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 is a practical and space-saving option for room-sharing new parents.
Mumsnetters love the co-sleeper because it is spacious, with plenty of room for baby's to grow and wriggle. It's also bigger than a Moses Basket. It's also easy to put together, and comes with a bag for carrying.
What is a bedside cot?
Bedside cots (also known as bassinets, side sleepers or co-sleepers) are a safe and convenient way for your baby to be close to you in the early months. These cribs are attached to your bed and allow you to pull your child in your arms to feed them at night or for comforting. They're also a great choice for breastfeeding mothers or mothers recovering from a caesarean section.
These cots are typically a little smaller than a standard cot, but still offer plenty of space for your baby to sleep. You can choose from a wide range of designs and features depending on what you like best. Many bedside cribs have a drop down or removable side that allows you to reach your baby for feeding at night. They are available in a variety of heights to accommodate the size of your bed.
Some cribs with a bedside have an adjustable riser that allows you to add a slight slope to the sleep space which can aid in reflux and the ability to zip off the sides for easy cleaning. Some cribs come with manual rocking options which can provide a soothing distraction for your baby. You'll require a mattress that's breathable to go with your crib. It should be at least 30cm thick to give your baby enough headroom.
You can rest assured that your child will be safe and secure in a cot that is positioned at the bedside. Kate Hudson, Serena Williams and Gigi hadid are all fans of SNOO's bedside crib. It is definitely worth a look as an alternative to the Moses basket.
Safety
Official guidelines for safe sleep from the Lullaby Trust and NHS advises that babies born today should be in the same room as you for the first six months but not in your bed, to decrease the risk of suffocation and to decrease the risk of sudden infant death syndrome. A crib that is placed near your bed is a fantastic option that allows your baby to safely be close enough for you to night feed them and comfort them back to sleep without having to leave your bed. It's also great 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 small and folds flat to fit into a travel bag and is perfect for trips away on holidays or from home. It's the lightest option for a bedside cot. It features a comfortable deep foam mattress with mesh panels that allow air to flow. It also has an option for incline. It also won Gold at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Moses Basket or Cot Crib.
similar site is another great bedside crib option. It was awarded Bronze at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It has built-in storage and a changing mat, is light (only 10kg), and has an adjustable side for easy access.
Style
A bedside crib is a blessing for many moms, particularly those who are recovering from C-sections. You can easily reach your baby without having to get out of your bed. This lets you provide comfort and food to your baby at night. The close proximity to your baby can also aid in increasing the amount of milk produced by mothers who breastfeed.
As well as being incredibly convenient, these bassinets can also look elegant which is the reason they're so sought-after. They are larger than Moses Baskets, and some have extra features such as a gentle reflux incline. They're designed to sit close to your bed and can be moved around the house as your baby grows. Some are portable, so they're great for parents who travel.
When you are choosing a bedside cot, it's important to select a model with drop sides that are easy to use. This lets you lower your child into the bassinet, without lifting them up into your arms. This can be a challenge for mothers 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 Moses Basket for our 2021 Mother&Baby Awards.
Another great feature that certain models come with is a transparent side that allows you to see your baby at all times. This is especially helpful during bleary-eyed 3am feeds where a quick glance can make all the difference. As mentioned by Emily our MFM home tester, the Sleepiest BassiNest is a great option. It is easy to lower.
Budget
If you're not 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 your child without causing disturbance. It's a great option for those who have limited movement after a C-section. Celebrity moms like Binky Felstead and Stacey Solomon have also chosen it.
Our Parents Testers loved the new model of this bestselling crib from Chicco that won the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket. It's large and breathable, and has six height settings to accommodate growing babies as well as a gentle setting for incline. It can also be used as a travel cot, and it comes with a handy storage bag.
A bedside cot can be difficult to move around your home, but our Parents Testers found the Shnuggle Air near the crib to be simple to move. It's one of the smallest options and is small enough to fit in its own travel bag which means you can take it with you on your travels.
The SnuzPod is another highly rated bedside cot that's simple to assemble and fold away and packed with features to ensure a good night's sleep. It comes with a lift-off bassinet that fits more beds than any other cot and its breathable fabric helps your baby regulate their temperature. It also features a soft rocking function, as well as an incline setting to help with reflux, and it's light enough to use 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 expense.