How to Choose the Best Bedside Cot uk
Both the NHS and Lullaby Trust have issued official safe sleeping guidelines, which advise that babies sleep in their own Moses basket or cot. A crib for bed is an effective and space-saving solution for parents who live together.
Mumsnetters adore this co-sleeper since it's big enough with plenty of room for baby to grow and play, and much bigger than the typical Moses basket. It's also easy 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 safe way for your baby to rest close to you throughout the first few months of their life. 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 risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome that is a result of traditional bed-sharing. These cribs are also great for mothers who are nursing or recovering from a cesarean section.
They're often slightly smaller than a standard cot, but offer plenty of space for your baby to lay down. You can choose from a wide range of styles and features, according to what you prefer. A lot of cribs for bedside use the option of removing or dropping down the side, which makes it easier to reach your baby during the night to feed them. 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 rise to the sleeping space that can aid in reflux and a zip-off side for easy cleaning. Some cribs feature manual rocking options that can provide a relaxing distractor for your infant. You'll also require a breathable mattress for your new crib, which should be a minimum of 30cm in depth to ensure that your baby has enough head space.
You can be sure that your child will be comfortable and safe in a cot that is positioned at the bedside. 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
Official safe sleeping guidance from the Lullaby Trust and NHS advises that newborns sleep in the same room as you for their first six months, but not in your bed to lower the chance of suffocation and to decrease the risk of sudden infant death syndrome. A crib that is placed near your bed lets you keep your baby close to you to soothe them to sleep and feed them at night without having to leave your bed. It's also great if you have limited mobility following an operation or recovering from an operation such as a C-section.
Silver Cross Slumber Carbon 3 in 1 travel cot bedside crib is our top pick for a bedside crib. It's compact and folds flat to fit into its bag for travel, making it perfect for holidays or nights away from home. It's one the lightest options for a bedside cot. It features a comfortable deep 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 Best Moses basket or Cot Crib.
Another fantastic bedside cot is the Chicco Next2me Magic bedside crib which was awarded Bronze in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It has an integrated storage unit and changing mat, is light (only 10kg), and has an adjustable side for easy access.
Style
A bedside crib can be a lifesaver for many moms, particularly those who are recovering from C-sections. You can easily reach your baby without getting out of bed. This lets you soothe and feed your infant at night. They're an excellent choice for breastfeeding mothers since the close proximity can help boost the amount of milk they produce.
Alongside being bedside cots for newborns , these bassinets can look pretty elegant and that's why they're so sought-after. They're typically more spacious than Moses baskets and are available in many different styles, with some even having extra features such as a gentle reflux incline setting. They are designed to fit right next to your bed and can be moved around the house as baby grows. Some are portable, which means they're ideal for parents who travel.
It's important to choose an cot with bedside that has easy-to-use drop-sides. These let you lower your infant into the bassinet without lifting them into your arms, which is difficult for mums with limited mobility. Chicco Next2Me Magic is one of the models 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.
Another great feature that certain models come with is a translucent side that allows you to observe your baby at all times. This is especially helpful when you're groggy at 3am and have to feed your child. A quick glance could make a huge difference. As noted by Emily, our MFM home tester, the Sleepiest BassiNest is a great option. It is simple to lower.
Budget
A bedside crib is an excellent alternative if you're not ready to upgrade to a bigger crib. The bassinet-style crib is attached to the side of your bed so that you can easily reach your baby for feedings at night and soothe them without disturbing your sleep. It's also a great option for those suffering from restricted movement following the birth and is a favorite option for celeb moms like Stacey Solomon and Binky Felstead.
Our Parent Testers loved the new model of this popular crib from Chicco that won the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Cot Crib, Crib or Moses Basket. It's large comfortable, breathable, and comes with six different height settings suitable for growing babies. There is also a soft reflux setting. It can also be used as a travel crib and comes with a storage case that is convenient for storage.
A bedside cot can be difficult to move around the home, but our Parents Testers found the Shnuggle Air near the crib to be simple to move. It's one of the lighter options and can be put in its own travel bag.
The SnuzPod bedside cot is yet another highly rated product that's simple to assemble and fold with plenty of features for a restful 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 helps your baby maintain their temperature. It also has a soft rocking feature and an incline option for reflux, and it's light enough to be used as a travel cot if you're out and about. It's a bit more expensive than other cots for bed, but our Parents Testers affirm that it's worth the extra money.