How to Choose the Best
bedside crib with wheels Cot uk
Both the NHS and Lullaby Trust have issued official safe sleeping guidelines, which suggest that infants sleep in their own Moses basket or cot. A crib that is placed near the bed can be an efficient and space-saving option for parents who live in a room together.
Mumsnetters love the co-sleeper as it is spacious, with plenty of room for baby's to grow and wiggle. It is also much bigger than the Moses Basket. It's also easy to put together and comes with a bag for carrying.
What is a bedside cot?
Bedside cribs (also called bassinets, side sleepers, or co-sleepers) are an ideal and safe way for your baby to sleep with you during their early months. These cribs attach to your bed and let you lift your child in your arms for night-feeding or comforting. These cribs are also great for mothers who are nursing or recovering from a cesarean section.
They're usually a little smaller than a regular cot, but offer plenty of space for your baby to sleep. You can choose from a wide range of styles and features, according to what you like best. Many bedside cribs come with a removable or drop-down side to make it easier to reach your baby during feeding time at night. They are also available in various heights based on your bed size.
Some bedside cribs come with an adjustable riser that allows you to add a slight incline to the sleep area that can help with reflux and an easy zip-off side for cleaning. Some cribs feature manual rocking features that can provide a relaxing distraction to your newborn. You'll also require a breathable mattress for your new crib. It should be a minimum of 30cm in depth to ensure that your newborn has sufficient head room.
A bedside cot is an investment, but you can rest assured that your newborn will get a comfortable and safe sleep. With the likes of Kate Hudson, Serena Williams and Gigi Hadid all fans of the SNOO bedside crib, it's definitely 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 placed in the same bed as you for their first six months, but not in your bed to reduce the chance of suffocation and to decrease the risk of sudden infant death syndrome. A
wooden bedside cot crib is a great option that allows your child to remain close enough to you to night feed them and help them return to sleep without needing to leave your own bed. It's also great if you have limited mobility 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 crib -
similar site, is small and folds flat in seconds to fit into its own bag for travel, so it's perfect for holidays and nights away from home. It's the lightest option for a bedside cot and comes with a comfy deep foam mattress with mesh panels that let air flow. It also has an incline option that can be added. Plus, it won Gold at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Moses Basket or Cot Crib.
Chicco Next2me Magic is another excellent bedside crib. It was awarded Bronze at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It has a built-in changing mat and storage solution It weighs just 10kg, and comes with an adjustable side that drops down for easy access.
Style
A crib for your bed is a godsend for many mums, especially those recovering from C-sections. They are attached to your bed so that you can reach your baby easily without needing to get up and letting you feed them and comfort them quickly. They are also a great option for mothers who are breastfeeding as close proximity can boost their milk supply.
In addition to being extremely convenient, these bassinets are elegant, which is why they're so popular. They're typically larger than Moses baskets and are available in many different styles, with some having additional features, like a soft reflux incline setting. They are designed to be placed near your bed, they can be moved around the house when baby gets older and some can be carried with you on the go, making them great for parents who are new to traveling.
It is important to choose a bedside cot that is easy to use drop-sides. This allows you to lower your infant into the bassinet without lifting them up into your arms. This can be a hassle for mothers who have limited mobility. Chicco Next2Me Magic is one of the models that has been highly praised and was shortlisted by Mumsnetters in the category of 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 helpful when you're exhausted at 3am and you need to feed your child. A quick glance can make a big difference. One of these options is the Sleepiest BassiNest, which is easy to lower, as noted by our MFM home tester Emily.
Budget
A bedside crib is a fantastic alternative if you're not ready to move to a bigger crib. The cot is attached to the side of your bed to allow you to easily reach your baby's evening feeds and also comfort them without disturbing your sleep. It's a great choice for those with restricted movement following the C-section. Celebrity moms such as Binky Felstead and Stacey Solomon have also chosen it.
Our Parents Testers loved the new model of this popular crib from Chicco that won the 2021 Mother&Baby Award for Best Cot Crib, Crib or Moses Basket. It is spacious comfortable, breathable, and comes with six different height settings for babies who are growing. There is also a gentle reflux setting. It can also be used as a travel cot and it comes with an easy-to-store storage bag.
A bedside cot can be a little difficult to move around your home, but our Parents Testers found the Shnuggle Air on the side of the crib easy to maneuver. It's one of the smallest options and is small enough to fit into its own bag for travel, which means you can take it along with you on your trip.
The SnuzPod bedside cot is yet another highly rated product that's simple to assemble and fold, with many features for the perfect night's rest. It has a removable, lift-off bassinet that fits more beds than other cots. The fabric is breathable and helps regulate your baby's temperature. It also features a soft rocking function, as well as an incline setting for reflux, and is lightweight enough to use as a travel cot if you're on the move. It's a bit more expensive than other
bedside cot mattress cots but our Parents Testers affirm that it's worth the extra money.