How to Choose the Best Bedside Cot uk
Official safe sleeping guidance from both NHS and Lullaby Trust recommends that newborns sleep in their own cot or Moses basket. A crib for bed is an efficient and space-saving choice for parents who live together.
Mumsnetters adore the co-sleeper because it is spacious, with plenty of room for baby's to grow and play. It is also much bigger than a Moses Basket. It's also simple to put together and comes with a carry-on bag.
What is a bedside crib?
Bedside cots (also called bassinets, side sleepers or co-sleepers) are an effective and safe method for your baby to sleep near you during their early months. These cribs attach to your bed and allow you to bring your baby closer to you at night for feeding or comforting without the danger of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome associated with traditional bed-sharing. bedside cot for twins are also great for mums who are nursing or recovering from a Cesarean Section.
These cots are typically a little smaller than standard cots but they provide plenty of room for your baby to sleep. You can choose from different styles and features based on your preferences. Many cribs with a bedside feature an adjustable or drop-down side that makes it easier to reach your baby during feeding time at night. They are also available in different heights depending on the size of your bed.
Some cribs with a bedside have an riser that permits you to add a slight rise to the sleep area that could help with reflux. It also has the ability to zip off the sides for easy cleaning. Other cribs have manual rocking functions which can be a soothing distraction for your infant. You'll need a mattress that is air-conditioned to match your crib. It must be at least 30cm deep to allow your baby plenty of headroom.
You can rest assured that your baby will be comfortable and safe in a bedside cot. With the likes of Kate Hudson, Serena Williams and Gigi Hadid all being fans of the SNOO bedside crib, it's worth looking into this elegant alternative to moses basket.
Safety
The Lullaby Trust, in conjunction with the NHS has issued official safe sleeping guidelines that recommend that newborns sleep in the same bedroom as their parents for the first six months. However they shouldn't sleep in your bed. This is to lower the risk of suffocation, or sudden infant death syndrome. A bedside crib is a fantastic option that allows your baby to safely be close enough for you to feed them during the night and help them return to sleep without having to leave your bed. It's an excellent option if you are recovering from an operation or a C-section, and have limited mobility.
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 to fit into its own travel bag which makes it perfect for trips to the beach and nights away from home. It's one of the lightest bedside cots available and comes with a an extremely comfortable mattress with mesh air-flow panels, and an tilt setting, and it won Gold in the 2021 Mother&Baby awards for the Best Crib, Cot or Moses Basket.
Chicco Next2me Magic is another excellent bedside crib. It won Bronze at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It comes with an integrated storage unit and changing mat, is lightweight (only 10kg) and comes with an adjustable side that makes it easy to access.
Style
For a lot of moms, especially those who have had C-sections A crib for bedside can prove to be a blessing in disguise. You can easily reach your baby without getting out of your bed. This allows you to comfort and feed your infant during the night. They're an excellent choice for mothers who are breastfeeding as close proximity can boost their milk supply.
In addition to being extremely useful, bassinets are attractive too, which is why they're so sought-after. They're often a bit larger than Moses baskets and are available in many different styles, with some having additional 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.
It is essential to select a cot for your bed that has easy-to-use drop-sides. This lets you lower your baby into the bassinet without lifting them up into your arms. This can be a challenge for mothers who have limited mobility. One such model is the Chicco Next2Me Magic which has been highly praised by Mumsnetters and was shortlisted for our 2021 Mother&Baby Awards' Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket category.
Another useful feature that a few models come with is a translucent side that lets you observe your baby at all times. This is especially useful when you're groggy at 3am and need to feed your child. A quick glance could make a big difference. As mentioned by Emily our MFM home test participant the Sleepiest BassiNest an excellent choice. It is easy to lower.
Budget
A bedside crib is an excellent option if you're not ready to upgrade to a bigger crib. The bassinet-style crib is attached to the bed's side so you can easily reach your baby's evening feeds and also comfort them without disturbing your own sleep. It's also a great choice for those who suffer from restricted movement after an operation and is a popular choice with celeb mums including Stacey Solomon and Binky Felstead.
Our Parents Testers loved the new model of this bestselling crib from Chicco that won the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket. It's spacious and breathable and comes with six height options to accommodate growing babies plus a gentle reflux setting for incline. You can also use it as a travel cot, and it comes with a handy storage bag.
A bedside cot can be a little difficult to move around the home However, our Parents Testers found the Shnuggle Air beside crib really simple to move. It is one of the lighter options that can be packed into its own travel bag.
The SnuzPod is another highly rated bedside cot that's easy to set up and take down and comes with a variety of features that will ensure your child gets a good 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 keep your baby's temperature in check. It also has a soft rocking feature and an incline setting to help with reflux, and it's light enough to use as a travel cot while you're on the move. It's more expensive than other bedside cots however our Parent Testers say it's well worth the extra money.