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 cot or Moses basket. A bedside crib is a practical and space-saving option for parents who live together.
Mumsnetters love the co-sleeper as it is spacious, with plenty of space for babies to grow and wiggle. It is also much larger than a Moses Basket. It's also simple to put together and comes with a carry-on bag.
What is a bedside crib?
A bedside cot (also known as a bassinet, side-sleeper or co-sleeper) is a safe method for your newborn to sleep close to you throughout their first months. These cribs can be attached to your bed and allow you to pull your child in your arms to feed them at night or even comfort them. These cribs are also ideal for mothers who are breastfeeding or recovering from a Cesarean Section.
They are usually smaller than a standard cot, but still offer plenty of space for your baby to rest. You can pick from different styles and features depending on your preferences. Many bedside cribs have an adjustable or drop down side that makes it easier to reach your baby for feeding at night. They are available in a variety of heights to suit the size of your bed.
Some cribs with a bedside have an riser that permits you to add a slight incline to the sleeping space that can help with reflux and an easy zip-off side for cleaning. Other cribs have manual rocking functions which can be a soothing distraction for your baby. You'll also require a comfortable mattress to match your new crib, which must be at least 30cm in depth to ensure that your newborn has enough headroom.
A bedside cot is an investment, but you can rest assured that your newborn will get a secure and comfortable sleep. With the likes of Kate Hudson, Serena Williams and Gigi Hadid all being fans of the SNOO bedside crib, it's worth considering this fashionable alternative to a moses basket.
Safety
The Lullaby Trust, in conjunction with the NHS, has issued 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 lets your baby comfortably be near enough for you to night feed them and comfort them back to sleep without having to leave your own bed. It is an excellent option if you are recovering from an operation or a C-section and have limited mobility.
Our top pick for a bedside crib, the Silver Cross Slumber Carbon 3-in-1 bedside crib for travel is compact and folds flat in a matter of seconds to fit into its own bag for travel, so it's perfect for holidays and nights away from home. It's among the lightest bedside cots and has an extremely comfortable mattress with mesh air-flow panels, an optional tilting setting, and it was awarded Gold in the 2021 Mother&Baby awards for the Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket.
Chicco Next2me Magic is another excellent bedside crib. It was awarded Bronze at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It comes with an integrated storage unit and changing mat, is lightweight (only 10kg) and comes with an adjustable side that makes it easy to access.
Style
A bedside crib can be a lifesaver for many moms, particularly those recovering from C-sections. They attach to your bed so that you can reach your baby easily without having to get up, allowing you to night feed them and comfort them quickly. The close proximity to the baby can also increase milk production for mothers who are breastfeeding.
Bassinets aren't just functional, but also fashionable. This is the reason they are so popular. Going Listed here are more spacious than Moses Baskets and some come with additional features, like a gentle upward slope. Designed to fit by your bed, they are able to be moved around your home when the baby grows older. Additionally, some are portable enough to take to the go which makes them ideal for new parents travelling.
When choosing a bedside cot, it's important to choose a model that have drop sides that are simple to use. They allow you to lower your infant into the bassinet without needing to lift them into your arms, which can be difficult for mums with limited mobility. Chicco Next2Me Magic is one such model that has been acknowledged and 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 transparent side, which allows you to be able to always view your baby. This is particularly useful when you're exhausted at 3am and need 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 still not ready to move to a larger cot a bedside crib may be a great option. The crib is attached to your bed, ensuring that you can reach your baby easily for night feeds or comfort them without disturbing yourself. It's also a great choice for those with limited movement after a C-section, and is a popular option with famous mothers like Stacey Solomon and Binky Felstead.
Our Parent Testers loved the new version of this bestselling crib from Chicco, which won the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot Crib, Crib or Moses Basket. It's large and breathable, and comes with six height options to accommodate growing babies, plus a gentle reflux setting for incline. It can also be used as a crib for travel and comes with a handy storage case.
best bedside cot for newborn can be tricky to move around the home, but our Parent Testers found the Shnuggle Air beside crib really simple to move. It's one of the lightest options and compact 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 another highly rated product that's easy to fold and assemble, with many features for a restful night's sleep. It has a removable adjustable bassinet that lifts off, which can fit more beds than other cots. The fabric is breathable and helps keep your baby's temperature in check. It also features a soft rocking function and an incline option for reflux, and it's light enough to use as a travel cot when you're on the move. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs for bed but Parents Testers are of the opinion that it is worth the extra expense.