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 crib for bed is a practical and space-saving option for room-sharing new parents.
Mumsnetters adore the co-sleeper because it is spacious, with plenty of space for babies to grow and play. It is also much larger than the Moses Basket. It's also simple to put together and comes with a carry-on bag.
What is a bedside crib?
Bedside cribs (also known as bassinets, side sleepers or co-sleepers) are a safe and convenient way for your baby to sleep with you during the first few months. These cribs attach to your bed and let you lift your child towards you for night-feeding or comforting. These cribs are also great for mums who are nursing or recovering from a Cesarean Section.
They're usually a little smaller than a standard cot or cotbed, but provide plenty of space for your baby to rest. You can choose from a variety of styles and features depending on your preferences. A majority of cribs for bedside use the option of a drop-down or removable side that allows you to reach your baby for feeding at night. They are available in a variety of sizes to fit the dimensions of your bed.
Some cribs with a bedside have a riser that allows you to add a slight rise to the sleep area that can help with reflux and the ability to zip off the sides for easy cleaning. Some cribs feature manual rocking features that can provide a relaxing distraction to your newborn. bedside cot wooden 'll require a mattress that's comfortable to be used with your crib. It should be at least 30cm in depth to give your baby enough headroom.
A bedside cot is an investment, but you can be sure your baby will be secure and comfortable sleep. Kate Hudson, Serena Williams and Gigi hadid are all fans of SNOO's crib for babies. It is definitely worth a look as an alternative to a Moses basket.
Safety
Official guidelines for safe sleep 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 reduce the chance 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 allows your baby to safely be close enough for you to feed them during the night and comfort them back to sleep without having to leave your bed. It's also a great option if you have limited mobility following an operation or recovering from C-section.
Our top choice for a bedside crib, the Silver Cross Slumber Carbon 3-in-1 travel cot bedside crib is small and folds flat in a matter of seconds to fit into its own travel bag so it's perfect for holidays and nights away from home. It's one of the lightest bedside cots available and comes with a an extremely comfortable mattress with mesh air-flow panels, an optional incline setting, plus it was awarded Gold in the 2021 Mother&Baby awards for Best Crib, Cot 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 built-in storage and a changing mat, is lightweight (only 10kg) and comes with an adjustable side that makes it easy to access.
Style
For many mums, particularly those who have had C-sections A crib that is placed near the bed can prove to be a blessing in disguise. They can be attached to your bed so that you can reach your baby easily without needing to get out of bed in order to feed them and soothe them quickly. The close proximity to the baby can also increase the amount of milk produced by mothers who breastfeed.
Alongside being incredibly practical, these bassinets can also look stylish too and that's why they're so sought-after. They're often a bit more spacious than Moses baskets and come in a variety of different styles, with some having additional features like a gentle reflux incline setting. They're designed to fit next to your bed and can be moved around the house as baby grows. Some are portable so they're great for parents who travel.
It's important to choose an cot with bedside with drop-sides that are easy to use. This lets you lower your child into the bassinet, without having to lift them up into your arms. This can be a hassle for mothers with limited mobility. One such model is the Chicco Next2Me Magic which has been praised by Mumsnetters and was shortlisted for our 2021 Mother&Baby Awards' Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket category.
Another handy feature that some models come with is a translucent side that lets you observe your baby at all times. This is particularly useful when you are groggy at 3am and have to feed your baby. A quick glance could make a big difference. One such option is the Sleepiest BassiNest that 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, the bedside crib could be an ideal solution. This bassinet-style cot attaches to the bed's side so you can easily reach your baby's feedings at night and soothe them without disrupting your sleep. It's also a great choice for those who suffer from restricted movement after the birth and is a favorite option for celeb moms like Stacey Solomon and Binky Felstead.
Our Parent Testers loved this new version of the well-loved Chicco crib, which was awarded the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for the Best Cot or Crib. It's spacious and breathable and comes with six height options to accommodate babies who are growing, as well as a gentle setting for incline. You can also use it as a travel cot, and it comes with an easy-to-store storage bag.
A bedside crib can be tricky to move around the home However, our Parent Testers found the Shnuggle Air near the crib to be simple to move. It is among the lightest options and can be packed into its own travel bag.
The SnuzPod bedside cot is another highly rated product that's simple to assemble and fold and comes with a variety of features to ensure the perfect night's rest. It comes with a removable, lift-off bassinet that fits more beds than other cots. The fabric is breathable and helps regulate your baby's temperature. It also features a soft rocking function and an incline option for reflux, and is lightweight enough to use as a travel cot when you're on the move. It's more expensive than other cots for bed however our Parents Testers affirm that it's worth the extra cash.