How to Choose the Best Bedside Cot uk
Official safe sleeping guidance 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 practical and space-saving for parents who live in a room together.
Mumsnetters love this co-sleeper as it's spacious with lots of room for baby to grow and wriggle and more spacious than the typical Moses basket. It's also simple to put together and comes with a carry-on bag.
What is a bedside cot?
A bedside cot (also known as a side sleeper, bassinet or co-sleeper) is a safe way for your baby to rest near you during the first few months of their life. These cribs fix to your bed and let you lift your baby out towards you to feed them at night or for 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 breastfeeding or recovering from a Cesarean Section.
These cots are typically smaller than a standard cot however, they still provide plenty of space for your baby to rest. You can pick from a wide range of styles and features, according to what your preference is. A lot of cribs with a bedside feature an adjustable or drop down side that makes it easier to reach your baby's feeding at night. They are available in a variety of heights to accommodate the size of your bed.
Some cribs with a bedside have a riser that allows you to add a slight incline to the sleeping space that can aid in reflux and a zip-off side for easy cleaning. Others have manual
Rocking bedside crib functions which can be a relaxing distraction for your newborn. You'll also require a breathable mattress to go with your new crib, which should be a minimum of 30cm deep to ensure that your newborn has sufficient head room.
You can rest assured that your child will be comfortable and safe in a bedside cot. With stars like Kate Hudson, Serena Williams and Gigi Hadid all awed by the SNOO bedside crib, it's worth considering this stylish alternative to a moses basket.
Safety
Official guidelines for safe sleep from the Lullaby Trust and NHS advises that newborns be in the same room as you for the first six months but not in your bed, to decrease the risk of suffocation, and to lower the chance of sudden infant death syndrome. A
bedside cot 6 months plus crib is a fantastic option that allows your child to safely be close enough for you to feed them at night and soothe them back to sleep without having to leave your own bed. It is an excellent option if you are recovering from an operation or C-section, and have limited mobility.
Our top pick for a bedside cot the Silver Cross Slumber Carbon 3-in-1 travel cot bedside crib is compact and folds flat in a matter of seconds and fits into a travel bag making it ideal for travel and nights away from home. It's among the lightest options for a
large bedside crib crib and has a soft, comfortable foam mattress with mesh panels that allow air to flow. It also comes with an incline option that can be added. It also won Gold at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Moses Basket or Cot Crib.
Chicco Next2me Magic is another fantastic
bedside cots uk crib. It won Bronze at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It has built-in storage and a changing mat, is lightweight (only 10kg) and comes with an adjustable side for easy access.
Style
For a lot of moms, especially those who have had a C-section, a bedside crib could prove to be a blessing in disguise. You can easily reach your baby without having to get out of your bed. This allows you to comfort and feed your infant at night. They're also a great choice for breastfeeding mothers as the close proximity can help boost the amount of milk they produce.
As well as being incredibly useful, bassinets are stylish too and that's why they're so sought-after. They're often a bit bigger than Moses baskets and are available in many different styles, with some even having extra features like a gentle tilt to the reflux. They're designed to fit close to your bed and can be moved around the house as your baby grows. Some are portable, so they're ideal for parents who travel.
It is important to choose a cot for your bed that has easy-to-use drop-sides. These allow you to lower your infant into the bassinet without having to lift them into your arms, which can be difficult for mothers who have limited mobility. One such model is the Chicco Next2Me Magic which has been praised by Mumsnetters and was shortlisted for our 2021 Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket category.
Some models also have a translucent side, allowing you to be able to always view your baby. This is especially helpful when you're exhausted at 3am and have to feed your child. A quick glance can make a huge difference. As was noted by Emily our MFM home tester Sleepiest BassiNest is a great option. It is easy to lower.
Budget
A bedside crib is a great option if you're not ready to upgrade to a larger crib. This bassinet-style cot attaches to the bed's side so that you can easily reach your baby for night feeds and comfort them without disrupting your sleep. It's an excellent choice for those who have limited movement after a C-section. Celeb mums like Binky Felstead and Stacey Solomon have also chosen this model.
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's spacious and breathable and comes with six height settings to accommodate growing babies as well as a gentle setting for the incline. It can be used as a travel crib and comes with a storage case that is convenient for storage.
A bedside cot can be a little difficult to move around the home, but our Parent Testers found the Shnuggle Air on the side of the crib easy to maneuver. It is one of the lighter options and can be tucked away in its own travel bag.
The SnuzPod is another highly-rated bedside cot that's easy to assemble and fold away and packed with features to ensure a good night's sleep. 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 features a soft
rocking bedside crib feature as well as an incline for reflux. It's also light enough to use as a travel crib while you're traveling. It's a little more expensive than other bedside cots, but our Parents Testers say it's well worth the extra money.