How to Choose the Best Bedside Cot uk
Both the NHS and the 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 is an effective and space-saving solution for parents who live together.
Mumsnetters adore this co-sleeper since it's large and spacious, with plenty of room for baby to grow and play, and far more substantial than the size of a Moses basket. It's also simple to put together and comes with a bag for carrying.
What is a bedside crib?
Bedside cribs (also known as side sleepers, bassinets or co-sleepers) are a safe and convenient way for your baby to sleep with you in the first few months. These cribs are attached to your bed, allowing you to lift your child towards you for night-feeding or comforting. These cribs are also ideal for mothers who are nursing or recovering from a cesarean.
They're typically smaller than a regular cot or cotbed, yet they provide ample space for your baby to rest. You can choose between a variety of designs and features based on your preferences. bedside crib or cot of cribs with a bedside feature a drop down or removable side that makes it easier to reach your baby for feeding at night. They are also available in different heights to accommodate the size of your bed.
Some bedside cribs come with a riser that allows you to add a slight slope to the sleep area that can help with reflux and a zip-off side for easy cleaning. Other cribs 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 crib is an investment but you can be sure your newborn will get a comfortable and safe sleep. With stars like Kate Hudson, Serena Williams and Gigi Hadid all being 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 sleeping which recommend that babies stay in the same bedroom as their parents for the first six months. However, they should not sleep in your bed. This is to decrease the risk of suffocation or sudden infant death syndrome. A bedside crib is a great option that allows your baby to safely be close enough for you to night feed them and soothe them back to sleep without having to get out of your own bed. It is also a great option if you are recovering from an operation or a C-section, and have limited mobility.
Our top choice for a bedside cot, the Silver Cross Slumber Carbon 3-in-1 bedside crib that travels cots 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 crib and features a comfortable deep foam mattress with mesh panels that let air flow. It also has an incline option that can be added. It also won Gold at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for the Best Moses Basket or Cot Crib.
Chicco Next2me Magic is another fantastic bedside crib. It won Bronze at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It has a built-in changing mat and storage system It weighs just 10kg, and features an adjustable side that slides down for easy access.
Style
For many mothers, particularly those who have had C-sections A crib that is placed near the bed can an absolute blessing. They can be attached to your bed so you can easily reach your baby without needing to get out of bed and letting you feed them and soothe them quickly. They are also a great choice for breastfeeding mothers as close proximity can boost their milk supply.
In addition to being extremely useful, bassinets can also look stylish too, which is why they're so sought-after. They're often a bit bigger than Moses baskets and come in lots of different styles, with some even having extra features like a gentle reflux incline setting. Designed to fit by your bed, they can usually be moved around the home when the baby grows older. Additionally, some are able to be taken on the go too which makes them ideal for new parents traveling.
When choosing a bedside cot it is important to select a model that have easy-to-use drop sides. They allow you to lower your baby's bassinet without lifting them into your arms, which is difficult for moms with mobility issues. One such model is the Chicco Next2Me Magic which has been applauded by Mumsnetters and was shortlisted for our 2021 Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot Moses, Crib or Basket category.
Another useful feature that a few models have is a transparent side that allows you to be able to see your baby at all times. This is especially helpful when you're exhausted at 3am and have to feed your baby. A quick glance could make a big difference. One of these options is the Sleepiest BassiNest which is simple to lower, as noted by our MFM home tester Emily.
Budget
A bedside crib is an excellent alternative if you're not yet ready to upgrade to a larger crib. bedside crib or cot is attached to the side of your bed to allow you to easily reach your baby for night feeds and comfort them without disturbing your own sleep. It's also a great option for those who suffer from limited movement after the birth and is a popular choice with celeb mums including Stacey Solomon and Binky Felstead.
Our Parent Testers loved the new version of the bestselling Chicco crib, which was awarded the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for the Best Cot or Crib. It's spacious and breathable and comes with six height options to accommodate babies who are growing, as well as a gentle setting for the incline. It can also be used as a travel cot, and it comes with an excellent storage bag.
A bedside cot can be difficult to move around the home, but our Parent Testers found the Shnuggle Air on the side of the crib easy to move around. It's one of the lightest alternatives and is compact enough to fit into its own travel bag which means you can carry it along with you on your trip.
The SnuzPod bedside cot is another highly rated product that's simple to put together and fold away and comes with a variety of features to ensure an unwinding night's sleep. It has a bassinet that lifts off to fit more beds than any other cot, and its breathable fabric can help your baby to regulate their temperature. It features a soft rocking feature, as well as an incline to help with reflux. It's also light enough to use as a crib for travel when you're traveling. It's a bit more expensive than other bedside cribs however, Parent Testers believe it's worth the extra cost.