How to Choose the Best Bedside Cot uk
Both the NHS and Lullaby Trust have issued official safe sleeping guidelines that advise that babies sleep in their own Moses basket or cot. A bedside crib can be a space-saving and practical option for parents who live in a room together.
Mumsnetters love the co-sleeper as it is spacious, with plenty of room for baby's to grow and play. It's also larger than a Moses Basket. It's also simple to put together and comes with a bag for travel.
What is a bedside cot?
A bedside cot (also called a bassinet, side-sleeper or co-sleeper) is a safe method for your baby to rest near you during their first few months. These cribs are attached to your bed and let you lift your child towards you to feed them at night or for comforting. These cribs are also great for mothers who are breastfeeding or recovering from a Cesarean Section.
These cots are often smaller than standard cots however, they still provide plenty of space for your baby to sleep. You can pick from a variety of styles and features, depending on what your preference is. Many cribs with a bedside feature the option of removing or dropping down the side, which makes it easier to reach the baby during the night to feed them. They are also available in different heights, based on your bed size.
Some bedside cribs have a riser which allows you to create an incline to the sleep area. This can aid in reducing reflux. They also have an open side for easy cleaning. Others have manual rocking functions which can be a soothing distraction for your infant. You'll need a mattress that is comfortable to be used with your crib. It must be at least 30cm in depth to give your baby enough headroom.
You can be confident that your child will be comfortable and safe in a cot that is positioned at the bedside. With stars like Kate Hudson, Serena Williams and Gigi Hadid all fans of the SNOO bedside crib, it's worth considering this stylish alternative to a moses basket.
Safety
The Lullaby Trust, in conjunction with the NHS, has issued official guidelines for safe sleep that advise that babies stay in the same bedroom as their parents for the first six months. However Read Webpage shouldn't sleep in your bed. This is to decrease the risk of suffocation or sudden infant death syndrome. A crib for bed lets you keep your baby close so that you can comfort them and even feed them at night without leaving your bed. It's also great if you have limited mobility following an operation or recovering from an operation such as a C-section.
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 compact and folds flat to fit into a transport bag and is perfect for trips away on holidays or from home. It's among the lightest options for a bedside cot. It comes with a comfy deep foam mattress with mesh panels that let air flow. It also comes with an option for incline. Plus, it won Gold at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for the Best Moses Basket or Cot Crib.
Another fab bedside cot option is the Chicco Next2me Magic bedside crib which was awarded Bronze in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It features a built-in change mat and storage solution, is lightweight at 10kg, and features an adjustable side that can be lowered down for easy access.
Style
For many mothers, particularly those recovering from C-sections A crib for bedside can be a blessing in disguise. They are attached to your bed so you can easily reach your baby without needing to get out of bed, allowing you to night feed them and comfort them quickly. The close proximity to the baby can also increase milk production for mothers who breastfeed.
As well as being incredibly convenient, these bassinets can also look attractive too and that's why they're so popular. They're often a bit larger than Moses baskets and are available in many different styles, with some featuring extra features such as a gentle reflux incline setting. They are designed to be placed near your bed, they are able to be moved around the house when the baby grows older. Additionally, some can be carried on the go too making them perfect for new parents travelling.
When choosing a bedside cot, it's important to look for designs with drop sides that are easy to use. They allow you to lower your infant into the bassinet without needing to lift them into your arms, which can be difficult for mothers with mobility issues. Chicco Next2Me Magic is one such model that has been highly praised and was shortlisted by Mumsnetters in the category of Best Cot or Crib or Moses Basket for our 2021 Mother and Baby Awards.
Another useful feature that a few models come with is a transparent side that lets you see your baby at all times. This is particularly useful when you are tired and sleepy when a quick glance can make all the difference. One such option is the Sleepiest BassiNest which is easy to lower, as was noted by our MFM home tester Emily.
Budget
If you're not ready to move to a larger cot the bedside crib could be a great option. This bassinet-style crib attaches to your bed, so you can easily reach your baby to feed them at night or even comfort your child without causing disturbance. It's also a great choice for those who suffer from restricted movement following the birth, and is a popular option with famous mothers like Stacey Solomon and Binky Felstead.
Our Parent Testers loved the new model of this popular crib from Chicco, which won the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket. It's large comfortable, breathable, and comes with six different height settings for babies who are growing. There is also a gentle reflux setting. You can also use it as a travel cot, and it comes with an excellent storage bag.
It can be a challenge to move an upholstered bedside cot throughout the house however our Parent Testers stated that the Shnuggle Air alongside the cot was easy to maneuver. It's one of the lighter options that can be tucked away in its own travel bag.
The SnuzPod is another highly-rated bedside cot that's easy to put together and fold away and packed with features to ensure a good night's sleep. It comes with a removable, lift-off bassinet which fits more beds than other cots. The fabric is breathable and can help keep your baby's temperature in check. It has a gentle rocking feature as well as an incline for reflux. It is also lightweight enough to use as a travel crib while you're on the move. It's a little more expensive than other cribs for bed but Parents Testers believe it's worth the extra expense.