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 a space-saving and practical option for parents who live in a room together.
Mumsnetters love the co-sleeper because it is spacious, with plenty of room for baby's to grow and wriggle. It's also larger than the Moses Basket. It's also simple to put together and comes with a bag for travel.
What is a bedside crib?
Bedside cots (also known as bassinets, side sleepers, or co-sleepers) are an effective and safe method for your baby to be close to you in the early months. These cribs are attached to your bed and let you raise your baby towards you at night for feeding or comforting without the threat of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome associated with traditional bed-sharing. These cribs are also great for mothers who are nursing or recovering from a Cesarean Section.
They're typically smaller than a regular cot or cotbed, but provide plenty of space for your baby to sleep. You can choose from different styles and features based on your preferences. A lot of cribs for bedside use the option of removing or dropping down the side that makes it easier to reach your baby during feeding time at night. They also come in different heights, based on your bed size.
Some cribs with a bedside have a riser which allows you to add an incline to the sleep area. This can be helpful with reflux. They also have an open side for easy cleaning. Some cribs feature manual rocking options that can provide a relaxing distractor for your infant. You'll need a mattress that is breathable to go with your crib. It must be at least 30cm thick to allow your baby plenty of headroom.
A bedside crib is an investment but you can rest assured that your baby will be secure and comfortable sleep. Kate Hudson, Serena Williams, and Gigi Hadid are all avid users of SNOO's bedside crib. It is definitely worth a look as an alternative to a Moses basket.
Safety
The Lullaby Trust, in conjunction with the NHS has released official guidelines for safe sleeping which recommend that babies stay in the same bedroom as their parents for the first six months. However, they should not sleep in your bed. This is to decrease 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 safely be close enough for you to feed them during the night and soothe them back to sleep without needing to leave your own bed. It is also a great option for when you are recovering from an operation or a C-section and are unable to move.
Silver Cross Slumber Carbon 3 in 1 bedside cot travel cot is our top pick for a crib that can be used as a bedside. It's small and folds flat to fit into a bag for travel and is perfect for trips away on holidays or 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 optional incline option. Plus, it won Gold at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for the Best Moses Basket or Cot Crib.
Chicco Next2me Magic is another fantastic bedside crib. It won Bronze at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It has a built-in changing mat and storage solution It weighs just 10kg, and features an adjustable side that slides down to make it easy to access.
bedside co sleeper Cots For Tots
For many mums, particularly those who have had a C-section A crib that is placed near the bed can be an absolute godsend. They attach to your bed so that you can easily reach your baby without having to get up, allowing you to night feed them and soothe them quickly. They're an excellent choice for breastfeeding mothers as their close proximity will help increase their milk supply.
As well as being incredibly useful, bassinets can also look elegant, which is why they're so sought-after. Some are bigger than Moses Baskets, and some have extra features such as a gentle reflux and incline. Designed to fit by your bed, they can be moved around the home as the baby grows older, and some are portable enough to take on the go too, making them great for new parents travelling.
When you are choosing a bedside cot It is essential to look for designs that have easy-to-use drop sides. They allow you to lower your baby's bassinet without lifting them into your arms, which is difficult for moms with limited mobility. One of these models 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 come with a transparent side, allowing you to always see 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 who is our MFM home tester the Sleepiest BassiNest a great option. It is easy to lower.
Budget
If you're not quite ready to make the transition to a larger cot an infant crib on your bed could be a great option. The bassinet-style crib can be attached to your bed, so you can reach your baby easily to feed them at night or even comfort your child without causing disturbance. It's an excellent choice for those who have limited movement after the C-section. Celebrity moms like Binky Felstead and Stacey Solomon have also chosen it.
Our Parents Testers loved the new version of this popular crib from Chicco which was awarded the 2021 Mother&Baby Award for Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket. It's large comfortable, breathable, and comes with six different height settings for babies who are growing. There is also a soft reflux setting. You can also use it 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 the home, but our Parent Testers found the Shnuggle Air beside crib really easy to maneuver. It is one of the lighter options that can be packed into its own travel bag.
The SnuzPod is another highly-rated bedside cot that's easy to put together and fold away and comes with a variety of 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 can help keep your baby's temperature in check. It also has a soft rocking function and an incline setting to help with reflux, and it's light enough to be used as a travel cot if you're out and about. It's a bit more expensive than other cots for bed but our Parent Testers believe it's worth the extra cash.