassinet without having to lift them up into your arms. This can be difficult for mothers who have limited mobility. Chicco Next2Me Magic is one of these models that has been acknowledged and shortlisted by Mumsnetters in the category of the
best bedside cots Cot or Crib, or Moses Basket for our 2021 Mother&Baby Awards.
Another great feature that certain models come with is a translucent side that allows you to see your baby at all times. This is especially useful when you are groggy at 3am and need to feed your baby. A quick glance can make a huge difference. As was noted by Emily our MFM home test participant, the Sleepiest BassiNest is an excellent choice. It is simple to lower.
Budget
If you're not ready to move to a larger cot, an infant crib on your bed could be the perfect solution. The crib is attached to your bed, ensuring that you can easily reach your baby for feedings at night or cuddle them without causing any disturbance to yourself. It's also a great option for those with restricted movement after the birth and is a popular option with famous mothers like Stacey Solomon and Binky Felstead.
Our Parent Testers loved the new model of this popular crib from Chicco, which won the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Cot Crib, Crib or Moses Basket. It's afclimatizing and spacious and has six height settings to accommodate growing babies and a gentle reflux incline setting. It can also be used as a travel cot and it comes with an excellent storage bag.
It can be difficult to move a bedside cot around your home, but our Parent Testers said that the Shnuggle Air beside cot was very simple to move. It is one of the lighter options and can be tucked away in its own travel bag.
The SnuzPod is a different highly rated
bedside cot mattress cot that is easy to put together and fold away and comes with a variety of features for an enjoyable night's sleep. It comes with a removable, lift-off bassinet that fits more beds than other cots. The fabric is breathable and can help to regulate your baby's temperature. It also has a gentle rocking function and an incline option for reflux, and is lightweight enough to use as a travel cot when you're out and about. It's a little more expensive than other bedside cots, but our Parents Testers believe it's worth the extra money.