How to Choose the Best Bedside Cot uk
Both the NHS and the Lullaby Trust have issued official safe sleeping guidelines that advise that babies sleep in their own Moses basket or cot. A crib that is placed near the bed is an effective and space-saving solution for parents who live together.
Mumsnetters adore the co-sleeper because it's spacious, with plenty of room for babies to grow and play. It is also much bigger than a Moses Basket. It is also easy to put together, and comes with a carry bag.
What is a bedside crib?
A bedside cot (also called a bassinet, side-sleeper or co-sleeper) is a safe method for your baby to sleep close to you overnight during their first few months. These cribs fix to your bed and allow you to raise your baby towards you for night feeding or comforting without the danger of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome associated with traditional bed-sharing. These cribs are also great for mums who are nursing or recovering from a cesarean.
They're often slightly smaller than a regular cot or cotbed, but offer plenty of space for your baby to sleep. You can choose from a variety of styles and features depending on your preferences. Many cribs with a bedside feature a removable or drop-down side to make it easier to reach the baby at night for feedings. They also come in various heights based on the size of your bed.
Some bedside cribs have a riser which allows you to build an incline to the sleeping area. This can be helpful with reflux. They also have the option of a zip-off side to make cleaning easy. Other cribs have manual rocking functions that can provide a relaxing distraction for your infant. You'll require a mattress that's comfortable to be used with your crib. It must be at least 30cm in depth to allow your baby plenty of headroom.
A bedside crib is an investment but you can rest assured that your newborn will get a 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 a Moses basket.
over here for safe sleep from the Lullaby Trust and NHS advises that newborns be placed in the same bed as you for the first six months but not in your bed, to decrease the risk of suffocation, and to lower the chance of sudden infant death syndrome. A crib that is placed near your bed is a great option that allows your child to comfortably be near enough for you to feed them during the night and help them return to sleep without needing to leave your bed. It's also ideal for those who have a limited mobility following an operation or recovering from a C-section.
Silver Cross Slumber Carbon 3 in 1 bedside cot travel cot is our top pick for a crib to sleep in. It's compact and folds flat to fit in its bag for travel which makes it ideal for nights out on the town or away from home. It's the lightest option for a bedside crib and has a soft, comfortable foam mattress with mesh panels that let air flow. It also has an incline option that can be added. It also won Gold at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for 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 comes with built-in storage and a changing mat, is light (only 10kg), and has an adjustable side that makes it easy to access.
Style
For many mothers, particularly those who are recovering from a C-section, a bedside crib can an absolute blessing. You can easily reach your baby without having to get out of your bed. This lets you soothe and feed your infant at night. They are also a great choice for mothers who are breastfeeding as their close proximity will help increase their milk supply.
These bassinets are not only convenient but also fashionable. This is why they're so popular. They are larger than Moses Baskets and some even have additional features, like a gentle upward slope. They're designed to fit right next to your bed and can be moved around the house as your baby grows. Some are portable so they're great for travelling parents.
It is essential to select an cot with bedside that has easy-to-use drop-sides. They allow you to lower your baby into the bassinet without needing to lift them into your arms, which can be difficult for moms with limited mobility. One of these models is the Chicco Next2Me Magic which has been praised by Mumsnetters and was shortlisted in our 2021 Mother&Baby Awards' Best Cot Crib, Moses or Crib Basket category.
Some models also have a transparent side, which allows you to be able to always view your baby. This is especially useful when you are tired and sleepy when just a glance can make all the difference. As mentioned by Emily who is our MFM home tester, the Sleepiest BassiNest is a great option. It's easy to lower.
Budget
If you're not ready to make the leap to a larger cot, an infant crib on your bed could be a great option. The bassinet-style crib can be attached to your bed, so you can easily reach your baby for feedings at night or cuddle them without disturbing yourself. It's a great option for those with restricted movement following an operation such as a C-section. Celebrity moms such as Binky Felstead and Stacey Solomon have also chosen this model.
Our Parent Testers loved the new version of this well-loved crib from Chicco, which won the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket. It's spacious and breathable and has six height settings to accommodate babies who are growing, as well as a gentle setting for the incline. It can also be used as a travel crib and comes with a handy storage case.
A bedside cot can be a little difficult to move around the home, but our Parent Testers found the Shnuggle Air on the side of the crib easy to maneuver. It is one of the lightest 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 for an enjoyable night's sleep. It has a lift-off bassinet that fits more beds than any other cot and its breathable fabric helps your baby regulate their temperature. It has a gentle rocking feature and an incline to help with reflux. It is also lightweight enough to be used as a travel crib when you're out and about. It's a little more expensive than other cots for bed however our Parents Testers affirm that it's worth the extra cash.