How to Choose the
Best Bedside Cot ukOfficial safety sleeping guidelines from both NHS and Lullaby Trust recommends that newborns sleep in their own cot or Moses basket. A
twin bedside cot crib can be an efficient and space-saving option for parents who share a room.
Mumsnetters adore this co-sleeper since it's spacious with lots of room for baby to grow and wriggle and more spacious than a Moses basket. It's also easy to put together and comes with a travel bag.
What is a bedside cot?
Bedside cribs (also called bassinets, side sleepers, or co-sleepers) are a safe and convenient way for your baby to sleep near you during the first few months. These cribs can be attached to your bed, allowing you to lift your child in your arms to feed them at night or even comfort them. These cribs are also great for mums who are breastfeeding or recovering from a cesarean section.
They are usually a little smaller than a standard cot but they provide plenty of room for your baby to rest. You can choose from various styles and features based on your preferences. Many cribs with a bedside feature a removable or drop-down side, which makes it easier to reach the baby during the night to feed them. They also come in various heights based on the size of your bed.
Some cribs with a bedside have an adjustable riser that allows you to build an incline to the sleeping area. This can be helpful with reflux. They also come with a zip off side for easy cleaning. Other cribs have manual rocking functions that can provide a relaxing distraction for your baby. You'll need a mattress that is comfortable to be used with your crib. It must be at least 30cm in depth to allow your baby plenty of headroom.
You can be confident that your child will be safe and comfortable in a bedside cot. 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 moses basket.
Safety
The Lullaby Trust, in conjunction with the NHS has released official guidelines for safe sleep that recommend that newborns are in the same room 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 crib that is placed near your bed is a fantastic option that allows your baby to remain close enough to you to night feed them and comfort them back to sleep without having to leave your bed. It's also great for those who have a limited mobility after an operation or recovering from C-section.
Silver Cross Slumber Carbon 3 in 1 travel cot bedside Crib is our top choice for a crib to sleep in. It's compact and folds flat to fit into a travel bag, making it perfect for nights out on the town or away from home. It's among the lightest options for a bedside cot. It comes with a comfy deep foam mattress with mesh panels which allow air to flow. It also comes with an option for incline. It also won Gold at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Moses basket or Cot Crib.
Chicco Next2me Magic is another fantastic bedside crib. It was awarded Bronze at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It has built-in storage and a changing mat, is light (only 10kg), and has an adjustable side that allows for easy access.
Style
A bedside crib is a godsend 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 lets you soothe and feed your baby at night. The close proximity to your baby can also increase the production of milk for mothers who are breastfeeding.
They are not just convenient but also stylish. This is why they are so popular. They're typically bigger than Moses baskets and come in a variety of different styles, some even having extra features like a gentle tilting of the reflux. They're designed to sit close to your bed and can be moved around the home as baby grows. Some are portable, so they're great for parents who travel.
It is essential to select an cot with bedside that is 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 mums with 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.
Another useful feature that a few models come with is a transparent side that allows you to be able to see your baby at all times. This is particularly useful when you're groggy at 3am and have to feed your child. A quick glance can make a big difference. As noted by Emily who is our MFM home test participant, the Sleepiest BassiNest is an excellent choice. It's easy to lower.
Budget
If you're not quite ready to make the transition to a larger cot, a bedside crib may be an ideal solution. This bassinet-style cot attaches to the bed's side so that you can easily reach your baby's night feeds and comfort them without disrupting your sleep. It's also a great option for those with limited movement after the birth and is a favorite option with famous mothers like Stacey Solomon and Binky Felstead.
Our Parents Testers loved the new model of this popular crib from Chicco, which won the 2021 Mother&Baby Award for Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket. It's large and breathable, and comes with six height settings to accommodate growing babies, as well as a gentle setting for the incline. It can also be used as a travel
cot for bedside and it comes with an excellent storage bag.
It can be a challenge to move an upholstered bedside cot throughout the home However, our Parent Testers said that the Shnuggle Air next to the cot was easy to maneuver. It is among the lighter options that can be put in its own travel bag.
The SnuzPod
bedside cosleeper cot is a highly rated product that's easy to fold and assemble and comes with a variety of features to ensure the perfect night's rest. It has a bassinet that lifts off to fit more beds than any other cot, and its breathable fabric can help your baby to regulate their temperature. It has a gentle rocking feature and an incline to aid in reflux. It's also light enough to be used as a travel crib when you are traveling. It's a little more expensive than other cots for bed however our Parent Testers believe it's worth the extra cost.