How to Choose the Best Bedside Cot uk
Official guidelines for safe sleep from both NHS and Lullaby Trust recommends that newborns sleep in their own crib 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's spacious, with plenty of room for babies to grow and play. It is also much larger than a Moses Basket. It is also easy to put together, and comes with a bag for carrying.
What is a bedside crib?
Bedside cots (also known as bassinets, side sleepers, or co-sleepers) are a safe and convenient way for your baby to sleep with you in the first few months. These cribs fix to your bed and allow you to lift your baby out towards you to feed them at night or for comforting without the threat of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome that is a result of traditional bed-sharing. These cribs are also ideal for mothers who are breastfeeding or recovering from a Cesarean Section.
These cots are typically smaller than a standard cot however, they still provide plenty of room for your baby to rest. You can pick from a variety of designs and features based on your preferences. Many bedside cribs come with the option of removing or dropping down the side that makes it easier to reach your baby during feeding time at night. They also come in different heights depending on your bed size.
Some bedside cribs have an adjustable riser that allows you to add an angle to the sleep area. This can aid in reducing reflux. They also come with a zip off side for easy cleaning. Other cribs have manual rocking functions that can provide 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 deep to give your baby enough headroom.
You can be sure that your child will be safe and secure in a cot that is positioned at the bedside. Kate Hudson, Serena Williams and Gigi hadid are all fans of SNOO's bedside crib. It is definitely worth considering as an alternative to a Moses basket.
Safety
Official safe sleeping guidance from the Lullaby Trust and NHS advises that newborns be in the same room as you for the first six months but not in your bed, to decrease the chance of suffocation and to lower 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 during the night and comfort them back to sleep without having to leave your own bed. It's also ideal if you have limited mobility following an operation or recovering from a C-section.
Silver Cross Slumber Carbon 3 in 1 bedside cot travel cot is our top choice for a bedside crib. It's compact and folds down flat to fit in its transport bag and is perfect for holidays or nights away from home. It's one of the tiniest bedside cots available and comes with a a comfy deep foam mattress with mesh air-flow panels, and an tilting setting, and it won Gold in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for the best Crib, Cot or Moses Basket.
Chicco Next2me Magic is another excellent bedside crib. It won Bronze at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It has built-in storage and a changing mat, is lightweight (only 10kg) and features an adjustable side that allows for easy access.
Style
For many mothers, particularly those who have had a C-section A crib that is placed near the bed can prove to be a blessing in disguise. They attach to your bed so that you can reach your baby easily without needing to get out of bed and letting you feed them and soothe them quickly. Being close to the baby can also aid in increasing the amount of milk produced by mothers who are breastfeeding.
They are not just practical, but also stylish. bedside crib vs cot is why they're so sought-after. Some are bigger than Moses Baskets and some even have additional features like a gentle reflux and incline. They're designed to sit next to your bed and can be moved around the home as baby grows. Some are portable, so they're ideal for parents who travel.
It's important to choose an cot with bedside that is easy to use drop-sides. This lets you lower your child into the bassinet, without lifting them up into your arms. This can be a challenge for mothers with limited mobility. Chicco Next2Me Magic is one of the models that has been acknowledged and shortlisted by Mumsnetters in the category of Best Cot or Crib Moses Basket for our 2021 Mother&Baby Awards.
Another great feature that certain models have is a transparent side that lets you observe your baby at all times. This is particularly useful during bleary-eyed 3am feeds when just a glance can make all the difference. As noted by Emily our MFM home tester Sleepiest BassiNest is a great option. It is simple to lower.
Budget
If you're not quite ready to move to a full-sized cot, an infant crib on your bed could be a great option. The bassinet-style crib is attached to the side of your bed to allow you to easily reach your baby's evening feeds and also comfort them without disturbing your sleep. It's an excellent choice for those who have limited movement following a C-section. Famous moms like Binky Felstead and Stacey Solomon have also chosen it.
Our Parent Testers loved this new version of the bestselling Chicco crib, which won 2021 Mother&Baby Awards as the Best Cot or Crib. It's spacious and breathable, and comes with six different height settings for babies who are growing. There is also a gentle reflux setting. It can also be used as a travel cot. Additionally, it comes with an easy-to-store storage bag.
It can be a challenge to move a bedside cot around the house however our Parent Testers reported that the Shnuggle Air alongside the cot was easy to maneuver. It is among the lighter options and can be packed into its own travel bag.
The SnuzPod bedside cot is a highly rated product that's easy to assemble and fold with plenty of features for a restful 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 maintain their temperature. It has a gentle rocking feature as well as an incline to aid in reflux. It is also lightweight enough to use as a travel crib when you're on the move. It's a little more expensive than other bedside cots but our Parents Testers believe it's worth the extra cash.