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 cot or Moses basket. A crib that is placed near the bed can be practical and space-saving for parents who share a room.
Mumsnetters adore the co-sleeper because it is spacious, with plenty of room for baby's to grow and wriggle. It's also bigger than the Moses Basket. co sleeper bedside cot 's also easy to assemble and comes with a bag for travel.
What is a bedside crib?
Bedside cribs (also called bassinets, side sleepers or co-sleepers) are an ideal and safe way for your baby to sleep near you during their early months. These cribs attach to your bed and let you lift your child to you for night-feeding or comforting. They're also a great option for breastfeeding mothers or mothers recovering from a caesarean.
These cots are typically smaller than a standard cot, but still offer plenty of room for your baby to sleep. You can pick from different styles and features depending on your preferences. A lot of cribs for bedside use the option of removing or dropping down the side to make it easier to reach the baby during feeding time at night. They are also available in different heights depending on the size of your bed.
Some cribs with a bedside have a riser which allows you to build an incline to the sleeping area. This can be helpful with reflux. They also come with an open side for easy cleaning. Some have manual rocking features which can be a soothing distraction for your infant. You'll also require a breathable mattress to match your new crib, which should be a minimum of 30cm in depth to ensure that your baby has enough head space.
You can be confident that your baby will be safe and secure in a cot that is positioned at the bedside. 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
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 reduce the chance of suffocation and to lower the chance of sudden infant death syndrome. A crib for bed allows you to keep your baby close to you to help calm them down and feed them at night without having to leave your bed. It's also a great option for when you are recovering from an operation or a C-section, and have limited mobility.
Silver Cross Slumber Carbon 3 in 1 travel cot bedside crib is our top choice for a crib to sleep in. It's compact and folds down flat to fit into a travel bag, making it perfect for trips away on holidays or from home. It's one of the lightest bedside cot options and has the most comfortable deep foam mattress with mesh air-flow panels, and an tilt setting, and it was awarded Gold in the 2021 Mother&Baby awards for Best Crib, Cot, or Moses Basket.
Chicco Next2me Magic is another excellent bedside crib. It was awarded Bronze at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It features a built-in change mat and storage solutions, is lightweight at 10kg, and has an adjustable side that drops down for easy access.
Style
For many mums, particularly those recovering from a C-section, a bedside crib can prove to be an absolute godsend. They attach to your bed so you can reach your baby easily without needing to get out of bed and letting you feed them and soothe them quickly. The close proximity to your baby can also aid in increasing the production of milk for mothers who are breastfeeding.
These bassinets are not only practical, but also fashionable. This is the reason they're so popular. They are larger than Moses Baskets and some come with additional features such as a gentle reflux and incline. They are designed to be placed near your bed, they can usually be moved around the home as the baby grows older, and some are able to be taken with you on the go, making them great for new parents traveling.
When you are choosing a bedside cot it is important to select a model with drop sides that are easy to use. These allow you to lower your infant into the bassinet without lifting them into your arms, which can be difficult for moms who have limited mobility. One such model is the Chicco Next2Me Magic which has been applauded by Mumsnetters and was shortlisted for our 2021 Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot Crib, Moses or Crib Basket category.
Some models also come with a transparent side, which allows you to be able to always view your baby. This is especially helpful when you're exhausted at 3am and have to feed your baby. A quick glance could make a big difference. As was noted by Emily who is our MFM home tester Sleepiest BassiNest is a great option. It is simple to lower.
Budget
A bedside crib is a fantastic option if you are not ready to upgrade to a full-sized crib. The bassinet-style crib is attached to the bed's side so that you can easily reach your baby's feedings at night and soothe them without disturbing your sleep. It's also a great choice for those suffering from restricted movement following an operation, and is a popular option with famous mothers like Stacey Solomon and Binky Felstead.
Our Parent Testers loved this latest version of the bestselling Chicco crib, which won 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for the Best Cot or Crib. It's large and breathable, and comes with six different height settings for growing babies. There is also a gentle reflux setting. It can be used as a travel crib and comes with a convenient storage case.
A bedside cot can be a little difficult to move around the home however our Parent Testers found the Shnuggle Air on the side of the crib easy to move around. It's one of the lighter options and can be packed into its own travel bag.
The SnuzPod is another highly-rated bedside cot that's easy to assemble and fold away and packed with features for an enjoyable night's sleep. It has a bassinet that lifts off to fit more beds than any other cot, and its breathable fabric helps your baby to regulate their temperature. It features a soft rocking feature, as well as an incline to help with reflux. It is also lightweight enough to use as a travel crib when you're out and about. It's a bit more expensive than other bedside cots however our Parent Testers affirm that it's worth the extra money.