How to Choose the Best Bedside Cot uk

Both the NHS and the Lullaby Trust have issued official safe sleeping guidelines that recommend that newborns sleep only in their own Moses basket or cot. A bedside crib can be practical and space-saving for parents who share a room.

Mumsnetters adore the co-sleeper because it is spacious, with plenty of space for babies to grow and play. It is also much larger than a Moses Basket. It's also easy to put together and comes with a bag for carrying.

What is a bedside crib?

A bedside cot (also known as a side sleeper, bassinet or co-sleeper) is a safe method for your baby to rest close to you throughout the first few months of their life. These cribs attach to your bed and let you lift your child towards you to feed them at night or for comforting. These cribs are also ideal for mothers who are breastfeeding or recovering from a Cesarean Section.

They're usually a little smaller than a standard cot or cotbed, yet offer plenty of space for your baby to lay down. You can pick from a variety of styles and features, depending on what your preference is. Many cribs with a bedside feature the option of removing or dropping down the side, which makes it easier to reach your baby during the night to feed them. They also come in various heights based on your bed size.

Some cribs with a bedside have an adjustable riser that allows you to add a slight slope to the sleep space which can help with reflux and an easy zip-off side for cleaning. Others have manual rocking functions which can be a soothing distraction for your infant. You'll also need a breathable mattress to match your crib. It should be a minimum of 30cm deep to ensure that your newborn has enough headroom.

You can be confident that your child will be safe and comfortable in a cot that is positioned at the bedside. With stars like Kate Hudson, Serena Williams and Gigi Hadid all being fans of the SNOO bedside crib travel crib, it's worth considering this fashionable alternative to a moses basket.

Safety

The Lullaby Trust, in conjunction with the NHS, has issued official guidelines for safe sleep that advise that babies stay in the same bedroom as their parents for the first six months. However, they should not sleep in your bed. This is to decrease the chance of suffocation and sudden infant death syndrome. A crib for bed lets you keep your baby close to you so that you can calm them down and night feed them without leaving your bed. This is also a great option for when you are recovering from an operation or C-section and have limited mobility.

Silver Cross Slumber Carbon 3 in 1 travel cot bedside Crib is our top choice for a bedside crib. It's small and folds flat to fit into a bag for travel, making it perfect for trips away on holidays or from home. It's one of the lightest bedside cots available and comes with a a comfy deep foam mattress that has mesh air-flow panels, and an tilt setting, and it was awarded Gold in the 2021 Mother&Baby awards for Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket.

Another fantastic bedside cot is the Chicco Next2me Magic bedside crib which was awarded Bronze in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It comes with 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 a lot of moms, especially those who have had C-sections A crib that is placed near the bed can prove to be an absolute godsend. You can easily reach your baby without having to get out of your bed. This allows you to provide comfort and food to your infant at night. The close proximity to the baby can also increase the production of milk for mothers who breastfeed.

As well as being incredibly convenient, these bassinets can look pretty attractive too and that's why they're so popular. Some are more spacious than Moses Baskets, and some have extra features, like a gentle incline. They are designed to fit close to your bed and can be moved around the house as baby bedside crib grows. Some are portable, which means they're great for travelling parents.

It is important to choose an cot with bedside cot 6 months plus with drop-sides that are easy to use. This allows you to lower your infant into the bassinet without having to lift them up into your arms. This can be a hassle for mothers with mobility issues. Chicco Next2Me Magic is one of these models that has been praised 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 come with a transparent side, allowing you to be able to always view your baby. This is especially useful during bleary-eyed 3am feeds where just a glance can make all the difference. One such option is the Sleepiest BassiNest that is easy to lower, as was noted by our MFM home tester Emily.

Budget

If you're still not ready to move to a larger cot a bedside crib may be the perfect solution. The bassinet-style crib can be attached to your bed, so you can reach your baby easily for night feeds or comfort your child without causing disturbance. It's a great choice for those who have limited movement following a C-section. Famous moms like Binky Felstead and Stacey Solomon have also chosen it.

Our Parents Testers loved the new version of this popular crib from Chicco that won the 2021 Mother&Baby Award for Best Cot Crib, Crib or Moses Basket. It is spacious, breathable, and has six different height settings for babies who are growing. There is also a gentle reflux setting. It can be used as a crib for travel and comes with a handy storage case.

It can be difficult to move an upholstered bedside cot throughout the home however our Parent Testers stated that the Shnuggle Air beside cot was very easy to move. It is one of the lightest options and can be put in its own travel bag.

The SnuzPod is a different highly rated bedside cot that's easy to put together and fold away and packed with features for the best night's rest. It has a removable, lift-off bassinet which fits more beds than other cots. The fabric is breathable and can help to regulate your baby's temperature. It features a soft rocking feature and an incline to aid in reflux. It is also lightweight enough to use as a crib for travel while you're out and about. It's a bit more expensive than other bedside cots, but our Parents Testers believe it's worth the extra cost.