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 bedside crib is practical and space-saving for parents who live in a room together.
Mumsnetters adore the co-sleeper because it is spacious, with plenty of room for baby's to grow and wriggle. It's also larger than the 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 secure way for your baby to sleep close to you overnight during their first months. These cribs attach to your bed, allowing you to lift your child in your arms to feed them at night or for comforting. They're also a great choice for breastfeeding mothers or mums recovering from a caesarean section.
They are usually smaller than a standard cot but they provide plenty of room for your baby to sleep. You can pick from a variety of styles and features, depending on what you like best. Many bedside cribs come with a removable or drop-down side, which makes it easier to reach your baby during feeding time at night. They also come in different heights, based on the size of your bed.
Some bedside cribs have an adjustable riser that allows you to build an incline to the sleep area. This can help with reflux. They also come with the option of a zip-off side for easy cleaning. Some have manual rocking features that can provide a relaxing distraction for your infant. You'll require a mattress that's breathable to go with your crib. It must be at least 30cm deep to allow your baby plenty of headroom.
A bedside cot is an investment, but you can rest assured that your baby will be peaceful and safe night's 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 safe sleeping guidelines from the Lullaby Trust and NHS advises that newborns be placed in the same bed as you for the first six months but not in your bed, to decrease the chance of suffocation and to reduce the chance of sudden infant death syndrome. A crib that is placed near your bed lets you keep your baby close to 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 an operation such as a C-section.
Silver Cross Slumber Carbon 3 in 1 travel cot bedside Crib is our top pick for a crib to sleep in. It's small and folds flat to fit in its travel bag, making it perfect for nights out on the town or away from home. It's among the lightest options for a bedside cot. It comes with a comfy deep foam mattress with mesh panels that allow air to flow. It also comes with an incline option that can be added. It also won Gold at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Moses Basket or Cot Crib.
Chicco Next2me Magic is another great bedside crib option. It was awarded Bronze at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It comes with a built-in changing mat and storage solutions It weighs just 10kg, and features an adjustable side that drops down for easy access.
Style
For a lot of moms, especially those recovering from a C-section, a bedside crib can prove to an absolute blessing. They attach to your bed so you can easily reach your baby without needing to get out of bed and letting you feed them and comfort them quickly. The close proximity to the baby can also increase the amount of milk produced by mothers who are breastfeeding.
As well as being incredibly practical, these bassinets are attractive too and that's why they're so sought-after. They are larger than Moses Baskets and some come with additional features, like a gentle incline. They are designed to fit close to your bed and can be moved around the home as 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 easy-to-use drop sides. These let you lower your baby's bassinet without needing to lift them into your arms, which can be difficult for mothers with mobility issues. One of them is the Chicco Next2Me Magic which has been praised by Mumsnetters and was shortlisted for our 2021 Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot Crib, Moses or Crib Basket category.
Some models also have a translucent side, which allows you to see your baby. This is especially helpful in the case of 3am feeds that are bleary-eyed where just a glance can make all the difference. One such option is the Sleepiest BassiNest, which is simple to lower, as outlined by our MFM home tester Emily.
Budget
A bedside crib is an excellent alternative if you're not ready to move to a bigger crib. The crib is attached to your bed, so you can easily reach your baby for feedings at night or cuddle them without disturbing yourself. It's a great choice for those with restricted movement following a C-section. Famous moms like Binky Felstead and Stacey Solomon have also chosen it.
Our Parent Testers loved the new version of the popular Chicco crib, which took home the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards as the Best Cot or Crib. It's large and breathable, and comes with six height options to accommodate growing babies plus a gentle reflux incline setting. It can also be used as a crib for travel and comes with a storage case that is convenient for storage.
A bedside cot can be a little difficult to move around your home however our Parent Testers found the Shnuggle Air near the crib to be easy to move around. It is one of the lighter options that can be packed into its own travel bag.
The SnuzPod is a different highly rated bedside cot that's easy to assemble and fold away and comes with a variety of features to ensure an enjoyable night's sleep. It comes with a lift-off bassinet that fits more beds than any other cot, and its breathable fabric can help your baby maintain their temperature. It also features a soft rocking function, as well as an incline option for reflux, and it's light enough to be used as a travel cot while you're on the move. It's more expensive than other bedside cots, but our Parent Testers affirm that it's worth the extra cost.