How to Choose the Best Bedside Cot uk
Both the NHS and 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 can be a space-saving and practical option for parents who live in a room together.
Mumsnetters love this co-sleeper because it's big enough with plenty of room for babies to grow and play, and more spacious than the size of a Moses basket. It's also easy to put together and comes with a carry-on bag.
What is a bedside crib?
A bedside cot (also called a bassinet, side sleeper or co-sleeper) is a secure way for your newborn to sleep close to you overnight during their first few months. These cribs attach 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 option 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 pick from various designs and features based on your preferences. Many bedside cribs come with the option of removing or dropping down the side to make it easier to reach the baby during feeding time at night. They are also available in different heights depending on the size of your bed.
Some cribs for bedside use an riser that permits you to add a slight incline to the sleep space which could help with reflux. It also has a zip-off side for easy cleaning. Other cribs have manual rocking functions that can provide a relaxing distraction for your infant. You'll need a mattress that is comfortable to be used with your crib. It must be at least 30cm deep to give your baby enough headroom.
best bedside cot for newborn is a major investment, but you can rest assured that your baby will be peaceful and safe night's sleep. Kate Hudson, Serena Williams, and Gigi Hadid are all big fans of SNOO's crib for babies. It is definitely worth a look as an alternative to the Moses basket.
Safety
Official guidelines for safe sleep from the Lullaby Trust and NHS advises that newborns sleep in the same room as you during the first six months, but not in your bed to reduce the chance of suffocation and to decrease the risk of sudden infant death syndrome. A crib for bed allows you to keep your baby close to you so that you can calm them down and night feed them without leaving your bed. It's also a great option if you are recovering from an operation or C-section and are unable to move.
Our top choice for a bedside cot, the Silver Cross Slumber Carbon 3-in-1 bedside crib that travels cots is small and folds flat in a matter of seconds and fits into its own bag for travel, making it ideal for travel and nights away from home. It's one of the lightest bedside cot options and has a comfy deep foam mattress with mesh air-flow panels, an optional incline setting, plus it was awarded Gold in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for the best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket.
Chicco Next2me Magic is another great bedside crib option. It won Bronze at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It comes with a built-in changing mat and storage solutions and weighs only 10kg. It is light at 10kg, and has an adjustable side that slides down for easy access.
Style
A crib for your bed is a godsend for many mothers, particularly those who are recovering from C-sections. They are attached to your bed so you can easily reach your baby without needing to get out of bed in order to feed them and comfort them quickly. The close proximity to the baby can also increase the production of milk for mothers who breastfeed.
As well as being incredibly convenient, these bassinets can look pretty stylish too and that's why they're so sought-after. They're usually more spacious than Moses baskets and come in a variety of different styles, some featuring extra features, like a soft tilt to the reflux. They're designed to fit close 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 selecting a cot for your bedside, it's important to select a model that have drop sides that are simple to use. These let you lower your baby's bassinet without lifting them into your arms, which is difficult for mums who have limited mobility. Chicco Next2Me Magic is one of the models that has been acknowledged and shortlisted by Mumsnetters in the category of Best Cot or Crib Moses Basket for our 2021 Mother&Baby Awards.
Another handy feature that some models have is a transparent side that allows you to see your baby at all times. This is especially useful when you are groggy at 3am and need to feed your child. A quick glance could make a huge difference. One of these options is the Sleepiest BassiNest which is easy to lower as noted by our MFM home tester Emily.
Budget
If you're not quite ready to make the leap to a larger cot, an infant crib on your bed could be the perfect solution. The crib is attached to your bed, ensuring 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 after an operation such as a C-section. Famous moms like Binky Felstead and Stacey Solomon have also chosen it.
Our Parent Testers loved the new model of this bestselling crib from Chicco which was awarded the 2021 Mother&Baby Award for Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket. It's spacious and breathable and comes with six height settings to accommodate growing babies, as well as a gentle setting for the incline. You can also use it as a travel cot. Additionally, it comes with a handy storage bag.
A bedside crib can be difficult to move around your home however our Parent Testers found the Shnuggle Air on the side of the crib easy to move around. It is one of the lighter options that can be put in its own travel bag.
The SnuzPod bedside cot is a highly rated item that's easy to assemble and fold and comes with a variety of features to ensure an unwinding 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 can help keep your baby's temperature in check. It features a soft rocking feature as well as an incline to help with reflux. It's also light enough to be used as a crib for travel when you are out and about. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs for bed but Parents Testers agree that it's worth the extra expense.