How to Choose the Best Bedside Cot uk
Both the NHS and Lullaby Trust have issued official safe sleeping guidelines, which recommend that newborns sleep only in their own Moses basket or cot. A bedside crib is a space-saving and practical option for parents who share a room.
Mumsnetters adore this co-sleeper since it's spacious with lots of space for babies to grow and play and is far more substantial than the size of a Moses basket. It's also simple to put together, and comes with a bag for carrying.
What is a bedside cot?
A bedside cot (also known as a bassinet, side sleeper or co-sleeper) is a safe way for your baby to sleep close to you overnight during the first few months of their life. These cribs are attached to your bed and allow you to pull your child in your arms for night-feeding or comforting. They're also a great choice for breastfeeding mothers or mothers recovering from a caesarean.
These cots are often a little smaller than a standard cot but they provide plenty of room for your baby to rest. You can choose from a variety of styles and features depending on your preferences. A majority of cribs for bedside use an adjustable or drop down side that makes it easier to reach your baby for evening feeds. They are also available in various heights to suit the size of your bed.
Some bedside cribs come with a 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 have manual rocking features which can provide a soothing distraction for your baby. You'll need a mattress that is air-conditioned to match your crib. It must be at least 30cm thick to allow your baby plenty of headroom.
A bedside crib is an investment but you can be certain that your baby will have a secure and comfortable sleep. Kate Hudson, Serena Williams, and Gigi Hadid are all big fans of SNOO's crib for babies. It is definitely worth considering as an alternative to the Moses basket.
Safety
Official guidelines for safe sleep from the Lullaby Trust and NHS advises that newborn babies should sleep in the same room as you for their first six months but not in your bed, to decrease the risk of suffocation, and to decrease the risk of sudden infant death syndrome. A crib that is placed near your bed lets you keep your baby close to you to soothe them to sleep and feed them at night without having to leave your bed. It's also a great option if you are recovering from an operation or a C-section and are unable to move.
Silver Cross Slumber Carbon 3 in 1 travel cot bedside Crib is our top choice for a crib that can be used as a bedside. It's small and folds flat to fit into its bag for travel and is perfect for holidays or nights away from home. It's among the lightest options for a bedside crib and features a comfortable deep foam mattress with mesh panels that allow air to flow. It also comes with an incline option that can be added. Additionally, it was awarded Gold at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Cot Crib or Moses basket.
Chicco Next2me Magic is another fantastic bedside crib. It won Bronze at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It has an integrated storage unit and changing mat, is light (only 10kg) and comes with an adjustable side for easy access.
Style
For many mothers, particularly those recovering from a C-section, a bedside crib could prove to an absolute blessing. They are attached to your bed so you can reach your baby easily without needing to get up in order to feed them and comfort them quickly. bedside cosleeper 're an excellent choice for mothers who are breastfeeding as close proximity can boost the amount of milk they produce.
These bassinets are not only functional, but also stylish. This is the reason they're so sought-after. They're typically bigger than Moses baskets and come in lots of different styles, some featuring extra features like a gentle reflux incline setting. Designed to fit by your bed, they are able to be moved around the home as the baby grows older, and some can be carried with you on the go, making them great for new parents travelling.
When choosing a bedside cot it is important to choose a model with drop sides that are easy to use. These let you lower your baby's bassinet without needing to lift them into your arms, which can be difficult for mums with mobility issues. Chicco Next2Me Magic is one of the models that has been praised and shortlisted by Mumsnetters in the category of Best Cot or Crib or Moses Basket for our 2021 Mother and Baby Awards.
Another handy feature that some models come with is a translucent side that lets you observe your baby at all times. This is especially helpful when you are tired and sleepy, when one glance could make all the difference. As mentioned by Emily our MFM home tester, the Sleepiest BassiNest is an excellent choice. It is easy to lower.
Budget
A bedside crib is an excellent alternative if you're not ready to move to a full-sized crib. The crib is attached to your bed so that you can easily reach your baby for feedings at night or cuddle your child without causing disturbance. It's a great option for those with restricted movement after a C-section. Celeb mums like Binky Felstead and Stacey Solomon have also chosen this model.
Our Parent Testers loved this latest version of the well-loved Chicco crib, which took home the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for the Best Cot or Crib. It's spacious and breathable, and comes with six different height settings suitable for growing babies. There is also a gentle reflux setting. It can also be used as a travel cot, and it comes with a handy storage bag.
A bedside cot can be a little tricky to move around the home However, our Parent Testers found the Shnuggle Air on the side of the crib simple to move. It's one of the smallest alternatives and is compact enough to fit into its own travel bag so you can take it along with you on your trip.
The SnuzPod bedside cot is yet another highly rated product that's easy to fold and assemble with plenty of features for a restful night's sleep. It has a removable lift-off bassinet which fits more beds than other cots. The fabric is breathable, and helps to regulate your baby's temperature. It also features a soft rocking function and an incline option for reflux, and is light enough to be used as a travel cot while you're out and about. It's a little more expensive than other bedside cribs however, Parent Testers agree that it's worth the extra cost.