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 bedside crib is a practical and space-saving option for parents who live together.
Mumsnetters love the co-sleeper because it is spacious, with plenty of room for baby's to grow and play. It is also much larger than a Moses Basket. It's also easy to assemble and comes with a carry-on bag.
What is a bedside cot?
Bedside cots (also known as bassinets, side sleepers or co-sleepers) are an effective and safe method for your baby to sleep with you in the first few months. These cribs fix to your bed and let you lift your baby out towards you at night for feeding or comforting without the danger of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome that is a result of traditional bed-sharing. They're also a great choice for mothers who are breastfeeding or recovering from a Caesarean section.
They are usually a little smaller than standard cots, but still offer plenty of room for your baby to relax. You can choose from various designs and features based on your preferences. bedside cot wooden of cribs with a bedside feature an adjustable or drop down side, which makes it easier to reach your baby for night feeds and are also available in various sizes to fit the dimensions of your bed.
Some cribs with a bedside have a riser which allows you to create an angle to the sleep area. This can be helpful with reflux. They also come with a zip off side to make cleaning easy. Some cribs come with manual rocking options that can be a soothing 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.
A bedside crib is an investment but you can be sure your newborn will get a comfortable and safe sleep. Kate Hudson, Serena Williams, and Gigi hadid are all fans of SNOO's bedside crib. It is definitely worth considering as an alternative to the Moses basket.
Safety
The Lullaby Trust, in conjunction with the NHS, has issued official safe sleeping guidelines that advise that babies stay in the same bedroom as their parents for the first six months. However they should not be sleeping in your bed. This is to reduce the risk of suffocation or sudden infant death syndrome. A bedside crib is a great option that allows your child to safely be close enough for you to feed them at night and help them return to sleep without having to get out of your own bed. It's also ideal when you are unable to move 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 crib that can be used as a bedside. It's compact and folds down flat to fit in its bag for travel, making it perfect for nights out on the town or away from home. It's among the lightest options for a bedside cot and comes with a comfy deep foam mattress with mesh panels which allow air to flow. It also has an option for incline. Additionally, it was awarded Gold at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Cot Crib or Moses basket.
Chicco Next2me Magic is another fantastic bedside crib. It won Bronze at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It has an integrated storage unit and changing mat, is lightweight (only 10kg), and has an adjustable side for easy access.
Style
A bedside crib is a godsend for many mothers, particularly those who are recovering from C-sections. They attach to your bed so you can reach your baby easily without having to get out of bed and letting you feed them and soothe them quickly. Being close to the baby can also increase the amount of milk produced by mothers who breastfeed.
These bassinets are not only convenient but also fashionable. This is 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 like a gentle tilting of the reflux. They are designed to fit right next to your bed and can be moved around the home as baby grows. Some are portable, so they're ideal for parents who travel.
It is important to choose a cot for your bed that has easy-to-use drop-sides. These let you lower your infant into the bassinet without having to lift them into your arms, which can be difficult for mothers who have limited mobility. One of these models is the Chicco Next2Me Magic which has been highly praised by Mumsnetters and was shortlisted in our 2021 Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot Moses, Crib or Basket category.
Some models also have a translucent side, allowing you to see your baby. This is especially helpful when you're groggy at 3am and you need to feed your baby. A quick glance could make a big difference. One of these options is the Sleepiest BassiNest, which is easy to lower as outlined by our MFM home tester Emily.
Budget
If you're still not ready to make the transition to a full-sized cot, an infant crib on your bed could be the perfect solution. This bassinet-style crib attaches to your bed so that you can reach your baby easily for night feeds or comfort them without causing any disturbance to yourself. It's also a great option for those with limited movement after an operation, and is a popular option for celeb moms like Stacey Solomon and Binky Felstead.
Our Parents Testers loved the new model of this well-loved crib from Chicco, which won the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket. It is spacious comfortable, breathable, and comes with six different height settings for babies who are growing. There is also a gentle reflux setting. It can also be used as a travel cot, and it comes with a handy storage bag.
It can be a challenge to move a bedside cot around the home, but our Parents Testers reported that the Shnuggle Air beside cot was very easy to maneuver. It's one of the lighter options that can be put in its own travel bag.
The SnuzPod is another highly rated bedside cot that's simple to set up and take down and comes with a variety of features for an enjoyable night's sleep. It comes with a bassinet that lifts off to fit more beds than any other cot and its breathable fabric can help your baby to regulate their temperature. It features a soft rocking feature and an incline to help with reflux. It's also light enough to use as a travel crib when you are on the move. It's more expensive than other cots for bed but our Parent Testers affirm that it's worth the extra cash.