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 crib that is placed near the bed can be a space-saving and practical option for parents who share a room.
Mumsnetters love this co-sleeper as it's big enough with plenty of room for baby to grow and wriggle and more spacious than the typical Moses basket. It's also simple to assemble, and comes with a carry bag.
What is a bedside crib?
Bedside cribs (also known as bassinets, side sleepers or co-sleepers) are an effective and safe method for your baby to be close to you during their early months. These cribs are attached to your bed and allow you to pull your child towards you for night-feeding or comforting. These cribs are also great for mums who are breastfeeding or recovering from a cesarean.
They're typically smaller than a standard cot, but offer plenty of space for your baby to lay down. You can choose from a variety of styles and features, depending on what you like best. A majority of cribs for bedside use an adjustable or drop down side that makes it easier to reach your baby for evening feeds. They are also available in different sizes to fit the dimensions of your bed.
Some cribs for bedside use an adjustable riser that allows you to create an angle to the sleeping area. This can be helpful with reflux. bedside cot 6 months plus have 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 need a mattress that is air-conditioned to match your crib. It must be at least 30cm in depth to allow your baby plenty of headroom.
A bedside crib is an investment but you can rest assured that your baby will be secure and comfortable sleep. With the likes of Kate Hudson, Serena Williams and Gigi Hadid all awed by the SNOO bedside crib, it's worth considering this stylish alternative to moses basket.
Safety
The Lullaby Trust, in conjunction with the NHS has released official guidelines for safe sleeping which recommend 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 decrease the risk of suffocation or sudden infant death syndrome. A bedside crib lets you keep your baby close to you to comfort them and feed them at night without having to leave your bed. This is also a great option if you are recovering from an operation or C-section, and have limited mobility.
Silver Cross Slumber Carbon 3 in 1 bedside cot travel cot 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 trips away on holidays or from home. It's among the lightest bedside cots and has the most comfortable deep foam mattress, air-flow panels, an optional tilt setting, and it was awarded Gold in the 2021 Mother&Baby awards for the Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket.
Chicco Next2me Magic is another excellent bedside crib. It was awarded Bronze at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It has a built-in storage solution and changing mat, is light (only 10kg), and has an adjustable side that makes it easy to access.
Style
For many mums, particularly those recovering from a C-section A crib that is placed near the bed can an absolute blessing. They attach to your bed so that you can reach your baby easily without having to get up, allowing you to night feed them and soothe them quickly. The close proximity to the baby can also increase the production of milk for mothers who are breastfeeding.
Alongside being incredibly practical, these bassinets can also look stylish too which is the reason they're so sought-after. They're usually bigger than Moses baskets and are available in many different styles, some even having extra features like a gentle tilt to the reflux. They're designed to sit right next to your bed and can be moved around the home as baby grows. Some are portable, which means they're great for parents who travel.
When selecting a cot for your bedside, it's important to select a model with drop sides that are easy to use. These allow you to lower your baby into the bassinet without needing to lift them into your arms, which can be difficult for mums who have limited mobility. One such model is the Chicco Next2Me Magic which has been applauded by Mumsnetters and was shortlisted for our 2021 Mother&Baby Awards' Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket category.
Another handy feature that some models come with is a transparent side that lets you be able to see your baby at all times. This is especially useful when you're groggy at 3am and have to feed your child. A quick glance can make a huge difference. As was noted by Emily our MFM home tester, the Sleepiest BassiNest is a great option. It's easy to lower.
Budget
A bedside crib is an excellent option if you're not ready to upgrade to a larger crib. The cot is attached to the bed's side so that you can easily reach your baby for feedings at night and soothe them without disturbing your sleep. It's a great choice for those who are unable to move after a C-section. Celeb mums such as Binky Felstead and Stacey Solomon have also chosen this model.
Our Parents Testers loved the new version of this popular 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 for growing babies. There is also a gentle reflux setting. It can be used as a travel crib and comes with a handy storage case.
A bedside cot can be difficult to move around your home However, our Parents Testers found the Shnuggle Air on the side of the crib easy to maneuver. It is among the lighter options and can be packed into its own travel bag.
The SnuzPod bedside cot is another highly rated item that's easy to put together and fold away with plenty of features for an unwinding night's sleep. It has a lift-off bassinet that fits more beds than any other cot, and its breathable fabric can help your baby regulate their temperature. It also has a gentle rocking function and an incline setting to help with reflux, and is lightweight enough to be used as a travel cot when you're out and about. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs for bed, but Parent Testers agree that it's worth the extra expense.