How to Choose the Best Bedside Cot uk

Both the NHS and the Lullaby Trust have issued official safe sleeping guidelines, which recommend that newborns sleep only in their own Moses basket or cot. A bedside crib is an efficient and space-saving option for parents who live in a room together.

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

What is a bedside travel crib cot?

Bedside cribs (also called side sleepers, bassinets or co-sleepers) are an ideal and safe way for your baby to sleep with you during the early months. These cribs fix to your bed and let you bring your baby closer to you at night for feeding or comforting without the danger of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome as a result of traditional bed sharing. They're also a great choice for mothers who are breastfeeding or recovering from a caesarean section.

They're usually a little smaller than a regular cot, but they provide ample space for your baby to sleep. You can pick from a wide range of designs and features according to what you prefer. Many cribs with a bedside feature an adjustable or drop-down side to make it easier to reach your baby during the night to feed them. They are also available in various heights based on your bed size.

Some cribs with a bedside have an adjustable riser that allows you to build an incline in the sleeping area. This can aid in reducing reflux. They also come with an open side to make cleaning easy. Other cribs have manual rocking functions that can provide a relaxing distraction for your newborn. You'll need a mattress that is breathable to go with your crib. It must be at least 30cm in depth to give your baby enough headroom.

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

Safety

Official guidelines for safe sleep from the Lullaby Trust and NHS advises that newborn babies should be placed in the same bed as you during the first six months, but not in your bed to lower the chance of suffocation and to decrease the risk of sudden infant death syndrome. A crib that is placed near your bed allows you to keep your baby close to you to help soothe them to sleep and night feed them without having to leave your bed. It's also great for those who have a limited mobility following an operation or recovering from an operation such as a C-section.

Our top pick for a bedside crib, the Silver Cross Slumber Carbon 3-in-1 travel cot bedside crib to cot (infozillon.com published a blog post) crib is compact and folds flat in a matter of seconds and fits into a travel bag making it ideal for travel and nights away from home. It's among the lightest bedside cots available and comes with a an extremely comfortable mattress, air-flow panels, an optional tilting setting, and it was awarded Gold in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for the best Crib, Cot, or Moses Basket.

Chicco Next2me Magic is another great bedside crib option. It was awarded Bronze at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It features a built-in change mat and storage solution It weighs just 10kg, and features an adjustable side that drops down for easy access.

Style

A crib for your bed is a godsend for many moms, particularly those recovering from C-sections. They attach to your bed so you can easily reach your baby without needing to get out of bed, allowing you to night feed them and soothe them quickly. Being close to the baby can also increase milk production for mothers who breastfeed.

As well as being incredibly useful, bassinets are stylish too, which is why they're so sought-after. They are larger than Moses Baskets and some come with additional features such as a gentle reflux incline. They are designed to be placed near your bed, they are able to be moved around your home when baby gets older and some are portable enough to take with you on the go which makes them ideal for new parents traveling.

It is important to choose a bedside cot that is easy to use drop-sides. These let you lower your infant into the bassinet without lifting them into your arms, which is difficult for mums who have limited mobility. One of them is the Chicco Next2Me Magic which has been applauded by Mumsnetters and was shortlisted in our 2021 Mother&Baby Awards' Best Cot Crib, Moses or Crib Basket category.

Some models also come with a transparent side, allowing you to see your baby. This is especially useful when you're exhausted at 3am and have to feed your child. A quick glance could make a huge difference. As mentioned by Emily, our MFM home test participant the Sleepiest BassiNest a great option. It is simple to lower.

Budget

A bedside cot 6 months plus crib is an excellent option if you're not yet ready to upgrade to a larger crib. 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 an excellent choice for those who are unable to move following the C-section. Celeb mums like Binky Felstead and Stacey Solomon have also chosen it.

Our Parents Testers loved this new version of the popular Chicco crib, which took home the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Cot or Crib. It's spacious and breathable, and comes with six different height settings for growing babies. There is also a soft reflux setting. It can also be used as a travel cot. Additionally, it comes with a handy storage bag.

A bedside crib can be difficult to move around your home however our Parent Testers found the Shnuggle Air on the side of the crib simple to move. It is among the lightest options and can be put in its own travel bag.

The SnuzPod is another highly rated bedside cot that is easy to assemble and fold away and packed with features that will ensure your child gets the best night's rest. It comes with a removable, lift-off bassinet which fits more beds than other cots. The fabric is breathable and helps to regulate your baby's temperature. It also has a gentle rocking feature and an incline setting for reflux, and is light enough to use as a travel cot when you're on the move. It's more expensive than other cribs for bed however, Parent Testers are of the opinion that it is worth the extra cost.