How to Choose the Best Bedside Cot uk
Official guidelines for safe sleep from both NHS and Lullaby Trust recommends that newborns sleep in their own cot or Moses basket. A crib that is placed near the bed is an efficient and space-saving choice for parents who live together.
Mumsnetters love this co-sleeper as it's spacious with lots of room for baby to grow and play and is much bigger than the size of 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 called side sleepers, bassinets or co-sleepers) are an effective and safe method for your baby to sleep with you during their early months. These cribs are attached to your bed and let you bring your baby closer to you for night feeding or comforting without the threat of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome associated with traditional bed-sharing. They're also a great option for breastfeeding mothers or mums recovering from a caesarean.
They're usually a little smaller than a regular cot or cotbed, yet they provide ample space for your baby to sleep. You can choose from various styles and features based on your preferences. A lot of cribs with a bedside feature an adjustable or drop down side that makes it easier to reach your baby for evening feeds. They are also available in different heights to suit the size of your bed.
Some bedside cribs have a riser which allows you to build an angle to the sleep area. This can aid in reducing reflux. They also have an open side to make cleaning easy. Some cribs come with manual rocking options that can be a soothing distractor for your infant. You'll need a mattress that is breathable to go with your crib. It must be at least 30cm deep to allow your baby plenty of headroom.
You can be sure that your baby will be safe and comfortable in a cot that is positioned at the bedside. Kate Hudson, Serena Williams, and Gigi Hadid are all avid users of SNOO's crib for babies. It is definitely worth considering as an alternative to the Moses basket.
Safety
Official guidelines for safe sleep from the Lullaby Trust and NHS advises that newborns be in the same room as you for the first six months but not in your bed, to decrease the chance of suffocation and to reduce the chance of sudden infant death syndrome. A crib for bed allows you to keep your infant close to you to help calm them down and feed them at night without leaving your bed. It's also a great option for when you are recovering from an operation or C-section and are unable to move.
Silver Cross Slumber Carbon 3 in 1 bedside cot travel cot is our top pick for a crib that can be used as a bedside. It's small and folds flat to fit into its transport bag, making it perfect for nights out on the town or away from home. It's among the lightest options for a bedside crib and has a soft, comfortable foam mattress with mesh panels that let air flow. It also has an incline option that can be added. It also won Gold at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for the Best Moses Basket or Cot Crib.
Chicco Next2me Magic is another fantastic bedside crib. It was awarded Bronze at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It comes with a built-in storage solution and changing mat, is lightweight (only 10kg), and has an adjustable side that allows for easy access.
Style
For many mums, particularly those recovering from a C-section A crib that is placed near the bed can prove to be an absolute godsend. You can easily reach your baby without getting out of bed. This lets you soothe and feed your infant at night. Being close to the baby can also increase the amount of milk produced by mothers who are breastfeeding.
As well as being incredibly practical, these bassinets can look pretty stylish too which is the reason they're so sought-after. bedside cots for newborns than Moses baskets and are available in many different styles, with some featuring extra features, like a soft tilting of the reflux. They're designed to fit 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.
When you are choosing a bedside cot, it's important to look for designs with drop sides that are easy to use. This allows you to lower your baby into the bassinet without having to lift them up into your arms. This can be a hassle for mothers with limited mobility. Chicco Next2Me Magic is one of these models that has been acknowledged and shortlisted by Mumsnetters in the category of the best Cot or Crib Moses Basket for our 2021 Mother and Baby Awards.
Some models also have a transparent side, which allows you to see your baby. This is particularly useful when you're exhausted at 3am and need to feed your child. A quick glance can 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 not quite ready to make the transition to a larger cot an infant crib on your bed could be a great option. The crib is attached to your bed, so you can reach your baby easily to feed them at night or even comfort your child without causing disturbance. It's a great option for those who have limited movement after a C-section. Famous moms like Binky Felstead and Stacey Solomon have also chosen this model.
Our Parents Testers loved the new model of this popular crib from Chicco which was awarded the 2021 Mother&Baby Award for Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket. It's spacious and breathable, and comes with six different height settings for babies who are growing. There is also a gentle reflux setting. You can also use it as a travel cot, and it comes with an easy-to-store storage bag.
It can be difficult to move a bedside cot around the house however our Parents Testers said that the Shnuggle Air alongside the cot was easy to move. It's one of the lightest options and can be put in its own travel bag.
The SnuzPod is another highly-rated bedside cot that's simple to assemble and fold away, with plenty of features to ensure the best night's rest. It comes with a bassinet that lifts off to fit more beds than any other cot and its breathable fabric can help your baby regulate their temperature. It also features a soft rocking feature and an incline setting to help with reflux, and is light enough to use as a travel cot while you're out and about. It's more expensive than other bedside cribs however, Parent Testers agree that it's worth the extra cost.