How to Choose the Best Bedside Cot uk
Both the NHS and the Lullaby Trust have issued official safe sleeping guidelines which recommend that newborns sleep only in their own Moses basket or cot. A crib for bed is a practical and space-saving option for room-sharing new parents.
Mumsnetters adore this co-sleeper since it's big enough with plenty of room for babies to grow and wriggle and far more substantial than a Moses basket. It's also easy to put together and comes with a bag for travel.
What is a bedside crib?
A bedside cot (also called a bassinet, side sleeper or co-sleeper) is a secure way for your baby to sleep close to you overnight during their first months. These cribs are attached to your bed and let you lift your baby out towards you for night feeding or comforting without the danger of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome associated with traditional bed-sharing. They're also a great option for breastfeeding mothers or mums recovering from a caesarean section.
They are usually a little smaller than a standard cot however, they still provide plenty of room for your baby to rest. You can pick from a wide range of designs and features according to what you like best. Many bedside cribs have the option of a drop-down or removable side that allows you to reach your baby for evening feeds. They are also available in different sizes to fit the dimensions of your bed.
Some bedside cribs come with an adjustable riser that allows you to add a slight rise to the sleep area that can aid in reflux and the ability to zip off the sides for easy cleaning. Some cribs come with manual rocking features that can be a soothing distraction to your newborn. You'll need a mattress that is air-conditioned to match your crib. It should be at least 30cm deep to give your baby enough headroom.
A bedside crib is an investment but you can be certain that your newborn will get a comfortable and safe sleep. With stars like Kate Hudson, Serena Williams and Gigi Hadid all fans of the SNOO bedside crib, it's definitely worth considering this fashionable alternative to moses basket.
Safety
The Lullaby Trust, in conjunction with the NHS, has issued official guidelines for safe sleep that recommend that newborns stay in the same bedroom as their parents for the first six months. However, they should not sleep in your bed. This is to lower the chance of suffocation and sudden infant death syndrome. A crib that is placed near your bed is a great option that lets your baby remain close enough to you to feed them during the night and soothe them back to sleep without having to leave your own bed. It's also great for those who have a limited mobility after an operation or are recovering from a C-section.
Our top pick for a bedside cot the Silver Cross Slumber Carbon 3-in-1 travel cot bedside crib is small and folds flat 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 cot and has a soft, comfortable foam mattress with mesh panels that allow air to flow. It also has an optional incline option. It also won Gold at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for the Best Moses basket or Cot Crib.
Another fantastic bedside cot is the Chicco Next2me Magic bedside crib which was awarded Bronze in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It has a built-in changing mat and storage system and weighs only 10kg. It is light at 10kg, and has an adjustable side that slides down to make it easy to access.
Style
A crib for your bed is a godsend for many mothers, particularly those who are recovering from C-sections. You can easily reach your baby without getting out of your bed. This lets you provide comfort and food to your infant at night. The close proximity to the baby can also aid in increasing the production of milk for mothers who are breastfeeding.
As well as being incredibly convenient, these bassinets are elegant and that's why they're so popular. They're often a bit larger than Moses baskets and are available in many different styles, some having additional features, like a soft tilt to the reflux. They are designed to fit next to your bed and can be moved around the house as baby grows. Some are portable, which means they're great for travelling parents.
When you are choosing a bedside cot It is essential to choose a model with drop sides that are easy to use. This allows you to lower your child into the bassinet, without having to lift them up into your arms. This can be a hassle 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 Moses Basket for our 2021 Mother and Baby Awards.
Some models also come with a transparent side, allowing you to be able to always view your baby. This is particularly useful when you're exhausted at 3am and need to feed your baby. A quick glance could make a huge difference. As noted by Emily, our MFM home tester Sleepiest BassiNest is an excellent choice. It is simple to lower.
Budget
If you're still not ready to make the transition to a larger cot a bedside crib may be an ideal solution. This bassinet-style crib attaches to your bed, ensuring that you can easily reach your baby for night feeds or comfort them without disturbing yourself. It's also a great option for those with restricted movement after a C-section and is a favorite choice with celeb mums including Stacey Solomon and Binky Felstead.
Our Parents Testers loved the new model of this well-loved crib from Chicco which was awarded the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Cot Crib, Crib or Moses Basket. It's afclimatizing and spacious and has six height settings to accommodate babies who are growing, and a gentle reflux setting for the incline. You can also use it as a travel cot and it comes with a handy storage bag.
It can be difficult to move a bedside cot around the house, but our Parent Testers stated that the Shnuggle Air next to the cot was easy to move. It's one of the lightest options and small enough to fit in its own travel bag, which means you can carry it along with you on your trip.
bedside crib or cot is a different highly rated bedside cot that is easy to put together and fold away and comes with a variety of features that will ensure your child gets the best night's rest. It has 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 features a soft rocking feature and an incline to aid in reflux. It's also light enough to use as a travel crib when you are on the move. It's a little more expensive than other bedside cribs but Parents Testers agree that it's worth the extra cost.