How to Choose the Best Bedside Cot uk

Official safety sleeping guidelines from both NHS and Lullaby Trust recommends that newborns sleep in their own crib or Moses basket. A bedside crib is a space-saving and practical option for parents who live in a room together.

Mumsnetters love the co-sleeper because it's spacious, with plenty of space for babies to grow and play. It's also bigger than the Moses Basket. It is also easy to assemble, and comes with a carry bag.

What is a foldable bedside crib crib?

Bedside cribs (also known as bassinets, side sleepers, or co-sleepers) are an ideal and safe way for your baby to sleep near you in the first few months. These cribs attach to your bed and allow you to pull your child to you to feed them at night or for comforting. They're also a great option for mothers who are breastfeeding or recovering from a Caesarean section.

They're often slightly smaller than a standard cot or cotbed, but provide plenty of space for your baby to rest. You can choose between a variety of styles and features depending on your preferences. A lot of cribs for bedside use the option of removing or dropping down the side, which makes it easier to reach your baby during the night to feed them. They also come in different heights depending on your bed size.

Some cribs for bedside use an adjustable riser that allows you to build an incline in the sleeping area. This can be helpful with reflux. They also come with the option of a zip-off side for easy cleaning. Some cribs have manual rocking bedside crib options that can be a soothing distraction for your baby. You'll also require a comfortable mattress to go with your crib. It should be a minimum of 30cm deep to ensure that your newborn has sufficient head room.

You can be confident that your baby will be safe and comfortable in a bedside cot. With the likes of 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 safe sleeping guidance 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 reduce the risk 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 lets your baby comfortably be near enough for you to feed them at night and help them return to sleep without needing to leave your bed. It is also a great option if you are recovering from an operation or C-section and have limited mobility.

Our top choice for a large bedside cot crib, the Silver Cross Slumber Carbon 3-in-1 bedside crib that travels cots is compact and folds down in seconds to fit into a travel bag making it ideal for travel and nights away from home. It's among the lightest options for a bedside crib and has a soft, comfortable foam mattress with mesh panels which allow air to 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 Moses Basket or Cot Crib.

Chicco Next2me Magic is another great bedside crib option. It was awarded Bronze at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It has a built-in changing mat and storage solutions, is lightweight at 10kg, and has an adjustable side that drops down to make it easy to access.

Style

A bedside crib is a godsend for many mothers, particularly those who are recovering from C-sections. They can be attached to your bed so that you can easily reach your baby without needing to get out of bed, allowing you to night feed them and soothe them quickly. Being close to the baby can also aid in increasing milk production for mothers who are breastfeeding.

Bassinets aren't just functional, but also fashionable. This is why they're so popular. Some are more spacious than Moses Baskets and some come with additional features such as a gentle reflux upward slope. They're designed to sit close to your bed and can be moved around the house as baby grows. Some are portable, so they're great for travelling parents.

It is essential to select a cot for your bed that has easy-to-use drop-sides. These allow you to lower your baby into the bassinet without having to lift them into your arms, which can be difficult for moms with mobility issues. One such model is the Chicco Next2Me Magic which has been applauded by Mumsnetters and was shortlisted for our 2021 Mother&Baby Awards' Best Cot Moses, Crib or Basket category.

Some models also have a translucent side, allowing you to be able to always view your baby. 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 mentioned by Emily who is our MFM home test participant, the Sleepiest BassiNest is a great option. It's easy to lower.

Budget

A bedside crib is a great option if you are not yet ready to upgrade to a bigger crib. The crib is attached to your bed, so you can easily reach your baby to feed them at night or even comfort them without disturbing yourself. It's also a great option for those suffering from limited movement after the birth, and is a popular option with famous mothers like Stacey Solomon and Binky Felstead.

Our Parents Testers loved the new version of this well-loved crib from Chicco which was awarded the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket. It's spacious and breathable and comes with six height settings to accommodate babies who are growing, plus a gentle reflux setting for the incline. It can also be used as a travel bedside crib crib and comes with a handy storage case.

A bedside cot can be a little difficult to move around your home however our Parent Testers found the Shnuggle Air on the side of the crib simple to move. It's among the lightest options and is compact enough to fit into its own bag for travel, so you can take it with you on your travels.

The SnuzPod is a different highly rated bedside cot that is easy to assemble and fold away and comes with a variety of features that will ensure your child gets an enjoyable night's sleep. It comes with a removable, lift-off bassinet which fits more beds than other cots. The fabric is breathable, and helps to regulate your baby's temperature. It also has a gentle rocking function and an incline setting to help with reflux, and is lightweight enough to be used as a travel cot while you're out and about. It's more expensive than other cots for bed but our Parent Testers believe it's worth the extra cost.