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 bedside crib is a practical and space-saving option for parents who share a room.
Mumsnetters love this co-sleeper as it's spacious with lots of room for babies to grow and play, and more spacious than the size of 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 an effective and safe method for your baby to be close to you during the first few months. These cribs are attached to your bed and allow you to pull your child in your arms to feed them at night or for comforting. They're also a great choice for breastfeeding mothers or mothers recovering from a caesarean section.
These cots are often a little smaller than a standard cot however, they still provide plenty of space for your baby to rest. You can pick from different styles and features depending on your preferences. A lot of cribs with a bedside feature a drop down or removable side that allows you to reach your baby for evening feeds. They are available in a variety of heights to accommodate the size of your bed.
Some bedside cribs come with a riser that allows you to add a slight rise to the sleep space which can help with reflux and a zip-off side for easy cleaning. Other cribs have manual rocking functions which can be a soothing distraction for your baby. You'll require a mattress that's air-conditioned to match your crib. It should be at least 30cm deep to allow your baby plenty of headroom.
You can be confident that your child will be safe and comfortable in a cot that is positioned at the bedside. 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.
Safety
The Lullaby Trust, in conjunction with the NHS has issued official guidelines for safe sleeping which recommend that babies sleep in the same bedroom as their parents for the first six months. However, they should not sleep in your bed. This is to lower the chance of suffocation and sudden infant death syndrome. A crib that is placed near your bed lets you keep your infant close to you to help comfort them and feed them at night without leaving your bed. This is also a great option for when you are recovering from an operation or a C-section and have limited mobility.
Our top choice for a bedside crib, the Silver Cross Slumber Carbon 3-in-1 travel cot bedside crib is compact and folds flat in a matter of seconds to fit into its own bag for travel, so it's perfect for holidays and nights away from home. It's one of the tiniest bedside cots available and comes with a a comfy deep foam mattress that has mesh air-flow panels, and an incline setting, plus it won Gold in the 2021 Mother&Baby awards for the Best Crib, Cot, or Moses Basket.
Chicco Next2me Magic is another fantastic bedside crib. It won Bronze at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It has a built-in changing mat and storage system, is lightweight at 10kg, and has an adjustable side that can be lowered down to make it easy to access.
Style
A bedside crib can be a lifesaver for many mums, especially those who are recovering from C-sections. They are attached to your bed so you can reach your baby easily without having to get up, allowing you to night feed them and soothe them quickly. They're also a great choice for breastfeeding mothers since the close proximity can help boost their milk supply.
Alongside being incredibly convenient, these bassinets can look pretty elegant and that's why they're so popular. They are larger than Moses Baskets and some come with additional features, like a gentle upward slope. They're designed to sit next to your bed and can be moved around the home as baby grows. bedside crib to cot are portable so they're ideal for parents who travel.
It's important to choose a cot for your bed that is easy to use drop-sides. This allows you to lower your baby into the bassinet without having to lift them up into your arms. This can be a hassle for mothers who have limited mobility. Chicco Next2Me Magic is one such model that has been acknowledged and shortlisted by Mumsnetters in the category of the best Cot or Crib or Moses Basket for our 2021 Mother and Baby Awards.
Another great feature that certain models come with is a transparent side that lets you observe your baby at all times. This is especially helpful when you're exhausted at 3am and you need to feed your child. A quick glance can make a big difference. As noted by Emily our MFM home tester Sleepiest BassiNest is a great option. It's easy to lower.
Budget
If you're not quite ready to make the leap to a larger cot, a bedside crib may be the perfect solution. The cot is attached to the side of your bed to allow you to easily reach your baby's feedings at night and soothe them without disturbing your sleep. It's an excellent choice for those with restricted movement following an operation such as a C-section. Famous moms such as Binky Felstead and Stacey Solomon have also chosen it.
Our Parent Testers loved the new version of this bestselling crib from Chicco, which won the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket. It's spacious and breathable and comes with six height settings to accommodate growing babies plus a gentle reflux setting for the incline. You can also use it as a travel cot. Additionally, it comes with a handy storage bag.
A bedside cot can be a little difficult to move around your home, but our Parent Testers found the Shnuggle Air beside crib really simple to move. It's one of the lightest alternatives and is compact enough to fit into its own bag for travel, which means you can take it with you on your travels.
The SnuzPod bedside cot is another highly rated item that's easy to assemble and fold with plenty of features for an unwinding night's sleep. It has a removable 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 features a soft rocking feature as well as an incline for reflux. It is also lightweight enough to be used as a crib for travel while you're out and about. It's a bit more expensive than other cots for bed but our Parents Testers believe it's worth the extra cash.