How to Choose the Best Bedside Cot uk

Both the NHS and Lullaby Trust have issued official safe sleeping guidelines, which advise that babies sleep in their own Moses basket or cot. A crib that is placed near the bed can be an efficient and space-saving option for parents who share a room.

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

What is a bedside cot?

A bedside cot (also called a side sleeper, bassinet or co-sleeper) is a secure way for your baby to sleep near you during the first few months of their life. These cribs are attached to your bed and let you lift your baby out towards you to feed them at night or for comforting without the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome that is a result of traditional bed-sharing. These cribs are also great for mums who are breastfeeding or recovering from a cesarean.

They're usually a little smaller than a standard cot or cotbed, but offer plenty of space for your baby to sleep. You can choose from a variety of styles and features, depending on what your preference is. Many bedside cot 6 months plus cribs have the option of a drop-down or removable side, which 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 come with an adjustable riser that allows you to add a slight rise to the sleep area that can help with reflux and an easy zip-off side for cleaning. Other cribs have manual rocking functions which can be a soothing distraction for your newborn. You'll need a mattress that is air-conditioned to match your crib. It must be at least 30cm deep to allow your baby plenty of headroom.

A bedside crib is an investment but you can be sure your baby will have a comfortable and safe sleep. With stars like Kate Hudson, Serena Williams and Gigi Hadid all fans of the SNOO bedside crib, it's definitely worth looking into this elegant 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 sleep in the same bedroom as their parents for the first six months. However they shouldn't sleep in your bed. This is to decrease the risk of suffocation, or sudden infant death syndrome. A crib that is placed near your bed allows you to keep your infant close to you to comfort them and even feed them at night without having to leave your bed. It's also ideal when you are unable to move following an operation or recovering from an operation such as a C-section.

Our top choice for a bedside cot newborn cot the Silver Cross Slumber Carbon 3-in-1 Travel Cot Bedside Crib (Www.Mazafakas.Com) is compact and folds flat in seconds to fit into a travel bag making it ideal for travel and nights away from home. It's one the lightest options for a bedside cot and features a comfortable deep foam mattress with mesh panels that allow air to flow. It also comes with an incline option that can be added. Additionally, it was awarded Gold at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Cot Crib or Moses basket.

Another great bedside cot is the Chicco Next2me Magic bedside cot crib crib that won Bronze in 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 allows for easy access.

Style

A crib for your bed is a godsend for many mums, especially those recovering from C-sections. You can easily reach your baby without getting out of the bed. This allows you to provide comfort and food to your infant during the night. The close proximity to your baby can also help increase the amount of milk produced by mothers who are breastfeeding.

Bassinets aren't just convenient but also fashionable. This is why they're so sought-after. They're usually bigger than Moses baskets and are available in many different styles, with some even having extra features like a gentle tilt to the reflux. They are designed to fit right next to your bed and can be moved around the house as baby grows. Some are portable so they're great for travelling parents.

It is important to choose a bedside cot with drop-sides that are easy to use. These let you lower your baby into the bassinet without needing to lift them into your arms, which is difficult for mothers with mobility issues. Chicco Next2Me Magic is one of the models that has been acknowledged and shortlisted by Mumsnetters in the category of Best Cot or Crib Moses Basket for our 2021 Mother&Baby Awards.

Some models also have a transparent side, allowing you to always see your baby. This is especially useful when you are groggy at 3am and have to feed your baby. A quick glance could make a big difference. As mentioned by Emily who is our MFM home tester, the Sleepiest BassiNest is an excellent choice. It's easy to lower.

Budget

If you're not quite ready to make the leap to a full-sized cot, an infant crib on your bed could be an ideal solution. The cot is attached to the side of your bed so you can easily reach your baby for evening feeds and also comfort them without disrupting your sleep. It's a great choice for those who are unable to move after a C-section. Celebrity moms like Binky Felstead and Stacey Solomon have also chosen it.

Our Parent Testers loved the new version of this well-loved crib from Chicco that won the 2021 Mother&Baby Award for Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket. It's spacious comfortable, breathable, and comes with six different height settings suitable for growing babies. There is also a soft reflux setting. It can be used as a travel crib and comes with a convenient storage case.

A bedside cot can be tricky to move around the home However, our Parents Testers found the Shnuggle Air beside crib really easy to maneuver. It's one of the lighter options and can be put in its own travel bag.

The SnuzPod bedside cot is yet another highly rated product that's simple to assemble and fold, with many features for an unwinding night's sleep. It has a bassinet with a lift-off that can fit more beds than any other cot, and its breathable fabric can help your baby to regulate their temperature. It also has a gentle rocking function, as well as an incline setting to help with reflux, and is light enough to be used as a travel cot when you're out and about. It's a bit more expensive than other bedside cribs but Parents Testers agree that it's worth the extra expense.