How to Choose the Best
bedside baby bed Cot uk
Official safe sleeping guidance from both NHS and Lullaby Trust recommends that newborns sleep in their own cot or Moses basket. A crib that is placed near the bed can be a space-saving and practical option for parents who share a room.
Mumsnetters love this co-sleeper because it's spacious with lots of space for babies to grow and play and is more spacious than the size of a Moses basket. It's also simple to assemble, and comes with a bag for carrying.
What is a bedside crib?
bedside crib and cot cots (also known as bassinets, side sleepers, or co-sleepers) are an ideal and safe way for your baby to sleep with you during the early months. These cribs fix to your bed and allow you to lift your baby out towards you for night feeding or comforting without the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome associated with traditional bed-sharing. These cribs are also ideal for mothers who are breastfeeding or recovering from a cesarean section.
They're often slightly smaller than a standard cot, but offer plenty of space for your baby to rest. You can choose from different designs and features based on your preferences. Many bedside cribs come with the option of removing or dropping down the side that makes it easier to reach your baby during feeding time at night. They are also available in different heights, based on the size of your bed.
Some cribs for
bedside crib with changing table use an riser that permits you to add a slight slope to the sleep space which can aid in reflux and the ability to zip off the sides for easy cleaning. Some have manual rocking features which can be a soothing distraction for your newborn. You'll also require a breathable mattress to go with your new crib. It should be a minimum of 30cm deep to ensure that your
newborn bedside cot has sufficient head room.
You can be sure that your
baby bedside sleeper will be safe and comfortable in a cot that is positioned at the bedside. With the likes of 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 newborn babies should sleep in the same room as you for the first six months, but not in your bed to reduce the chance of suffocation and to lower the chance of sudden infant death syndrome. A crib that is placed near your bed is a fantastic option that allows your child to remain close enough to you to night feed them and soothe them back to sleep without needing to leave your own bed. It's also great when you are unable to move after an operation or recovering from an operation such as a C-section.
Our top pick for a bedside cot the Silver Cross Slumber Carbon 3-in-1 travel cot bedside [
visit] crib is small and folds flat in a matter of seconds and fits into its own travel bag making it ideal for travel and nights away from home. It's one of the tiniest bedside cots and has an extremely comfortable mattress with mesh air-flow panels, an optional tilting setting, and it won Gold in 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 comes with a built-in changing mat and storage solution It weighs just 10kg, and has 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 bedside crib can prove to an absolute blessing. You can easily reach your baby without having to get out of your bed. This allows you to provide comfort and food to your baby at night. They're also a great choice for breastfeeding mothers as close proximity can increase their milk supply.
They are not just functional, but also stylish. This is why they're so sought-after. They're often a bit more spacious than Moses baskets and come in lots of different styles, some featuring extra features such as a gentle reflux incline setting. Designed to fit by your bed, they can usually be moved around your home as the baby grows older, and some can be carried on the go too making them perfect for new parents travelling.
When you are choosing a bedside cot, it's important to choose a model that have drop sides that are simple to use. This lets you lower your infant into the bassinet without having to lift them up into your arms. This can be difficult for mothers with mobility issues. Chicco Next2Me Magic is one of these models that has been praised and shortlisted by Mumsnetters in the category of the Best Cot or Crib, or Moses Basket for our 2021 Mother and Baby Awards.
Some models also come with a transparent side, which allows you to be able to always view your baby. This is especially useful during bleary-eyed 3am feeds when a quick glance can make all the difference. As was noted by Emily, our MFM home tester the Sleepiest BassiNest an excellent choice. It is easy to lower.
Budget
A bedside crib is a great option if you are not ready to upgrade to a full-sized crib. This bassinet-style crib attaches to your bed, ensuring that you can easily reach your baby for night feeds or comfort them without causing any disturbance to yourself. It's also a great choice for those who suffer from restricted movement following an operation and is a favorite choice with celeb mums including Stacey Solomon and Binky Felstead.
Our Parent Testers loved the new version of this popular crib from Chicco, which won the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Cot Crib, Crib or Moses Basket. It's spacious and breathable and comes with six height settings to accommodate babies who are growing, and a gentle reflux incline setting. It can also be used as a crib for travel and comes with a storage case that is convenient for storage.
A bedside cot can be difficult to move around the home However, our Parent Testers found the Shnuggle Air beside crib really easy to move around. It is among the lightest options and can be packed into its own travel bag.
The SnuzPod is a different highly rated bedside cot that is easy to put together and fold away, with plenty of features for the best night's rest. It has a removable, lift-off bassinet which fits more beds than other cots. The fabric is breathable and can help regulate your baby's temperature. It also has a soft rocking feature and an incline option for reflux, and is lightweight enough to use as a travel cot if you're out and about. It's more expensive than other cribs for bed, but Parent Testers believe it's worth the extra cost.