How to Choose the Best Bedside Cot uk

Official safety sleeping guidelines from both NHS and Lullaby Trust recommends that newborns sleep in their own cot or Moses basket. A bedside crib is an efficient and space-saving option for parents who live in a room together.

Mumsnetters love this co-sleeper as it's large and spacious, with plenty of space for babies to grow and play and is far more substantial than the size of a Moses basket. It's also simple to put together and comes with a bag for travel.

What is a bedside crib?

Bedside cots (also called bassinets, side sleepers or co-sleepers) are a safe and convenient way for your baby bedside crib to sleep near you during their first few 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 option for breastfeeding mothers or mothers recovering from a Caesarean section.

These cots are typically smaller than a standard cot but they provide plenty of space for your baby to rest. You can choose between a variety of styles and features depending on your preferences. Many bedside cribs have the option of a drop-down or removable side that makes it easier to reach your baby for evening feeds. They are also available in various sizes to fit the dimensions of your bed.

Some cribs for bedside use a riser that allows you to add a slight rise to the sleep area that could help with reflux. It also has a zip-off side for easy cleaning. Some cribs have manual rocking features which can provide a soothing distractor for your infant. You'll also require a breathable mattress for your new crib. It must be at least 30cm deep to ensure your newborn has enough headroom.

A bedside cot is an investment, but you can be sure your newborn will get a secure and comfortable sleep. With the likes of Kate Hudson, Serena Williams and Gigi Hadid all awed by the SNOO bedside crib, it's definitely worth considering this stylish alternative to moses basket.

Safety

Official safe sleeping guidelines from the Lullaby Trust and NHS advises that newborns be placed in the same bed as you during the first six months but not in your bed to reduce the risk of suffocation and to decrease the risk of sudden infant death syndrome. A crib for bed allows you to keep your infant close to you so that you can comfort them and feed them at night without having to leave your bed. This is an excellent option if you are recovering from an operation or a C-section and are unable to move.

Our top pick for a bedside cot, the Silver Cross Slumber Carbon 3-in-1 travel cot bedside crib is small and folds flat in seconds to fit into a travel bag so it's perfect for holidays and nights away from home. It's one of the lightest bedside cot co sleeper cot options and has the most comfortable deep foam mattress, air-flow panels and an 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 features a built-in change mat and storage system and weighs only 10kg. It is light at 10kg, and has an adjustable side that drops down for easy access.

Style

A crib for your bed can be a lifesaver for many mums, especially those recovering from C-sections. You can easily reach your baby without getting out of bed. This lets you comfort and feed your infant at night. They are also a great option for breastfeeding mothers as close proximity can increase their milk supply.

These bassinets are not only functional, but also fashionable. This is why they are so popular. They're often a bit larger than Moses baskets and come in lots of different styles, some even having extra features such as a gentle reflux incline setting. They're designed to sit close to your bed and can be moved around the home as baby grows. Some are portable, which means they're ideal for parents who travel.

It's important to choose a bedside crib co sleeper cot that has easy-to-use drop-sides. This allows you to lower your baby into the bassinet without having to lift them up into your arms. This can be difficult for mothers with limited mobility. One of them is the Chicco Next2Me Magic which has been praised by Mumsnetters and was shortlisted in our 2021 Mother&Baby Awards' Best Cot Moses, Crib or Basket category.

Some models also come with a transparent side, allowing you to always see your baby. This is especially useful when you're groggy at 3am and have to feed your child. A quick glance can make a huge difference. One of these options is the Sleepiest BassiNest, which is simple to lower, as noted by our MFM home tester Emily.

Budget

If you're not quite ready to make the transition to a full-sized cot, an infant crib on your bed could be an ideal solution. The bassinet-style crib can be attached to your bed, ensuring that you can easily reach your baby for night feeds or comfort them without disturbing yourself. It's a great option for those with restricted movement after a C-section. Celebrity moms such as Binky Felstead and Stacey Solomon have also chosen it.

Our Parent Testers loved this latest version of the well-loved Chicco crib, which won 2021 Mother&Baby Awards as the Best Cot or Crib. It's large and breathable, and comes with six height settings to accommodate growing babies plus a gentle reflux incline setting. It can also be used as a travel crib and comes with a handy storage case.

It can be a challenge to move a bedside cot around your house, but our Parent Testers stated that the Shnuggle Air next to the cot was simple 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 easy to set up and take down, with plenty of features to ensure a good night's sleep. It has a removable, lift-off bassinet that fits more beds than other cots. The fabric is breathable and helps keep your baby bedside sleeper's temperature in check. It features a soft rocking feature and an incline to help with reflux. It is also lightweight enough to be used as a crib for travel when you're on the move. It's a bit more expensive than other bedside cots but our Parent Testers affirm that it's worth the extra cost.