How to Choose the Best Bedside Cot uk
Both the NHS and Lullaby Trust have issued official safe sleeping guidelines, which recommend that newborns sleep only in their own Moses basket or cot. A bedside crib can be practical and space-saving for parents who live in a room together.
Mumsnetters adore this co-sleeper since it's spacious with lots of space for babies to grow and play, and far more substantial than the size of a Moses basket. It's also simple to assemble, and comes with a carry bag.
What is a bedside cot?
bedside crib and cot (also known as a bassinet, side-sleeper or co-sleeper) is a secure way for your baby to rest near you during their first few months. These cribs attach to your bed and let you raise your baby towards you to feed them at night or for comforting without the danger 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 are usually a little smaller than a standard cot, but still offer plenty of room for your baby to relax. You can choose between a variety of styles and features depending on your preferences. A lot of cribs for bedside use the option of removing or dropping down the side to make it easier to reach your baby during the night to feed them. They also come in different heights depending on your bed size.
Some cribs with a bedside have an adjustable riser that allows you to build an incline to the sleep area. This can be helpful with reflux. They also come with a zip off side for easy cleaning. Others have manual rocking functions which can be a relaxing distraction for your baby. You'll also require a breathable mattress for your new crib, which must be at least 30cm deep to ensure your newborn has sufficient head room.
A bedside cot is an investment, but you can rest assured that your baby will be comfortable and safe 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 the Moses basket.
Safety
The Lullaby Trust, in conjunction with the NHS, has issued official guidelines for safe sleeping that recommend that newborns sleep in the same bedroom 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 a fantastic option that lets your baby safely be close enough for you to feed them during the night and comfort them back to sleep without having to get out of your bed. It's also a great option if you are recovering from an operation or a C-section and are unable to move.
Silver Cross Slumber Carbon 3 in 1 travel cot bedside Crib is our top choice for a crib that can be used as a bedside. It's compact and folds flat to fit in its bag for travel, making it perfect for trips away on holidays or from home. It's one the lightest options for a bedside cot. It comes with a comfy deep foam mattress with mesh panels that let air flow. It also comes with an optional incline option. Plus, it won Gold at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for the Best Moses Basket or Cot Crib.
Another great bedside cot 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 allows for easy access.
Style
For many mums, particularly those who have had a C-section A crib that is placed near the bed can be an absolute godsend. You can easily reach your baby without getting out of your bed. This lets you soothe and feed your infant at night. The close proximity to the baby can also help increase milk production for mothers who breastfeed.
As well as being incredibly practical, these bassinets can look pretty attractive too, which is why they're so popular. They are larger than Moses Baskets and some come with additional features like a gentle reflux upward slope. They're designed to sit next to your bed and can be moved around the house as baby grows. Some are portable, so they're great for travelling parents.
It is important to choose a cot for your bed that is easy to use drop-sides. These let you lower your infant into the bassinet without lifting them into your arms, which can be difficult for moms with mobility issues. Chicco Next2Me Magic is one of the models that has been highly praised and was shortlisted by Mumsnetters in the category of Best Cot or Crib Moses Basket for our 2021 Mother&Baby Awards.
Another handy feature that some models come with is a transparent side that allows you to observe your baby at all times. cheap bedside cot is particularly useful when you're exhausted at 3am and have to feed your child. A quick glance could make a big difference. As noted by Emily our MFM home tester Sleepiest BassiNest is a great option. It's easy to lower.
Budget
If you're not quite ready to make the transition to a larger cot the bedside crib could be a great option. The bassinet-style crib can be attached to your bed, ensuring that you can reach your baby easily for night feeds or comfort them without disturbing yourself. It's a great option for those with restricted movement following a C-section. Celebrity moms such as Binky Felstead and Stacey Solomon have also chosen it.
Our Parent Testers loved the new model of this popular crib from Chicco that won the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket. It's spacious comfortable, breathable, and comes with six different height settings for growing babies. There is also a gentle reflux setting. It can also be used as a travel cot. Additionally, it comes with an excellent storage bag.
A bedside crib can be tricky to move around the home However, our Parent Testers found the Shnuggle Air beside crib really easy to move around. It is among the lighter options and can be put in its own travel bag.
The SnuzPod bedside cot is a highly rated product that's simple to assemble and fold and comes with a variety of features to ensure the perfect night's rest. It has a removable lift-off bassinet which fits more beds than other cots. The fabric is breathable and helps to regulate your baby's temperature. It also has a soft rocking function and an incline option for reflux, and is lightweight enough to be used as a travel cot while you're on the move. It's a bit more expensive than other bedside cribs however, Parent Testers believe it's worth the extra cost.