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 that is placed near the bed is an effective and space-saving solution for parents who share a room.
bedside crib or cot adore the co-sleeper because it's big and has plenty of room for babies to grow and wriggle. It is also much larger than a Moses Basket. It is also easy to assemble, and comes with a bag for carrying.
What is a bedside cot?
A bedside cot (also known as a bassinet, side-sleeper or co-sleeper) is a secure way for your newborn to sleep near you during their first few months. These cribs are attached to your bed and let you bring your baby closer to you for night feeding or comforting without the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome associated with traditional bed-sharing. They're also a great choice for breastfeeding mothers or mums recovering from a Caesarean section.
They're usually a little smaller than a standard cot or cotbed, but offer plenty of space for your baby to sleep. You can choose from a wide range of styles and features, depending on what you like best. Many bedside cribs have an adjustable or drop down side that allows you to reach your baby for feeding at night. They are also available in various heights to accommodate the size of your bed.
Some cribs for bedside use an adjustable riser that allows you to add a slight slope to the sleep area that could help with reflux. It also has an easy zip-off side for cleaning. Some have manual rocking features that can provide a relaxing distraction for your baby. You'll require a mattress that's air-conditioned to match your crib. It must be at least 30cm deep to allow your baby plenty of headroom.
You can be sure that your baby will be safe and secure in a bedside cot. With stars like Kate Hudson, Serena Williams and Gigi Hadid all being fans of the SNOO bedside crib, it's definitely worth considering this stylish alternative to moses basket.
Safety
The Lullaby Trust, in conjunction with the NHS has released official guidelines for safe sleep that recommend that newborns stay in the same bedroom as their parents for the first six months. However they shouldn't 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 allows your child to safely be close enough for you to feed them at night and soothe them back to sleep without having to get out of your bed. This is an excellent option if you are recovering from an operation or C-section and are unable to move.
Silver Cross Slumber Carbon 3 in 1 travel cot bedside Crib is our top pick for a bedside crib. It's small and folds flat to fit in its bag for travel which makes it ideal for nights out on the town or away from home. It's among the lightest options for a bedside crib and has a soft, comfortable foam mattress with mesh panels that let air flow. It also comes with an optional incline option. It also won Gold at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for the Best Moses basket or Cot Crib.
Chicco Next2me Magic is another excellent bedside crib. It was awarded Bronze at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It has a built-in changing mat and storage solutions, is lightweight at 10kg, and has an adjustable side that slides down for easy access.
Style
A bedside crib can be a lifesaver for many mothers, particularly those recovering from C-sections. You can easily reach your baby without getting out of your bed. This lets you soothe and feed your infant during the night. The close proximity to the baby can also help increase milk production for mothers who breastfeed.
Bassinets aren't just practical, but also fashionable. This is why they're so popular. Some are more spacious than Moses Baskets and some come with additional features, like a gentle and incline. They're designed to fit right next to your bed and can be moved around the home as baby grows. Some are portable so they're great for parents who travel.
When choosing a bedside cot it is important to select a model with drop sides that are easy to use. This lets you lower your infant into the bassinet without lifting them up into your arms. This can be a hassle for mothers who have 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 Moses, Crib or Basket category.
Some models also come with a transparent side, which allows you to always see your baby. This is particularly useful when you're exhausted at 3am and you need to feed your baby. A quick glance can make a huge difference. One of these options is the Sleepiest BassiNest, which is easy to lower, as outlined by our MFM home tester Emily.
Budget
A bedside crib is a fantastic option if you're not ready to upgrade to a full-sized crib. This bassinet-style cot attaches to the bed's side so that you can easily reach your baby for night feeds and comfort them without disturbing your own sleep. It's also a great option for those who suffer from restricted movement after the birth and is a popular choice with celeb mums including Stacey Solomon and Binky Felstead.
Our Parents Testers loved the new version of this popular crib from Chicco which was awarded the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Cot Crib, Crib or Moses Basket. It is spacious, breathable, and has six different height settings for babies who are growing. There is also a soft reflux setting. It can also be used as a travel cot. Additionally, it comes with an excellent storage bag.
A bedside cot can be a little difficult to move around your home however our Parent Testers found the Shnuggle Air on the side of the crib simple to move. It is one of the lighter options and can be tucked away in its own travel bag.
The SnuzPod bedside cot is yet 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 comes with a bassinet with a lift-off that can fit more beds than any other cot and its breathable fabric can help your baby regulate their temperature. It also has a gentle rocking function and an incline option for reflux, and it's light enough to be used as a travel cot if you're on the move. It's more expensive than other cots for bed, but our Parents Testers affirm that it's worth the extra money.