How to Choose the Best Bedside Cot uk
Both the NHS and the Lullaby Trust have issued official safe sleeping guidelines which recommend that newborns sleep only in their own Moses basket or cot. A crib that is placed near the bed can be a space-saving and practical option for parents who share a room.
Mumsnetters love the co-sleeper as it's big and has plenty of room for babies to grow and play. It is also much bigger than the Moses Basket. It's also simple to assemble, and comes with a bag for carrying.
What is a bedside crib?
A bedside cot (also called a bassinet, side-sleeper or co-sleeper) is a secure way for your newborn to sleep close to you overnight during their first few months. These cribs are attached to your bed and allow you to bring your baby closer to you to feed them at night or for comforting without the danger of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome as a result of traditional bed sharing. They're also a great option for mothers who are breastfeeding or recovering from a caesarean.
They are usually smaller than standard cots but they provide plenty of room for your baby to sleep. You can choose from different designs and features based on your preferences. bedside crib with wheels come with a removable or drop-down side that makes it easier to reach the baby during feeding time at night. They also come in different heights, based on the size of your bed.
Some cribs for bedside use an riser that permits you to add a slight incline to the sleep space which can aid in reflux and the ability to zip off the sides for easy cleaning. Some cribs come with manual rocking features which can provide a soothing distraction for your baby. You'll need a mattress that is comfortable to be used with your crib. It should be at least 30cm thick to allow your baby plenty of headroom.
bedside cots for newborns is a major investment, but you can rest assured that your baby will have a comfortable and safe sleep. With stars like Kate Hudson, Serena Williams and Gigi Hadid all fans of the SNOO bedside crib, it's worth considering this fashionable alternative to moses basket.
Safety
The Lullaby Trust, in conjunction with the NHS, has issued official guidelines for safe sleep that recommend that newborns are in the same room as their parents for the first six months. However they shouldn't sleep in your bed. This is to reduce the chance of suffocation and sudden infant death syndrome. A crib that is placed near your bed is an excellent option that allows your child to comfortably be near enough for you to night feed them and comfort them back to sleep without needing to leave your bed. It's also a great option if you have limited mobility following an operation or recovering from an operation such as a C-section.
Our top choice 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 travel bag which makes it perfect for trips to the beach and nights away from home. It's among the lightest bedside cots and has a comfy deep foam mattress, air-flow panels, and an tilting setting, and it won Gold in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for the best Crib, Cot or Moses Basket.
Another fantastic bedside cot is the Chicco Next2me Magic bedside crib which was awarded Bronze in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It has built-in storage and a changing mat, is light (only 10kg), and has an adjustable side that makes it easy to access.
Style
For many mothers, particularly those who are recovering from a C-section A crib for bedside can be a blessing in disguise. You can easily reach your baby without getting out of your bed. This allows you to comfort and feed your infant at night. They're also a great option for breastfeeding mothers as close proximity can increase their milk supply.
As well as being incredibly practical, these bassinets can look pretty attractive too which is the reason they're so popular. They're often a bit more spacious than Moses baskets and come in a variety of different styles, some having additional features, like a soft reflux incline setting. They're designed to fit close to your bed and can be moved around the house as your baby grows. Some are portable so they're great for parents who travel.
When selecting a cot for your bedside it is important to choose a model that have drop sides that are simple to use. This lets you lower your baby into the bassinet without lifting them up into your arms. This can be a hassle for mothers with limited mobility. One of them is the Chicco Next2Me Magic which has been praised by Mumsnetters and was shortlisted in our 2021 Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot Moses, Crib or Basket category.
Another useful feature that a few models have is a transparent side that allows you to be able to see your baby at all times. This is particularly useful in the case of 3am feeds that are bleary-eyed, when a quick glance can make all the difference. As mentioned by Emily our MFM home test participant the Sleepiest BassiNest an excellent choice. It is simple to lower.
Budget
If you're not ready to make the transition to a larger cot a bedside crib may be a great option. This bassinet-style crib attaches to your bed, ensuring that you can reach your baby easily for feedings at night or cuddle your child without causing disturbance. It's a great choice for those with restricted movement after the C-section. Celeb mums such as Binky Felstead and Stacey Solomon have also chosen this model.
Our Parents Testers loved the new version of this popular crib from Chicco, which won the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot Crib, Crib or Moses Basket. It's afclimatizing and spacious and comes with six height options to accommodate growing babies, and a gentle reflux setting for incline. It can also be used as a travel crib and comes with a handy storage case.
A bedside crib can be difficult to move around the home however our Parent Testers found the Shnuggle Air on the side of the crib simple to move. It's among the lightest options and is compact enough to fit into its own bag for travel, which means you can take it with you on your travels.
The SnuzPod is another highly rated bedside cot that is easy to set up and take down and packed with features that will ensure your child gets an enjoyable 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 to regulate their temperature. It also features a soft rocking function and an incline setting for reflux, and it's light enough to be used as a travel cot when you're on the move. It's more expensive than other cots for bed but our Parent Testers believe it's worth the extra money.
