How to Choose the Best Bedside Cot uk

Both the NHS and the Lullaby Trust have issued official safe sleeping guidelines that advise that babies sleep in their own Moses basket or cot. A bedside crib is a practical and space-saving option for parents who share a room.

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

What is a bedside crib?

A bedside cot (also known as a bassinet, side sleeper or co-sleeper) is a secure way for your newborn to sleep close to you throughout their first few months. These cribs are attached to your bed and allow you to lift your baby out towards you at night for feeding or comforting without the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome that is a result of traditional bed-sharing. They're also a great option for mothers who are breastfeeding or recovering from a caesarean.

These cots are typically a little smaller than a standard cot but they provide plenty of space for your baby to relax. You can choose from a variety of designs and features according to what you like best. A majority of cribs for bedside use the option of a drop-down or removable side that makes it easier to reach your baby for night feeds and are available in a variety of heights to suit the size of your bed.

Some cribs for bedside use a riser that allows you to add a slight slope to the sleep area that could help with reflux. It also has a zip-off side for easy cleaning. Others have manual rocking functions which can be a soothing distraction for your baby. You'll require a mattress that's air-conditioned to match your crib. It must be at least 30cm thick to give your baby enough headroom.

A bedside cot is an investment, but you can be certain that your newborn will get a secure and comfortable sleep. Kate Hudson, Serena Williams and Gigi hadid are all fans of SNOO's bedside crib. It is definitely worth considering as an alternative to a Moses basket.

Safety

Official safe sleeping guidelines from the Lullaby Trust and NHS advises that newborns be placed in the same bed 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 lets your baby safely be close enough for you to feed them during the night and soothe them back to sleep without having to get out of your bed. It's also a great option when you are unable to move after an operation or recovering from C-section.

Our top choice for a bedside cot the Silver Cross Slumber Carbon 3-in-1 bedside crib for travel is compact and folds flat in a matter of seconds to fit into its own bag for travel, so it's perfect for holidays and nights away from home. It's one the lightest options for a bedside cot and comes with a comfy deep foam mattress with mesh panels which allow air to flow. It also has an option for incline. Additionally, it was awarded Gold at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for the Best Moses Basket or Cot Crib.

Chicco Next2me Magic is another excellent bedside crib. It won Bronze at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It has an integrated storage unit and changing mat, is light (only 10kg) and comes with an adjustable side that makes it easy to access.

Style

A crib for your bed can be a lifesaver for many mothers, particularly those who are recovering from C-sections. They can be attached 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 your baby can also increase the production of milk for mothers who breastfeed.

Bassinets aren't just practical, but also stylish. This is why they are so popular. Some are bigger than Moses Baskets, and some have extra features, like a gentle and incline. Designed to fit by your bed, they can be moved around your home when baby gets older and some are able to be taken on the go too making them perfect for new parents travelling.

It is essential to select a bedside travel cot cot with drop-sides that are easy to use. This allows you to lower your baby into the bassinet without lifting them up into your arms. This can be a hassle for mothers with mobility issues. Chicco Next2Me Magic is one of the models that has been praised and shortlisted by Mumsnetters in the category of the best Cot or Crib or Moses Basket for our 2021 Mother and Baby Awards.

Some models also have a transparent side, allowing you to always see your baby. This is especially helpful in the case of 3am feeds that are bleary-eyed when one glance could make all the difference. One of these options is the Sleepiest BassiNest that is simple to lower, as noted by our MFM home tester Emily.

Budget

A bedside crib is an excellent option if you are not ready to move to a bigger crib. The cot is attached to the bed's side so you can easily reach your baby's night feeds and comfort them without disrupting your sleep. It's an excellent choice for those who are unable to move following the C-section. Celebrity 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 Awards for Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket. It's afclimatizing and spacious and comes with six height settings to accommodate growing babies as well as a gentle setting for incline. It can be used as a travel crib and comes with a convenient storage case.

It can be a challenge to move a bedside cot around the house, but our Parents Testers stated that the Shnuggle Air beside cot was very simple to move. It is among the lighter options that can be put in its own travel bag.

The SnuzPod bedside cot is a highly rated product that's easy to fold and assemble, with many features for a restful night's sleep. It has a removable, adjustable bassinet that lifts off, which can fit more beds than other cots. The fabric is breathable, and helps to regulate your baby's temperature. It also has a gentle rocking function, as well as an incline option for reflux, and is light enough to be used as a travel cot bedside crib cot while you're out and about. It's more expensive than other bedside cot crib cribs, but Parent Testers agree that it's worth the extra cost.