How to Choose the Best Bedside Cot uk

Both the NHS and the Lullaby Trust have issued official safe sleeping guidelines that recommend that newborns sleep only in their own Moses basket or cot. A bedside crib is a practical and space-saving option for parents who live together.

Mumsnetters love the co-sleeper because it's big and has plenty of room for babies to grow and wiggle. It's also bigger than the Moses Basket. It's also easy to put together and comes with a bag for travel.

What is a bedside crib?

A bedside cot (also known as a side sleeper, bassinet or co-sleeper) is a secure way for your baby to rest close to you overnight during their first few months. These cribs are attached to your bed and allow you to lift your baby out towards you to feed them at night or for comforting without the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome that is a result of traditional bed-sharing. These cribs are also ideal for mums who are nursing or recovering from a Cesarean Section.

These cots are often smaller than standard cots however, they still provide plenty of room for your baby to sleep. You can choose from various styles and features depending on your preferences. A majority of cribs for bedside baby sleeper use an adjustable or drop down side that makes it easier to reach your baby for feeding at night. They are available in a variety of heights to accommodate the size of your bed.

Some bedside cribs have an adjustable riser that allows you to create an angle to the sleep area. This can be helpful with reflux. They also have the option of a zip-off side for easy cleaning. Other cribs have manual rocking bedside crib functions which can be a relaxing distraction for your infant. You'll require a mattress that's comfortable to be used with your crib. It should be at least 30cm thick to give your baby enough headroom.

A bedside crib is an investment but you can be sure your newborn will get a peaceful and safe night's sleep. Kate Hudson, Serena Williams and Gigi Hadid are all avid users of SNOO's crib for babies. It is definitely worth considering as an alternative to the Moses basket.

Safety

The Lullaby Trust, in conjunction with the NHS has released official guidelines for safe sleep that recommend that newborns 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 bedside crib is a fantastic option that lets your baby safely be close enough for you to feed them at night and help them return to sleep without needing to leave your bed. It is also a great option if 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 bedside crib for travel is compact and folds down in a matter of seconds and fits into a travel bag so it's perfect for holidays and nights away from home. It's the lightest option for a bedside cot. It comes with a comfy deep foam mattress with mesh panels which allow air to flow. It also has an optional incline option. Additionally, it was awarded Gold at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Moses Basket or Cot Crib.

Another great bedside cot 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 system, is lightweight at 10kg, and comes with an adjustable side that can be lowered down for easy access.

Style

For a lot of moms, especially those recovering from C-sections, a bedside crib can 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. Being close to the baby can also help increase milk production for mothers who breastfeed.

Bassinets aren't just practical, but also stylish. This is why they're so popular. They are larger than Moses Baskets, and some have extra features such as a gentle reflux and incline. The baskets are designed to fit under your bed, they can usually be moved around your home when the baby grows older. Additionally, some are able to be taken on the go too, making them great for new parents traveling.

It's important to choose a bedside cot that is easy to use drop-sides. This allows you to lower your child into the bassinet, without having to lift them up into your arms. This can be difficult for mothers with mobility issues. 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 useful feature that a few models have is a transparent side that lets you be able to see your baby at all times. This is especially useful in the case of 3am feeds that are bleary-eyed, when a quick glance can make all the difference. One such option is the Sleepiest BassiNest that is simple to lower, as was noted by our MFM home tester Emily.

Budget

A bedside sleeper cot crib is an excellent option if you're not yet ready to upgrade to a bigger crib. This bassinet-style crib attaches to your bed, ensuring that you can reach your baby easily to feed them at night or even comfort them without disturbing yourself. It's also a great option for those suffering from limited movement after a C-section and is a favorite choice with celeb mums including Stacey Solomon and Binky Felstead.

Our Parent Testers loved the new version of this popular crib from Chicco, which won the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket. It's large, breathable, and has six different height settings for growing babies. There is also a soft reflux setting. It can also be used as a travel cot and it comes with an easy-to-store storage bag.

A wooden bedside cot cot can be a little tricky to move around the home, but our Parents Testers found the Shnuggle Air on the side of the crib easy to move around. It's one of the lightest options and can be packed into its own travel bag.

The SnuzPod is another highly-rated bedside cot that's simple to set up and take down and packed with features for a good night's sleep. It has a removable lift-off bassinet that fits more beds than any other cot and its breathable fabric helps your baby to regulate their temperature. It also has a gentle rocking function and an incline option for reflux, and is light enough to use as a travel cot when you're out and about. It's a little more expensive than other cribs for bed but Parents Testers are of the opinion that it is worth the extra cost.