How to Choose the Best Bedside Cot uk
Both the NHS and Lullaby Trust have issued official safe sleeping guidelines that suggest that infants sleep in their own Moses basket or cot. A crib that is placed near the bed is a practical and space-saving option for parents who live together.
Mumsnetters love the co-sleeper because it's big and has plenty of space for babies to grow and wiggle. It's also larger than the Moses Basket. It's also simple to put together, and comes with a carry bag.
What is a bedside crib?
Bedside cots (also called side sleepers, bassinets or co-sleepers) are an effective and safe method for your baby to sleep near you during their early months. These cribs attach to your bed and let you lift your child in your arms to feed them at night or for comforting. These cribs are also great for mothers who are breastfeeding or recovering from a Cesarean Section.
They're typically smaller than a regular cot or cotbed, yet offer plenty of space for your baby to rest. You can choose between different styles and features depending on your preferences. Many bedside cribs come with an adjustable or drop-down side, which makes it easier to reach your baby at night for feedings. best bedside cot come in various heights based on your bed size.
Some cribs with a bedside have a riser that allows you to add a slight incline to the sleeping space that can aid in reflux and a zip-off side for easy cleaning. Other cribs have manual rocking functions that can provide a relaxing distraction for your baby. You'll also need a breathable mattress for your crib. It must be at least 30cm deep to ensure that your baby has enough head space.
You can rest assured that your child will be safe and comfortable in a bedside cot. With the likes of Kate Hudson, Serena Williams and Gigi Hadid all fans of the SNOO bedside crib, it's worth looking into this elegant alternative to a moses basket.
Safety
The Lullaby Trust, in conjunction with the NHS, has issued official safe sleeping guidelines which recommend 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 lower the risk of suffocation, or sudden infant death syndrome. A bedside crib is a great option that allows your child to comfortably be near enough for you to feed them during the night and help them return to sleep without having to leave your bed. This is also a great option if you are recovering from an operation or C-section, and have limited mobility.
Our top choice for a bedside cot, the Silver Cross Slumber Carbon 3-in-1 travel cot bedside crib is compact and folds down in a matter of seconds and fits 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 crib and has a soft, comfortable foam mattress with mesh panels that allow air to flow. It also comes with an option for incline. It also won Gold at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for the Best Moses basket or Cot Crib.
Another great 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 changing mat and storage system It weighs just 10kg, and features an adjustable side that drops down to make it easy to access.
Style
A crib for your bed can be a lifesaver for many mums, especially those who are recovering from C-sections. They can be attached to your bed so that you can reach your baby easily without needing to get out of bed in order to feed them and soothe them quickly. The close proximity to the baby can also help increase milk production for mothers who are breastfeeding.
As well as being incredibly useful, bassinets can also look elegant, which is why they're so sought-after. They're usually more spacious than Moses baskets and come in lots of different styles, some even having extra features like a gentle reflux incline setting. They're designed to sit right next to your bed and can be moved around the house as baby grows. Some are portable, which means they're great for travelling parents.
It is important to choose a cot for your bed that is easy to use drop-sides. They allow you to lower your baby into the bassinet without lifting them into your arms, which can be difficult for mothers who have limited mobility. Chicco Next2Me Magic is one of these models 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.
Another great feature that certain models have is a transparent side that lets you see your baby at all times. This is particularly useful during bleary-eyed 3am feeds when a quick glance can make all the difference. As was noted by Emily, our MFM home tester, the Sleepiest BassiNest is an excellent choice. It is easy to lower.
Budget
If you're still not ready to move to a larger cot, an infant crib on your bed could be an ideal solution. The bassinet-style crib is attached to the bed's side to allow you to easily reach your baby's night feeds and comfort them without disturbing your own sleep. It's an excellent choice for those with restricted movement following an operation such as a C-section. Famous moms like Binky Felstead and Stacey Solomon have also chosen it.
Our Parent Testers loved the new model of this popular crib from Chicco which was awarded the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot Crib, Crib or Moses Basket. It's spacious and breathable and comes with six height settings to accommodate growing babies, as well as a gentle incline setting. You can also use it as a travel cot. Additionally, it comes with a handy storage bag.
It can be difficult to move a bedside cot around the house However, our Parents Testers said that the Shnuggle Air alongside the cot was easy to maneuver. It is among the lightest options and can be packed into its own travel bag.
The SnuzPod bedside cot is another highly rated product that's easy to assemble and fold and comes with a variety of features to ensure the perfect night's rest. 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 regulate their temperature. It has a gentle rocking feature, as well as an incline to help with reflux. It's also light enough to use as a travel crib when you are traveling. It's a bit more expensive than other cots for bed however our Parent Testers say it's well worth the extra cash.