How to Choose the Best Bedside Cot uk
Both the NHS and Lullaby Trust have issued official safe sleeping guidelines which suggest that infants sleep in their own Moses basket or cot. A bedside crib can be a space-saving and practical option for parents who share a room.
Mumsnetters love this co-sleeper because it's spacious with lots of room for baby to grow and wriggle and more spacious than the size of a Moses basket. It's also simple to put together and comes with a bag for travel.
What is a bedside cot?
A bedside cot (also known as a bassinet, side sleeper or co-sleeper) is a safe way for your baby to rest close to you overnight during the first few months of their life. These cribs fix to your bed and allow you to raise your baby towards you to feed them at night or for comforting without the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome that is a result of traditional bed-sharing. They're also a great choice for breastfeeding mothers or mums recovering from a caesarean.
They're often slightly smaller than a standard cot or cotbed, but offer plenty of space for your baby to sleep. You can pick from a variety of designs and features based on your preferences. bedside cot used come with a removable or drop-down side that makes it easier to reach your baby during the night to feed them. They are also available in different heights depending on the size of your bed.
Some cribs for bedside use an adjustable riser that allows you to add a slight slope to the sleeping space that could help with reflux. It also has the ability to zip off the sides for easy cleaning. Some cribs come with manual rocking features that can provide a relaxing distractor for your infant. You'll require a mattress that's air-conditioned to match your crib. It should be at least 30cm deep to allow your baby plenty of headroom.
You can rest assured that your child will be safe and comfortable in a cot that is positioned at the bedside. 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 a Moses basket.
Safety
Official safe sleeping guidance from the Lullaby Trust and NHS advises that newborns sleep in the same room as you for their first six months, but not in your bed, to decrease the risk of suffocation, and to reduce the chance of sudden infant death syndrome. A crib that is placed near your bed lets you keep your baby close to help comfort them and feed them at night without leaving your bed. It is an excellent option if you are recovering from an operation or C-section and have limited mobility.
Our top pick for a bedside cot, the Silver Cross Slumber Carbon 3-in-1 bedside crib that travels cots is compact and folds down in a matter of seconds to fit into a travel bag so it's perfect for holidays and nights away from home. It's one the lightest options for a bedside crib and features a comfortable deep foam mattress with mesh panels that allow air to flow. bedside cot used has an incline option that can be added. 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 comes with built-in storage and a changing mat, is lightweight (only 10kg) and features an adjustable side for easy access.
Style
For many mothers, particularly those who are recovering from a C-section A crib for bedside can be a blessing in disguise. You can easily reach your baby without getting out of your bed. This allows you to soothe and feed your infant during the night. They are an excellent choice for breastfeeding mothers since the close proximity can help increase their milk supply.
As well as being incredibly practical, these bassinets can also look elegant and that's why they're so popular. They are larger than Moses Baskets and some come with additional features like a gentle reflux incline. They are designed to be placed near your bed, they are able to be moved around your home when baby gets older and some are able to be taken to the go making them perfect for new parents travelling.
When choosing a bedside cot It is essential to select a model that have drop sides that are simple to use. They allow you to lower your baby's bassinet without needing to lift them into your arms, which can be difficult for moms who have limited mobility. Chicco Next2Me Magic is one of the models that has been praised and shortlisted by Mumsnetters in the category of the Best Cot or Crib, or Moses Basket for our 2021 Mother&Baby Awards.
Some models also come with a transparent side, allowing you to see your baby. This is particularly useful when you are groggy at 3am and you need to feed your child. A quick glance could make a big difference. One such option 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 the bedside crib could be the perfect solution. The bassinet-style crib can be attached to your bed so that you can easily reach your baby for night feeds or comfort them without disturbing yourself. It's a great option for those with restricted movement after an operation such as a C-section. Celeb mums such as Binky Felstead and Stacey Solomon have also chosen it.
Our Parent Testers loved the new version of this popular crib from Chicco which was awarded the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket. It's spacious comfortable, breathable, and comes with six different height settings for babies who are growing. There is also a gentle reflux setting. It can also be used as a travel cot. Additionally, it comes with a handy storage bag.
A bedside crib can be difficult to move around the home however our Parent Testers found the Shnuggle Air near the crib to be easy to move around. It's among the lightest options and is small enough to fit in its own bag for travel, so you can take it with you on your travels.
The SnuzPod is another highly-rated bedside cot that is easy to set up and take down and comes with a variety of features that will ensure your child gets 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 helps keep your baby's temperature in check. It has a gentle rocking feature and an incline to help with reflux. It is also lightweight enough to use as a crib for travel while you're out and about. It's more expensive than other cots for bed but our Parent Testers say it's well worth the extra money.