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 for bed is an effective and space-saving solution for parents who live together.
Mumsnetters love this co-sleeper because it's big enough with plenty of room for baby to grow and play, and more spacious than a Moses basket. It's also easy to assemble and comes with a carry-on bag.
What is a bedside crib?
Bedside cribs (also known as bassinets, side sleepers, or co-sleepers) are a safe and convenient way for your baby to be close to you during the early months. These cribs attach to your bed and let you lift your baby out towards you at night for feeding or comforting without the threat of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome that is a result of traditional bed-sharing. click to find out more are also great for mothers who are breastfeeding or recovering from a cesarean.
They're often slightly smaller than a regular cot or cotbed, but provide plenty of space for your baby to lay down. You can pick from different styles and features based on your preferences. A majority of cribs for bedside use an adjustable or drop down side, which makes it easier to reach your baby's evening feeds. They are also available in various heights to accommodate the size of your bed.
Some bedside cribs come with a riser that allows you to add a slight slope to the sleep area that could help with reflux. It also has an easy zip-off side for cleaning. Some have manual rocking features which can be a soothing distraction for your baby. You'll also need a breathable mattress for your new crib, which should be a minimum of 30cm deep to ensure your baby has enough head space.
A bedside cot is an investment, but you can be certain that your baby will have a comfortable and safe sleep. Kate Hudson, Serena Williams and Gigi Hadid are all avid users of SNOO's crib for babies. It is definitely worth a look as an alternative to a Moses basket.
Safety
The Lullaby Trust, in conjunction with the NHS has issued official safe sleeping guidelines which recommend that babies are in the same room as their parents for the first six months. However they shouldn't sleep in your bed. This is to reduce the risk of suffocation or sudden infant death syndrome. A crib that is placed near your bed is a great option that allows your child to safely be close enough for you to night feed them and comfort them back to sleep without needing to leave your own bed. It is an excellent option if you are recovering from an operation or a C-section, and have limited mobility.
Silver Cross Slumber Carbon 3 in 1 bedside cot travel cot is our top pick for a crib that can be used as a bedside. It's compact and folds flat to fit into its travel bag which makes it ideal for nights out on the town or away from home. It's one of the lightest bedside cot options and has the most comfortable deep foam mattress that has mesh air-flow panels, and an tilt setting, and it was awarded Gold in the 2021 Mother&Baby awards for the Best Crib, Cot or Moses Basket.
Another fab bedside cot option is the Chicco Next2me Magic bedside crib that was awarded Bronze in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It has a built-in changing mat and storage solutions, is lightweight at 10kg, and comes with an adjustable side that drops down to make it easy to access.
Style
For a lot of moms, especially those who have had a C-section, a bedside crib could prove to be an absolute godsend. You can easily reach your baby without having to get out of bed. This allows you to comfort and feed your infant at night. The close proximity to your baby can also increase milk production for mothers who are breastfeeding.
In addition to being extremely convenient, these bassinets can look pretty attractive too which is the reason they're so popular. Some are bigger than Moses Baskets and some come with additional features such as a gentle reflux upward slope. They are designed to be placed near your bed, they can usually be moved around the house when baby gets older and some are able to be taken with you on the go making them perfect for new parents travelling.
It is essential to select a bedside cot that is easy to use drop-sides. This lets you lower your child into the bassinet, without having to lift them up into your arms. This can be difficult for mothers who have limited mobility. Chicco Next2Me Magic is one of the models that has been acknowledged and shortlisted by Mumsnetters in the category of Best Cot or Crib Moses Basket for our 2021 Mother&Baby Awards.
Some models also have a transparent side, which allows you to always see your baby. This is particularly useful when you are groggy at 3am and need to feed your baby. A quick glance could make a big difference. As was noted by Emily, our MFM home test participant, the Sleepiest BassiNest is a great option. It is easy to lower.
Budget
If you're not quite ready to make the leap to a larger cot an infant crib on your bed could be a great option. This bassinet-style cot attaches to the side of your bed to allow you to easily reach your baby's night feeds and comfort them without disturbing your sleep. It's also a great choice for those who suffer from restricted movement after the birth and is a favorite option with famous mothers like Stacey Solomon and Binky Felstead.
Our Parents Testers loved the new model of this bestselling crib from Chicco that won the 2021 Mother&Baby Award 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 incline. best bedside cots can also be used as a crib for travel and comes with a convenient storage case.
It can be difficult to move a bedside cot around the home However, our Parents Testers said that the Shnuggle Air beside cot was very easy to move. 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 is easy to put together and fold away and packed with features that will ensure your child gets the best night's rest. It comes with a bassinet with a lift-off that can fit more beds than any other cot, and its breathable fabric can help your baby maintain their temperature. It also has a soft rocking function, as well as an incline setting to help with reflux, and it's light enough to use as a travel cot while you're out and about. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs for bed however, Parent Testers believe it's worth the extra expense.