How to Choose the Best Bedside Cot uk
Official safety sleeping guidelines from both NHS and Lullaby Trust recommends that newborns sleep in their own crib or Moses basket. A crib that is placed near the bed is a practical and space-saving option for parents who live together.
Mumsnetters love this co-sleeper because it's large and spacious, with plenty of space for babies to grow and play and is more spacious than the typical Moses basket. It's also easy to put together and comes with a bag for travel.
What is a bedside cot?
Bedside cots (also known as side sleepers, bassinets or co-sleepers) are a safe and convenient way for your baby to be close to you in the first few months. These cribs can be attached to your bed and allow you to pull your child to you for night-feeding or comforting. These cribs are also ideal for mums who are nursing or recovering from a Cesarean Section.
They are usually a little smaller than standard cots but they provide plenty of space for your baby to sleep. You can choose from a variety of designs and features according to what you prefer. Many bedside cribs have a drop down or removable side that makes it easier to reach your baby's feeding at night. They are also available in different heights to accommodate the size of your bed.
Some cribs for bedside use an adjustable riser that allows you to add an angle to the sleep area. This can be helpful with reflux. They also have an open side to make cleaning easy. Some cribs come with manual rocking features which can provide a soothing distraction for your baby. best bedside cot uk 'll need a mattress that is air-conditioned to match your crib. It must be at least 30cm in depth to give your baby enough headroom.
You can rest assured that your child will be comfortable and safe in a bedside cot. Kate Hudson, Serena Williams, and Gigi Hadid are all big fans of SNOO's bedside crib. It is definitely worth considering as an 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 reduce the risk of suffocation or sudden infant death syndrome. A crib that is placed near your bed is a great option that allows your baby to remain close enough to you to feed them at night and soothe them back to sleep without having to get out of your bed. This is an excellent option if you are recovering from an operation or a C-section and are unable to move.
Silver Cross Slumber Carbon 3 in 1 travel cot bedside Crib is our top pick for a crib that can be used as a bedside. It's small and folds flat to fit into its transport bag and is perfect for trips away on holidays or from home. It's among the lightest options for a bedside cot. It has a soft, comfortable foam mattress with mesh panels that allow air to flow. It also comes with an optional incline option. Plus, it won Gold at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Cot Crib or Moses basket.
Another fab bedside cot option is the Chicco Next2me Magic bedside crib that won Bronze in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It has a built-in storage solution and changing mat, is light (only 10kg) and features an adjustable side that makes it easy to access.
Style
A bedside crib is a godsend for many mothers, particularly those recovering from C-sections. You can easily reach your baby without getting out of your bed. This allows you to comfort and feed your infant during the night. The close proximity to your baby can also help increase milk production for mothers who breastfeed.
As well as being incredibly convenient, these bassinets can look pretty attractive too, which is why they're so sought-after. Some are bigger than Moses Baskets, and some have extra features, like a gentle and incline. They are designed to fit right next to your bed and can be moved around the house as your baby grows. Some are portable, which means they're great for parents who travel.
When choosing a bedside cot it is important to look for designs with drop sides that are easy to use. These allow you to lower your baby's bassinet without having to lift them into your arms, which can be difficult for mums with limited mobility. 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, Crib or Moses Basket category.
Some models also have a transparent side, which allows you to see your baby. This is especially helpful in the case of 3am feeds that are bleary-eyed where just a glance can make all the difference. As noted by Emily our MFM home test participant, the Sleepiest BassiNest is a great option. It is simple to lower.
Budget
If you're still not ready to make the leap to a larger cot, an infant crib on your bed could be a great option. This bassinet-style cot attaches to the bed's side so you can easily reach your baby for feedings at night and soothe them without disrupting your sleep. It's a great option for those who have limited movement after an operation such as a C-section. Celeb mums like Binky Felstead and Stacey Solomon have also chosen this model.
Our Parents Testers loved the new version of this popular crib from Chicco, which won the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Cot Crib, Crib or Moses Basket. It is spacious comfortable, breathable, and comes with six different height settings for babies who are growing. There is also a gentle reflux setting. You can also use it as a travel cot. Additionally, it comes with an easy-to-store storage bag.
It can be difficult to move a bedside cot around your home however our Parents Testers reported that the Shnuggle Air alongside the cot was easy to maneuver. It is among the lighter options that can be put in its own travel bag.
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 comes with a bassinet that lifts off to fit more beds than any other cot, and its breathable fabric can help your baby maintain their temperature. It also features a soft rocking function and an incline setting to help with reflux, and is light enough to use as a travel cot while you're out and about. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs for bed however, Parent Testers are of the opinion that it is worth the extra expense.