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 bedside crib is a space-saving and practical option for parents who live in a room together.
Mumsnetters love this co-sleeper because it's spacious with lots of room for baby to grow and play and is much bigger than a Moses basket. It's also easy to put together, and comes with a carry bag.
What is a bedside cot?
A bedside cot (also known as a bassinet, side-sleeper or co-sleeper) is a safe method for your newborn to sleep close to you throughout their first months. These cribs are attached to your bed and let you lift your child towards you to feed them at night or even comfort them. They're also a great choice for breastfeeding mothers or mothers recovering from a caesarean.
They're typically smaller than a standard cot or cotbed, yet they provide ample space for your baby to sleep. You can choose between various designs and features based on your preferences. Many cribs with a bedside feature an adjustable or drop-down side, which makes it easier to reach the baby at night for feedings. They are also available in different heights, based on the size of your bed.
Some bedside cribs have an adjustable riser that allows you to build an incline to the sleeping area. This can aid in reducing reflux. They also have a zip off side to make cleaning easy. Some have manual rocking features which can be a soothing distraction for your newborn. You'll also require a comfortable mattress for your crib. It should be a minimum of 30cm deep to ensure your baby has enough head space.
A bedside crib is a major investment, but you can be sure your baby will have a peaceful and safe night's sleep. Kate Hudson, Serena Williams and Gigi Hadid are all avid users of SNOO's bedside crib. It is definitely worth a look as an alternative to the Moses basket.
Safety
The Lullaby Trust, in conjunction with the NHS, has issued official guidelines for safe sleep that recommend that newborns are in the same room as their parents for the first six months. However they should not be sleeping in your bed. This is to reduce the chance of suffocation and sudden infant death syndrome. A bedside crib allows you to keep your infant close to you so that you can comfort them and even feed them at night without leaving your bed. It's also great for those who have a limited mobility after an operation or recovering from a C-section.
Silver Cross Slumber Carbon 3 in 1 travel cot bedside crib is our top pick for a bedside crib. It's small and folds flat to fit into its transport bag, making it perfect for nights out on the town or away from home. It's the lightest option for a bedside crib and has a soft, comfortable foam mattress with mesh panels which allow air to flow. It also has an incline option that can be added. Plus, it won Gold at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for the Best Cot Crib or Moses basket.
Chicco Next2me Magic is another fantastic bedside crib. It was awarded Bronze at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It has a built-in changing mat and storage solution and weighs only 10kg. It is light at 10kg, and comes with an adjustable side that drops down for easy access.
Style
A bedside crib is a godsend for many mothers, particularly those who are recovering from C-sections. They are attached to your bed so that you can easily reach your baby without needing to get up and letting you feed them and soothe them quickly. The close proximity to your baby can also help increase the amount of milk produced by mothers who are breastfeeding.
As well as being incredibly practical, these bassinets can look pretty stylish too and that's why they're so sought-after. They're typically larger than Moses baskets and are available in many different styles, with some even having extra features like a gentle tilting of the reflux. Designed to fit by your bed, they can be moved around your home when the baby grows older. Additionally, some are portable enough to take on the go too making them perfect for new parents travelling.
It is important to choose an cot with bedside that has easy-to-use drop-sides. This allows you to lower your baby into the bassinet without having to lift them up into your arms. This can be a challenge for mothers with limited mobility. Chicco Next2Me Magic is one of these models that has been acknowledged and shortlisted by Mumsnetters in the category of the Best Cot or Crib, or Moses Basket for our 2021 Mother&Baby Awards.
Another handy feature that some models have is a transparent side that lets you be able to see your baby at all times. This is especially useful when you are tired and sleepy where a quick glance can make all the difference. As noted by Emily our MFM home tester Sleepiest BassiNest is a great option. It is easy to lower.
Budget
A bedside crib is an excellent option if you're not ready to move to a bigger crib. This bassinet-style crib attaches to your bed, ensuring that you can reach your baby easily for night feeds or comfort them without causing any disturbance to yourself. It's a great choice for those who are unable to move after a C-section. Celeb mums like Binky Felstead and Stacey Solomon have also chosen this model.
Our Parent Testers loved this new version of the well-loved Chicco crib, which won 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Cot or Crib. It's spacious comfortable, breathable, and comes with six different height settings suitable for growing babies. There is also a soft reflux setting. It can also be used as a travel crib and comes with a convenient storage case.
A bedside crib can be tricky to move around the home However, our Parents Testers found the Shnuggle Air on the side of the crib simple to move. best bedside cot for newborn of the lighter options and can be put in its own travel bag.
The SnuzPod bedside cot is a 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 maintain their temperature. It features a soft rocking feature, as well as an incline to aid in reflux. It is also lightweight enough to use as a crib for travel when you are traveling. It's more expensive than other cots for bed but our Parent Testers say it's well worth the extra cost.