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 cot or Moses basket. A bedside crib is an effective and space-saving solution for parents who live together.
Mumsnetters love the co-sleeper because it's big and has plenty of space for babies to grow and wriggle. It's also bigger than a Moses Basket. It's also easy to assemble and comes with a carry-on bag.
What is a bedside cot?
Bedside cots (also called bassinets, side sleepers or co-sleepers) are an ideal and safe way for your baby to sleep with you in the early months. These cribs are attached to your bed and allow you to raise your baby towards you at night for feeding or comforting without the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome that is a result of traditional bed-sharing. These cribs are also great for mums who are nursing or recovering from a Cesarean Section.
They're typically smaller than a standard cot, but offer plenty of space for your baby to sleep. You can pick from various designs and features based on your preferences. A lot of cribs with a bedside feature the option of a drop-down or removable side that makes it easier to reach your baby for evening feeds. They are also available in various heights to accommodate the size of your bed.
Some cribs with a bedside have an riser that permits you to add a slight incline to the sleeping space that can help with reflux and the ability to zip off the sides for easy cleaning. Other cribs have manual rocking functions which can be a soothing distraction for your newborn. You'll also require a comfortable mattress for your new crib, which should be a minimum of 30cm deep to ensure that your newborn has enough headroom.
You can be confident that your child will be safe and comfortable in a cot that is positioned at the bedside. With the likes of Kate Hudson, Serena Williams and Gigi Hadid all awed by the SNOO bedside crib, it's worth looking into this elegant alternative to a moses basket.
Safety
Official safe sleeping guidance from the Lullaby Trust and NHS advises that babies born today should be in the same room as you during the first six months but not in your bed to lower the chance of suffocation and to reduce the chance of sudden infant death syndrome. A crib for bed allows you to keep your baby close to calm them down and feed them at night without having to leave your bed. This is also a great option for when you are recovering from an operation or a C-section and are unable to move.
Our top choice for a bedside cot, the Silver Cross Slumber Carbon 3-in-1 bedside crib for travel is compact and folds down in a matter of seconds and fits into its own bag for travel, which makes it perfect for trips to the beach and nights away from home. It's the lightest option for a bedside cot and has a soft, comfortable foam mattress with mesh panels that allow air to flow. It also has an incline option that can be added. Additionally, it was awarded Gold at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for the Best Cot Crib or Moses basket.
Chicco Next2me Magic is another excellent bedside crib. It was awarded Bronze at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It features a built-in change mat and storage solution and weighs only 10kg. It is light at 10kg, and features an adjustable side that drops down to make it easy to access.
Style
For many mums, particularly those who have had a C-section A crib for bedside can prove to be a blessing in disguise. You can easily reach your baby without having to get out of the bed. This allows you to provide comfort and food to your infant during the night. The close proximity to your baby can also aid in increasing the production of milk for mothers who are breastfeeding.
In addition to being extremely convenient, these bassinets are stylish too which is the reason they're so sought-after. They're usually larger than Moses baskets and are available in many different styles, with some featuring extra features like a gentle reflux incline setting. They're designed to sit next to your bed and can be moved around the house as baby grows. Some are portable, so they're great for parents who travel.
When choosing a bedside cot It is essential to choose a model with drop sides that are easy to use. This lets you lower your child into the bassinet, without having to lift them up into your arms. This can be a hassle for mothers who have limited mobility. Chicco Next2Me Magic is one of the models that has been acknowledged and shortlisted by Mumsnetters in the category of the Best Cot or Crib Moses Basket for our 2021 Mother&Baby Awards.
Another great feature that certain models come with is a translucent side that lets you observe your baby at all times. This is particularly useful when you're groggy at 3am and you need to feed your baby. A quick glance can make a big difference. As was noted by Emily who is our MFM home tester Sleepiest BassiNest is an excellent choice. It is easy to lower.
Budget
A bedside crib is an excellent option if you're not yet ready to upgrade to a larger crib. The cot is attached to the side of your bed so you can easily reach your baby's feedings at night and soothe them without disrupting your sleep. It's an excellent choice for those who have limited movement following the C-section. Celeb mums like Binky Felstead and Stacey Solomon have also chosen this model.
Our Parent Testers loved this latest version of the well-loved Chicco crib, which took home the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for the Best Cot or Crib. bedside cot newborn is spacious, breathable, and has six different height settings for babies who are growing. There is also a soft reflux setting. It can also be used as a travel cot, and it comes with a handy storage bag.
It can be difficult to move a bedside cot around your house, but our Parent Testers reported that the Shnuggle Air alongside the cot was easy to maneuver. It is among the lighter options and can be packed into its own travel bag.
The SnuzPod is another highly rated bedside cot that's easy to put together and fold away and packed with features to ensure an enjoyable night's sleep. It has a removable adjustable bassinet that lifts off, which can fit more beds than other cots. The fabric is breathable and helps to regulate your baby's 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 crib for travel when you are out and about. It's more expensive than other bedside cots however our Parents Testers believe it's worth the extra cost.
