How to Choose the Best Bedside Cot ukBoth the NHS and the Lullaby Trust have issued official safe sleeping guidelines, which suggest that infants sleep in their own Moses basket or cot. A crib for bed is an effective and space-saving solution for room-sharing new parents.
Mumsnetters love this co-sleeper because it's big enough with plenty of room for baby to grow and wriggle and much bigger than the typical Moses basket. It's also easy to put together and comes with a carry-on bag.
What is a bedside crib?
bedside cots uk cribs (also known as side sleepers, bassinets or co-sleepers) are an effective and safe method for Best Bedside Cot uk your baby to sleep with you in the first few months. These cribs fix to your bed and allow you to bring your baby closer to you to feed them at night or for comforting without the threat of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome as a result of traditional bed sharing. These cribs are also ideal for mothers who are breastfeeding or recovering from a cesarean section.
These cots are often a little smaller than a standard cot but they provide plenty of room for your baby to rest. You can pick from various styles and features based on your preferences. Many cribs with a bedside feature the option of removing or dropping down the side, which makes it easier to reach the baby during feeding time at night. They are also available 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 in the sleeping area. This can aid in reducing reflux. They also have a zip off side for easy cleaning. Some have manual rocking bedside crib features that can provide a relaxing distraction for your infant. You'll also require a comfortable mattress for your new crib, which must be at least 30cm in depth to ensure that your baby has enough head space.
You can be confident that your child will be safe and comfortable in a cot that is positioned at the bedside. With the likes of Kate Hudson, Serena Williams and Gigi Hadid all awed by the SNOO bedside crib, it's definitely worth considering this fashionable alternative to a moses basket.
Safety
The Lullaby Trust, in conjunction with the NHS, has issued official safe sleeping guidelines that advise that babies sleep in the same bedroom as their parents for the first six months. However they shouldn't sleep in your bed. This is to lower the risk of suffocation or sudden infant death syndrome. A crib that is placed near your bed is a great option that lets your baby remain close enough to you to feed them during the night and comfort them back to sleep without having to get out of your bed. It's also great if you have limited mobility after an operation or recovering from an operation such as a C-section.
Our top choice for a bedside cot, the Silver Cross Slumber Carbon 3-in-1 travel cot bedside crib is small and folds flat in seconds to fit into its own bag for travel, 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 with mesh air-flow panels and an incline setting, plus it was awarded Gold in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for the best bedside cot uk Crib, Cot, or Best Bedside Cot uk Moses Basket.
Another fab bedside cot option is the Chicco Next2me Magic bedside crib that was awarded Bronze in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It comes with an integrated storage unit and changing mat, is light (only 10kg) and features an adjustable side that makes it easy to access.
Style
A crib for your bed is a blessing for many mums, especially those recovering from C-sections. They can be attached to your bed so that you can easily reach your baby without having to get out of bed, allowing you to night feed them and comfort them quickly. Being close to the baby can also increase milk production for mothers who breastfeed.
They are not just functional, but also stylish. This is why they're so sought-after. They are larger than Moses Baskets and some even have additional features like a gentle reflux and incline. They're designed to sit close 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 is essential to select a model that have easy-to-use drop sides. This allows you to lower your child into the bassinet, without lifting them up into your arms. This can be difficult for mothers who have limited mobility. One of them is the Chicco Next2Me Magic which has been applauded by Mumsnetters and was shortlisted in our 2021 Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket category.
Some models also have a translucent side, which allows you to be able to always view your baby. This is particularly useful when you are tired and sleepy, when one glance could make all the difference. One such option is the Sleepiest BassiNest, which is easy to lower as noted by our MFM home tester Emily.
Budget
A bedside crib is a fantastic alternative if you're not ready to move to a bigger crib. The bassinet-style crib is attached to the side of your bed so you can easily reach your baby's evening feeds and also comfort them without disturbing your own sleep. It's a great option for those who have limited movement after the C-section. Celeb mums like Binky Felstead and Stacey Solomon have also chosen this model.
Our Parents Testers loved the new model of this well-loved crib from Chicco, which won the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Cot Crib, Crib or Moses Basket. It is spacious 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.
It can be difficult to move a bedside cot around the house however our Parent Testers said that the Shnuggle Air beside cot was very easy to maneuver. It is one of the lightest options and can be tucked away in its own travel bag.
The SnuzPod is a different highly rated bedside cot that's easy to put together and fold away and comes with a variety of features for an enjoyable night's sleep. It comes with a removable, lift-off bassinet that fits more beds than other cots. The fabric is breathable and helps keep your baby's temperature in check. It also has a soft rocking function and an incline setting for reflux, and is light enough to be used as a travel cot while you're on the move. It's more expensive than other cribs for bed, but Parent Testers believe it's worth the extra expense.