How to Choose the Best Bedside Cot uk
Both the NHS and the Lullaby Trust have issued official safe sleeping guidelines that recommend that newborns sleep only in their own Moses basket or cot. A bedside crib is an efficient and space-saving option for parents who share a room.
Mumsnetters love this co-sleeper as it's large and spacious, with plenty of room for baby to grow and wriggle and much bigger than a Moses basket. It's also easy to put together and comes with a carry-on bag.
What is a bedside cot?
Bedside cribs (also called bassinets, side sleepers or co-sleepers) are an effective and safe method for your baby to sleep near you during the first few months. These cribs can be attached to your bed and let you lift your child towards you to feed them at night or even comfort them. They're also a great option for breastfeeding mothers or mothers recovering from a Caesarean section.
They're usually a little smaller than a standard cot or cotbed, yet provide plenty of space for your baby to lay down. You can pick from a variety of designs and features depending on what you prefer. Many cribs with a bedside feature a removable or drop-down side, which makes 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 have a riser which allows you to build an incline to the sleep area. This can be helpful with reflux. They also come with an open side for easy cleaning. Some cribs come with manual rocking options which can provide a soothing distraction for your baby. You'll also need a breathable mattress for your crib. It must be at least 30cm in depth to ensure that your newborn has enough headroom.
A bedside crib is a major investment, but you can rest assured that your baby will have a secure and comfortable sleep. With stars like Kate Hudson, Serena Williams and Gigi Hadid all awed by the SNOO bedside crib, it's definitely worth considering this fashionable alternative to moses basket.
Safety
Official safe sleeping guidelines from the Lullaby Trust and NHS advises that newborn babies should be in the same room as you during the first six months but not in your bed, to decrease the chance of suffocation and to lower the chance of sudden infant death syndrome. A bedside crib lets you keep your infant close to you so that you can comfort them and feed them at night without having to leave your bed. It's also ideal for those who have a limited mobility following an operation or recovering from C-section.
Our top pick for a bedside cot, the Silver Cross Slumber Carbon 3-in-1 travel cot bedside crib 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 one of the lightest bedside cot options and has the most comfortable deep foam mattress with mesh air-flow panels and an incline setting, plus it was awarded Gold in the 2021 Mother&Baby awards for Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket.
Another fantastic bedside cot is the Chicco Next2me Magic bedside crib that was awarded Bronze in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It has a built-in storage solution and changing mat, is light (only 10kg) and features an adjustable side that makes it easy to access.
Style
A crib for your bed is a godsend for many mums, especially those who are recovering from C-sections. You can easily reach your baby without getting out of the bed. This allows you to soothe and feed your baby at night. They are also a great option for mothers who are breastfeeding as the close proximity can help boost their milk supply.
In addition to being extremely practical, these bassinets can look pretty stylish too which is the reason they're so sought-after. Some are more spacious than Moses Baskets and some even have additional features like a gentle reflux and incline. Designed to fit by your bed, they are able to be moved around the home when the baby grows older. Additionally, some are able to be taken on the go too making them perfect for new parents travelling.
When choosing foldable bedside crib cot It is essential to select a model that have easy-to-use drop sides. This lets you lower your child into the bassinet, without lifting them up into your arms. This can be difficult for mothers with limited mobility. One of them is the Chicco Next2Me Magic which has been highly praised by Mumsnetters and was shortlisted in our 2021 Mother&Baby Awards' Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket category.
Another handy feature that some models come with is a transparent side that allows you to observe your baby at all times. This is especially helpful in the case of 3am feeds that are bleary-eyed where one glance could make all the difference. As noted by Emily, our MFM home tester, the Sleepiest BassiNest is an excellent choice. It is simple to lower.
Budget
A bedside crib is a fantastic option if you're not yet ready to upgrade to a larger crib. The bassinet-style crib can be attached to your bed, ensuring that you can easily reach your baby for feedings at night or cuddle them without disturbing yourself. It's also a great option for those with limited movement after the birth and is a popular option with famous mothers like Stacey Solomon and Binky Felstead.
Our Parent Testers loved the new version of this well-loved crib from Chicco that won the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket. It's afclimatizing and spacious and has six height settings to accommodate growing babies, as well as a gentle setting for the incline. It can also be used as a crib for travel and comes with a convenient storage case.
A bedside cot can be difficult to move around the home, but our Parent Testers found the Shnuggle Air beside crib really easy to maneuver. It's one of the smallest options and small enough to fit in its own travel bag which means you can carry it with you on your travels.
The SnuzPod is another highly-rated bedside cot that's simple to set up and take down and packed with features to ensure an enjoyable 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 also features a soft rocking function, as well as an incline setting to help with reflux, and it's light enough to use as a travel cot if you're out and about. It's a little more expensive than other bedside cribs but Parents Testers are of the opinion that it is worth the extra cost.