How to Choose the Best Bedside Cot uk
Both the NHS and the Lullaby Trust have issued official safe sleeping guidelines which suggest that infants sleep in their own Moses basket or cot. A bedside crib is an efficient and space-saving choice for parents who live together.
Mumsnetters adore the co-sleeper because it is spacious, with plenty of space for babies to grow and wriggle. It's also bigger than a Moses Basket. It's also easy to put together and comes with a bag for carrying.
What is a bedside cot?
Bedside cribs (also called bassinets, side sleepers, or co-sleepers) are a safe and convenient way for your baby to sleep near you during the first few months. These cribs fix to your bed and let you lift your baby out towards you for night feeding or comforting without the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome associated with traditional bed-sharing. These cribs are also great for mothers who are nursing or recovering from a cesarean.
They're typically smaller than a regular cot, but provide plenty of space for your baby to rest. You can choose from a variety of designs and features according to what you like best. A lot of cribs with a bedside feature an adjustable or drop down side, which makes it easier to reach your baby for evening feeds. They are available in a variety of heights to suit the size of your bed.
Some cribs for bedside use an adjustable riser that allows you to add an incline to the sleep area. This can be helpful with reflux. They also come with the option of a zip-off side for easy cleaning. Others have manual rocking functions which can be a relaxing distraction for your baby. You'll require a mattress that's breathable to go with your crib. It should be at least 30cm thick to allow your baby plenty of headroom.
A bedside cot is an investment, but you can be certain that your baby will have a peaceful and safe night's sleep. With stars like Kate Hudson, Serena Williams and Gigi Hadid all being fans of the SNOO bedside crib, it's worth considering this fashionable alternative to a moses basket.
Safety
The Lullaby Trust, in conjunction with the NHS has released official safe sleeping guidelines which recommend that babies are in the same room as their parents for the first six months. However they shouldn't sleep in your bed. This is to reduce the risk of suffocation, or sudden infant death syndrome. A crib for bed lets you keep your baby close to you so that you can soothe them to sleep and night feed them without having to leave your bed. It is also a great option if you are recovering from an operation or a C-section, and have limited mobility.
Silver Cross Slumber Carbon 3 in 1 travel cot bedside Crib is our top pick for a bedside crib. It's compact and folds down flat to fit into a transport bag and is perfect for nights out on the town or away from home. It's among the lightest bedside cots and has an extremely comfortable mattress with mesh air-flow panels and an tilting setting, and it was awarded Gold in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for the best Crib, Cot or Moses Basket.
Another great bedside cot is the Chicco Next2me Magic bedside crib which was awarded Bronze in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It has an integrated storage unit and changing mat, is lightweight (only 10kg) and features an adjustable side that allows for easy access.
Style
For many mums, particularly those who have had C-sections A crib that is placed near the bed could prove to be an absolute godsend. You can easily reach your baby without getting out of bed. This lets you comfort and feed your infant at night. The close proximity to your baby can also aid in increasing the production of milk for mothers who breastfeed.
These bassinets are not only practical, but also stylish. This is why they're so popular. Some are bigger than Moses Baskets, and some have extra features like a gentle reflux incline. baby bedside crib are designed to fit under your bed, they can be moved around the home when baby gets older and some can be carried with you on the go which makes them ideal for parents who are new to traveling.
It is important to choose an cot with bedside with drop-sides that are easy to use. They allow you to lower your infant into the bassinet without having to lift them into your arms, which is difficult for mothers with mobility issues. One such model is the Chicco Next2Me Magic which has been praised by Mumsnetters and was shortlisted for our 2021 Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot Moses, Crib or Basket category.
Some models also have a translucent side, which allows you to see your baby. This is particularly useful when you're exhausted at 3am and need to feed your child. A quick glance can make a big difference. One such option is the Sleepiest BassiNest, which is easy to lower, as outlined by our MFM home tester Emily.
Budget
A bedside crib is an excellent option if you're not ready to upgrade to a larger crib. 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 causing any disturbance to yourself. It's a great option for those who are unable to move following a C-section. Famous moms like Binky Felstead and Stacey Solomon have also chosen this model.
Our Parent Testers loved the new model of this bestselling crib from Chicco that won the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot Crib, Crib or Moses Basket. It's afclimatizing and spacious and comes with six height options to accommodate growing babies, as well as a gentle setting for incline. You can also use it as a travel cot, and it comes with a handy storage bag.
A bedside cot can be a little tricky to move around the home However, our Parent Testers found the Shnuggle Air on the side of the crib easy to maneuver. It's among the lightest options and compact enough to fit into its own travel bag, which means you can carry it with you on your travels.
The SnuzPod is another highly rated bedside cot that's easy to set up and take down and packed with features to ensure 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 can help to regulate your baby's temperature. It also has a gentle rocking feature and an incline option for reflux, and is lightweight enough to be used as a travel cot while you're out and about. It's a bit more expensive than other bedside cots however our Parent Testers say it's well worth the extra cash.