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 for bed is an efficient and space-saving choice 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's also bigger than the Moses Basket. It's also easy to assemble and comes with a bag for travel.

What is a bedside cot?

A bedside cot (also known as a bassinet, side-sleeper or co-sleeper) is a safe way for your baby to rest close to you throughout their first months. These cribs attach to your bed and allow you to pull your child to you to feed them at night or for comforting. They're also a great option for breastfeeding mothers or mums recovering from a caesarean.

These cots are often a little smaller than standard cots however, they still provide plenty of space for your baby to sleep. You can choose from various designs and features based on your preferences. Many bedside cribs come with the option of removing or dropping down the side, which makes it easier to reach your baby at night for feedings. They also come in different heights, based on your bed size.

Some cribs with a bedside have 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. Some cribs have manual rocking options that can be a soothing distraction for your baby. You'll also require a comfortable mattress for your new crib. It must be at least 30cm deep to ensure that your newborn has sufficient head room.

A bedside crib is a major investment, but you can be certain that your newborn will get a comfortable and safe sleep. Kate Hudson, Serena Williams and Gigi Hadid are all avid users of SNOO's bedside crib. It is definitely worth a look as an alternative to a Moses basket.

Safety

The Lullaby Trust, in conjunction with the NHS has issued official guidelines for safe sleeping that advise that babies sleep in the same bedroom as their parents for the first six months. However, they should not sleep in your bed. This is to reduce the risk of suffocation, or sudden infant death syndrome. A crib that is placed near your bed is a great option that lets your baby remain close enough to you to feed them at night and help them return to sleep without having to get out of your bed. It is an excellent option if you are recovering from an operation or a C-section, and have limited mobility.

Our top pick for a bedside sleeper cot cot the Silver Cross Slumber Carbon 3-in-1 travel cot 4-in-1 bedside crib crib is small and folds flat in seconds to fit into its own travel bag so it's perfect for holidays and nights away from home. It's one the lightest options for a bedside crib and comes with a comfy deep foam mattress with mesh panels which allow air to flow. It also has an incline option that can be added. Plus, it won Gold at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for best bedside cot uk Moses Basket or Cot Crib.

Another fantastic bedside cot is the Chicco Next2me Magic bedside crib that won Bronze in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It features a built-in change mat and storage solutions It weighs just 10kg, and comes with an adjustable side that can be lowered down to make it easy to access.

Style

For many mums, particularly those recovering from C-sections A crib that is placed near the bed can prove to be a blessing in disguise. They attach to your bed so that you can easily reach your baby without having to get up and letting you feed them and soothe them quickly. They are also a great option for mothers who are breastfeeding as the close proximity can help boost their milk supply.

These bassinets are not only practical, but also stylish. This is why they're so sought-after. They're often a bit bigger than Moses baskets and come in lots of different styles, some having additional features, like a soft tilting of the reflux. They are designed to fit close to your bed and can be moved around the home as baby grows. Some are portable so they're great for parents who travel.

When you are choosing a bedside cot it is important to select a model that have easy-to-use drop sides. These let you lower your baby into the bassinet without having to lift them into your arms, which can be difficult for mothers with limited mobility. Chicco Next2Me Magic is one such model that has been acknowledged and shortlisted by Mumsnetters in the category of Best Cot or Crib, or Moses Basket for our 2021 Mother and Baby Awards.

Some models also come with a transparent side, which allows you to always see your baby. This is especially useful when you are groggy at 3am and you need to feed your baby. 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 move to a full-sized cot, a bedside crib may be the perfect solution. The crib is attached to your bed so that you can reach your baby easily to feed them at night or even comfort them without disturbing yourself. It's also a great option for those suffering from restricted movement following an operation and is a popular choice with celeb mums including Stacey Solomon and Binky Felstead.

Our Parent Testers loved this latest version of the well-loved Chicco crib, which took home the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Cot or Crib. It's spacious and breathable and comes with six height options to accommodate growing babies and a gentle reflux incline setting. You can also use it as a travel cot. Additionally, it comes with an excellent storage bag.

A bedside baby bed crib can be difficult to move around your home however our Parents Testers found the Shnuggle Air on the side of the crib simple to move. It's one of the lightest options and can be packed into its own travel bag.

The SnuzPod is another highly-rated bedside cot that is easy to assemble and fold away and packed with features for an enjoyable night's sleep. It comes with 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 features a soft rocking function and an incline setting for reflux, and it's light enough to use as a travel cot when you're out and about. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs for bed however, Parent Testers believe it's worth the extra expense.