How to Choose the Best Bedside Cot uk
Both the NHS and Lullaby Trust have issued official safe sleeping guidelines that recommend that newborns sleep only in their own Moses basket or cot. A crib for bed is an effective and space-saving solution for parents who live together.
Mumsnetters adore this co-sleeper since it's spacious with lots of room for babies to grow and wriggle and more spacious than the size of a Moses basket. It's also easy to put together and comes with a carry 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 sleep near you during the first few months. These cribs are attached to your bed and let you raise your baby towards you to feed them at night or for comforting without the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome as a result of traditional bed sharing. These cribs are also ideal for mums who are nursing or recovering from a Cesarean Section.
They are usually smaller than standard cots however, they still provide plenty of space for your baby to rest. You can pick from different styles and features based on your preferences. Many cribs with a bedside feature a removable or drop-down side that makes it easier to reach the baby during feeding time at night. They also come in various heights based on the size of your bed.
Some bedside cribs have an adjustable riser that allows you to add an incline in the sleeping area. This can aid in reducing reflux. They also come with the option of a zip-off side for easy cleaning. Other cribs have manual rocking functions which can be a soothing distraction for your newborn. You'll need a mattress that is air-conditioned to match your crib. It must be at least 30cm in depth to give your baby enough headroom.
A bedside crib is an investment but you can be sure your baby will be secure and comfortable sleep. With stars like Kate Hudson, Serena Williams and Gigi Hadid all being fans of the SNOO bedside crib, it's worth considering this stylish alternative to moses basket.
Safety
Official safe sleeping guidance from the Lullaby Trust and NHS advises that babies born today should sleep in the same room as you for the first six months, but not in your bed to lower the risk of suffocation and to reduce the chance of sudden infant death syndrome. A crib that is placed near your bed is an excellent option that lets your baby safely be close enough for you to feed them at night and help them return to sleep without having to leave your bed. It's also great for those who have a limited mobility after an operation or are recovering from C-section.
Silver Cross Slumber Carbon 3 in 1 travel cot bedside crib is our top pick for a bedside crib. It's compact and folds down flat to fit in its transport bag, making it perfect for trips away on holidays or from home. It's among the lightest bedside cots and has the most comfortable deep foam mattress, air-flow panels, and an tilting setting, and it was awarded Gold in the 2021 Mother&Baby awards for 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 comes with an integrated storage unit and changing mat, is lightweight (only 10kg) and comes with an adjustable side that allows for easy access.
Style
For many mums, particularly those who are recovering from C-sections, a bedside crib could prove to an absolute blessing. You can easily reach your baby without getting out of the bed. This allows you to provide comfort and food to your infant at night. The close proximity to the baby can also increase the production of milk for mothers who are breastfeeding.
They are not just functional, but also fashionable. This is why they're so sought-after. Some are bigger than Moses Baskets, and some have extra features such as a gentle reflux incline. They are designed to be placed near your bed, they are able to be moved around the home when the baby grows older. Additionally, some can be carried to the go which makes them ideal for new parents travelling.
When selecting a cot for your bedside, it's important to look for designs with drop sides that are easy to use. This allows you to lower your infant into the bassinet without lifting them up into your arms. This can be difficult for mothers who have limited mobility. One such model is the Chicco Next2Me Magic which has been praised by Mumsnetters and was shortlisted in our 2021 Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot Moses, Crib or Basket category.
Some models also have a transparent side, which allows you to always see your baby. This is especially useful when you are tired and sleepy, when one glance could make all the difference. As mentioned by Emily, our MFM home test participant, the Sleepiest BassiNest is a great option. It is easy to lower.
Budget
If you're still not ready to move to a larger cot, a bedside crib may be an ideal solution. The crib is attached to your bed, ensuring that you can easily reach your baby for night feeds or comfort them without causing any disturbance to yourself. It's a great choice for those with restricted movement after the C-section. Famous moms such as Binky Felstead and Stacey Solomon have also chosen this model.
Our Parent Testers loved the new version of this bestselling crib from Chicco which was awarded the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Cot Crib, Crib or Moses Basket. It's spacious and breathable and comes with six height settings to accommodate growing babies as well as a gentle setting for the incline. It can also be used as a travel cot, and it comes with an excellent storage bag.
A bedside cot can be tricky to move around the home however our Parents Testers found the Shnuggle Air beside crib really simple to move. It's among the lightest options and is small enough to fit in its own travel bag so you can take it along with you on your trip.
The SnuzPod is a different highly rated bedside cot that is easy to assemble and fold away and packed with features that will ensure your child gets a good 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. Suggested Web site features a soft rocking feature and an incline option for reflux, and is lightweight enough to use as a travel cot if you're out and about. It's a little more expensive than other bedside cribs but Parents Testers believe it's worth the extra expense.