How to Choose the Best Bedside Cot uk
Official guidelines for safe sleep from both NHS and Lullaby Trust recommends that newborns sleep in their own crib or Moses basket. A crib for bed is a practical and space-saving option for room-sharing new parents.
Mumsnetters adore this co-sleeper since it's big enough with plenty of space for babies to grow and wriggle and much bigger than the size of a Moses basket. It's also simple to put together and comes with a travel bag.
What is a bedside crib?
Bedside cots (also known as side sleepers, bassinets or co-sleepers) are a safe and convenient way for your baby to sleep with you during the first few months. These cribs are attached to your bed and let you bring your baby closer to you to feed them at night or for comforting without the danger of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome associated with traditional bed-sharing. They're also a great option for breastfeeding mothers or mums recovering from a caesarean section.
They are usually a little smaller than standard cots however, they still provide plenty of space for your baby to relax. You can pick from a wide range of styles and features, according to what you prefer. Many bedside cribs come with an adjustable or drop-down side to make it easier to reach the baby during feeding time at night. They are also available in various heights based on the size of your bed.
Some bedside cribs come with an adjustable riser that allows you to add a slight incline to the sleeping space that could help with reflux. It also has a zip-off side for easy cleaning. Some cribs come with manual rocking options that can provide a relaxing distraction to 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 has sufficient head room.
You can rest assured that your child will be safe and comfortable in a cot that is positioned at the bedside. Kate Hudson, Serena Williams, and Gigi Hadid are all big fans of SNOO's bedside crib. It is definitely worth a look as an alternative to a Moses basket.
Safety
Official safe sleeping guidance from the Lullaby Trust and NHS advises that babies born today should be placed in the same bed as you for their first six months, but not in your bed to reduce the risk of suffocation and to reduce the chance of sudden infant death syndrome. A crib for bed allows you to keep your baby close to soothe them to sleep and feed them at night without leaving your bed. It is also a great option for when you are recovering from an operation or a C-section and have limited mobility.
Recommended Reading in 1 travel cot bedside crib is our top choice for a crib that can be used as a bedside. It's compact and folds flat to fit into a travel bag and is perfect for trips away on holidays or from home. It's among the lightest bedside cots available and comes with a a comfy deep foam mattress that has mesh air-flow panels and an tilt setting, and it was awarded Gold in the 2021 Mother&Baby awards for Best Crib, Cot, 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 storage solution and changing mat, is lightweight (only 10kg), and has an adjustable side for easy access.
Style
For many mums, particularly those recovering from a C-section A crib that is placed near the bed can an absolute blessing. You can easily reach your baby without having to get out of the bed. This allows you to comfort and feed your baby at night. They are also a great option for breastfeeding mothers since their close proximity will help boost their milk supply.
They are not just practical, but also fashionable. This is why they're so popular. They are larger than Moses Baskets and some even have additional features like a gentle reflux and incline. They are designed to fit right next to your bed and can be moved around the house as baby grows. Some are portable, so they're ideal for parents who travel.
It's important to choose a cot for your bed with drop-sides that are easy to use. They 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. Chicco Next2Me Magic is one of the models that has been highly praised and was shortlisted by Mumsnetters in the category of the best Cot or Crib or Moses Basket for our 2021 Mother&Baby Awards.
Some models also have a translucent side, allowing you to be able to always view your baby. This is particularly useful when you are groggy at 3am and have to feed your child. A quick glance can make a huge difference. One such option is the Sleepiest BassiNest, which is easy to lower, as was noted by our MFM home tester Emily.
Budget
If you're not quite ready to make the transition to a full-sized cot, the bedside crib could be a great option. The crib is attached to your bed, so you can reach your baby easily to feed them at night or even comfort them without causing any disturbance to yourself. It's also a great choice for those with limited movement after the birth, and is a popular choice with celeb mums including Stacey Solomon and Binky Felstead.
Our Parent Testers loved the new version of the popular Chicco crib, which was awarded the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards as the Best Cot or Crib. 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 be used as a crib for travel and comes with a convenient storage case.
A bedside cot can be difficult to move around your home, but our Parent Testers found the Shnuggle Air beside crib really easy to maneuver. It's one of the lightest options and small enough to fit into its own travel bag which means you can carry it with you when you travel.
The SnuzPod bedside cot is another highly rated item that's easy to put together and fold away and comes with a variety of features to ensure an unwinding night's sleep. It has a removable, lift-off bassinet which fits more beds than other cots. The fabric is breathable and helps regulate your baby's temperature. It features a soft rocking feature as well as an incline for reflux. It is also lightweight enough to use as a travel crib when you're traveling. It's a bit more expensive than other cots for bed but our Parents Testers believe it's worth the extra cost.