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 crib or Moses basket. A crib that is placed near the bed can be practical and space-saving for parents who live in a room together.
Mumsnetters love this co-sleeper as it’s spacious with lots of room for baby to grow and play, and more spacious than a Moses basket. It’s also easy to put together and comes with a bag for carrying.
What is a bedside cot?
Bedside cots (also known as side sleepers, bassinets or co-sleepers) are a safe and convenient way for your baby to sleep with you during their first few months. These cribs attach to your bed and let you lift your child in your arms for night-feeding or comforting. These cribs are also great for mums who are breastfeeding or recovering from a cesarean section.
They’re typically smaller than a regular cot, but they provide ample space for your baby to rest. You can pick from a variety of styles and features based on your preferences. A lot of cribs for bedside use an adjustable or drop-down side that makes it easier to reach your baby at night for feedings. They are also available in various heights based on your bed size.
Some bedside cribs have a riser which allows you to create an incline in the sleeping area. rocking bedside crib can aid in reducing reflux. They also come with a zip off side to make cleaning easy. Some have manual rocking features which can be a relaxing distraction for your newborn. You’ll require a mattress that’s comfortable to be used with your crib. It should be at least 30cm deep to give your baby enough headroom.
You can be confident that your child will be safe and secure in a cot that is positioned at the bedside. With stars like Kate Hudson, Serena Williams and Gigi Hadid all awed by the SNOO bedside crib, it’s definitely worth considering this fashionable alternative to a moses basket.
Safety
The Lullaby Trust, in conjunction with the NHS has released official guidelines for safe sleeping that recommend that newborns stay in the same bedroom as their parents for the first six months. However they should not be sleeping in your bed. This is to decrease the risk of suffocation or sudden infant death syndrome. A crib that is placed near your bed is a great option that lets your baby comfortably be near enough for you to night feed them and comfort them back to sleep without needing to leave your bed. It’s also a great option for when you are recovering from an operation or 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 small and folds flat in a matter of seconds to fit into a travel bag making it ideal for travel and nights away from home. It’s the lightest option for a bedside crib and comes with a comfy deep foam mattress with mesh panels that let air flow. It also comes with an optional incline option. It also won Gold at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for the Best Cot Crib or Moses basket.
Chicco Next2me Magic is another great bedside crib option. It was awarded Bronze at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It features a built-in change mat and storage solutions and weighs only 10kg. It is light at 10kg, and features an adjustable side that can be lowered down to make it easy to access.
Style
A bedside crib is a godsend for many moms, particularly those who are recovering from C-sections. You can easily reach your baby without having to get out of bed. This lets you comfort and feed your baby at night. They are also a great option for breastfeeding mothers as the close proximity can help boost their milk supply.
In addition to being extremely useful, bassinets can look pretty elegant, which is why they’re so popular. Some are bigger than Moses Baskets and some even have additional features such as a gentle reflux upward slope. They are designed to fit right 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.
When you are choosing a bedside cot it is important to look for designs with drop sides that are easy to use. This lets you lower your infant into the bassinet without lifting them up into your arms. This can be a hassle for mothers with limited mobility. Chicco Next2Me Magic is one of the models that has been acknowledged and shortlisted by Mumsnetters in the category of the best Cot or Crib Moses Basket for our 2021 Mother&Baby Awards.
Another great feature that certain models have is a transparent side that lets you observe your baby at all times. This is especially helpful when you’re groggy at 3am and need to feed your baby. A quick glance could make a big difference. As was noted by Emily who is our MFM home tester Sleepiest BassiNest is a great option. It is simple to lower.
Budget
If you’re still not ready to move to a larger cot the bedside crib could be a great option. The crib is attached to your bed so that you can reach your baby easily for night feeds or comfort your child without causing disturbance. It’s a great option for those who have limited movement following a C-section. Celebrity moms like Binky Felstead and Stacey Solomon have also chosen this model.
Our Parents Testers loved the new version of the popular Chicco crib, which took home the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for the Best Cot or Crib. It is spacious, breathable, and has six different height settings for growing babies. There is also a gentle reflux setting. It can also be used as a travel crib and comes with a storage case that is convenient for storage.
It can be difficult to move a bedside cot around your house, but our Parents Testers reported that the Shnuggle Air beside cot was very easy to maneuver. It is one of the lightest options and can be put in its own travel bag.
The SnuzPod is a different highly rated bedside cot that’s easy to set up and take down, with plenty of features for a good night’s sleep. It comes with a lift-off bassinet that fits more beds than any other cot, and its breathable fabric helps your baby regulate their temperature. It also has a gentle rocking function and an incline setting to help with reflux, and is light enough to be used as a travel cot when you’re on the move. It’s more expensive than other bedside cribs however, Parent Testers agree that it’s worth the extra cost.
