How to Choose the Best Bedside Cot uk
Official safety sleeping guidelines 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 an efficient and space-saving option for parents who share a room.
Mumsnetters love this co-sleeper because it's big enough with plenty of room for babies to grow and play and is more spacious than the size of a Moses basket. It is also easy to put together, and comes with a carry bag.
What is a bedside cot?
A bedside cot (also called a bassinet, side-sleeper or co-sleeper) is a safe method for your baby to rest near you during their first few months. These cribs can be attached to your bed and let you lift your child towards you for night-feeding or comforting. These cribs are also great for mothers who are breastfeeding or recovering from a Cesarean Section.
These cots are often smaller than a standard cot, but still offer plenty of room for your baby to rest. You can choose between different styles and features depending on your preferences. A lot of cribs for bedside use the option of removing or dropping down the side to make it easier to reach your baby during the night to feed them. They also come in various heights based on the size of your bed.
Some cribs for bedside use an adjustable riser that allows you to add an incline to the sleeping area. This can help with reflux. They also have a zip off side for easy cleaning. Some cribs feature manual rocking options which can provide a soothing distraction for your baby. You'll also require a breathable mattress to go with your crib. It should be a minimum of 30cm deep to ensure that your newborn has enough headroom.
A bedside crib is an investment but you can be sure your baby will be comfortable and safe 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 the Moses basket.
Safety
The Lullaby Trust, in conjunction with the NHS has issued official guidelines for safe sleeping that advise that babies are in the same room as their parents for the first six months. However bedside crib that turns into cot should not be sleeping in your bed. This is to decrease the risk of suffocation, or sudden infant death syndrome. A crib for bed allows you to keep your baby close so that you can calm them down and feed them at night without leaving your bed. It's also great if you have limited mobility after an operation or are recovering from a C-section.
Silver Cross Slumber Carbon 3 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 in its bag for travel and is perfect for nights out on the town or away from home. It's one the lightest options for a bedside cot and has a soft, comfortable foam mattress with mesh panels that let air flow. It also has an optional incline option. It also won Gold at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Cot Crib or Moses basket.
Another fab bedside cot option is the Chicco Next2me Magic bedside crib which was awarded Bronze in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It features a built-in change mat and storage solution, is lightweight at 10kg, and has an adjustable side that slides down to make it easy to access.
Style
A bedside crib is a blessing for many moms, particularly those recovering from C-sections. You can easily reach your baby without getting out of bed. This lets you provide comfort and food to your infant at night. They are also a great option for breastfeeding mothers since their close proximity will help boost the amount of milk they produce.
In addition to being extremely practical, these bassinets can also look attractive too which is the reason they're so popular. Some are more spacious than Moses Baskets, and some have extra features, like a gentle incline. They're designed to fit right next to your bed and can be moved around the house as your baby grows. Some are portable, which means they're great for travelling parents.
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 having to lift them into your arms, which can be difficult for moms with mobility issues. Chicco Next2Me Magic is one of these models that has been highly praised and was shortlisted by Mumsnetters in the category of the Best Cot or Crib Moses Basket for our 2021 Mother&Baby Awards.
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 tired and sleepy when one glance could make all the difference. As noted by Emily our MFM home test participant the Sleepiest BassiNest a great option. It is easy to lower.
Budget
If you're not ready to make the transition to a larger cot, the bedside crib could be the perfect solution. This bassinet-style cot attaches to the side of your bed so that you can easily reach your baby's evening feeds and also comfort them without disturbing your sleep. It's a great option for those who are unable to move following an operation such as a C-section. bedside crib travel cot moms such as Binky Felstead and Stacey Solomon have also chosen it.
Our Parent Testers loved the new version of this popular crib from Chicco, which won the 2021 Mother&Baby Award for Best Cot Crib, Crib or Moses Basket. It's large and breathable, and has six height settings to accommodate babies who are growing, plus a gentle reflux incline setting. It can be used as a travel crib and comes with a convenient storage case.
It can be a challenge to move a bedside cot around your home however our Parent Testers reported that the Shnuggle Air next to the cot was easy to maneuver. It's among the lightest alternatives and is small enough to fit in its own travel bag which means you can take it along with you on your trip.
The SnuzPod bedside cot is another highly rated item that's easy to put together and fold away with plenty of features for a restful 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 helps regulate your baby's temperature. It also has a gentle rocking function, as well as an incline setting to help with reflux, and it's light enough to use as a travel cot when you're out and about. It's a little more expensive than other bedside cots however our Parents Testers believe it's worth the extra cost.