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 for bed is an efficient and space-saving choice for room-sharing new parents.
Mumsnetters love this co-sleeper because it's large and spacious, with plenty of room for babies to grow and play and is far more substantial than the typical Moses basket. It's also easy to assemble, and comes with a bag for carrying.
What is bedside crib vs cot ?
Bedside cribs (also known as side sleepers, bassinets or co-sleepers) are a safe and convenient way for your baby to be close to you in the early months. These cribs are attached to your bed and allow you to lift your baby out towards you for night feeding or comforting without the danger of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome as a result of traditional bed sharing. These cribs are also great for mums who are breastfeeding or recovering from a cesarean section.
They're typically smaller than a regular cot, but offer plenty of space for your baby to lay down. You can choose between a variety of styles and features based on your preferences. A lot of cribs for bedside use a removable or drop-down side, which makes it easier to reach the baby during the night to feed them. They are also available in different heights depending on the size of your bed.
Some cribs for bedside use an adjustable riser that allows you to build an incline to the sleeping area. This can aid in reducing reflux. They also have the option of a zip-off side to make cleaning easy. Some cribs come with manual rocking options that can be a soothing distractor for your infant. You'll need a mattress that is air-conditioned to match your crib. It must be at least 30cm in depth to allow your baby plenty of headroom.
You can be sure that your child will be safe and secure 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 definitely worth considering this stylish alternative to a moses basket.
Safety
The Lullaby Trust, in conjunction with the NHS has released official safe sleeping guidelines which recommend that babies are in the same room as their parents for the first six months. However, they should not sleep in your bed. This is to decrease the risk of suffocation, or sudden infant death syndrome. A crib that is placed near your bed lets you keep your infant 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 C-section, and have limited mobility.
Silver Cross Slumber Carbon 3 in 1 travel cot bedside crib is our top pick for a bedside crib. It's compact and folds flat to fit in its transport bag and is perfect for nights out on the town or away from home. It's one the lightest options for a bedside cot and comes with a comfy deep foam mattress with mesh panels that let air flow. It also has an option for incline. Plus, it won 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 features a built-in change mat and storage solution, is lightweight at 10kg, and comes with an adjustable side that drops down to make it easy to access.
Style
A bedside crib can be a lifesaver for many moms, particularly those who are recovering from C-sections. You can easily reach your baby without having to get out of your bed. This lets you provide comfort and food to your baby at night. They're also a great choice for breastfeeding mothers since their close proximity will help boost their milk supply.
As well as being incredibly convenient, these bassinets can also look elegant which is the reason they're so popular. They are larger than Moses Baskets and some even have additional features, like a gentle incline. Designed to fit by bedside crib vs cot , they are able to be moved around the house as the baby grows older, and some are portable enough to take to the go making them perfect for new parents traveling.
It is essential to select a cot for your bed that has easy-to-use drop-sides. This allows you to lower your infant into the bassinet without having to lift them up into your arms. This can be a challenge for mothers with mobility issues. One of these models is the Chicco Next2Me Magic which has been praised by Mumsnetters and was shortlisted for our 2021 Mother&Baby Awards' Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket category.
Some models also come with a transparent side, which allows you to be able to always view your baby. This is especially useful when you're exhausted at 3am and you need to feed your baby. A quick glance could make a huge difference. As noted by Emily who is our MFM home tester Sleepiest BassiNest is a great option. It is simple to lower.
Budget
If you're not ready to make the leap to a larger cot, an infant crib on your bed could be an ideal solution. The crib is attached to your bed so that you can easily reach your baby for night feeds or comfort your child without causing disturbance. It's also a great option for those suffering from limited movement after the birth and is a popular choice with celeb mums including Stacey Solomon and Binky Felstead.
Our Parents Testers loved the new model of this popular crib from Chicco which was awarded the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket. 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 a handy storage bag.
It can be a challenge to move a bedside cot around your home However, our Parents Testers stated that the Shnuggle Air next to the cot was easy to move. It is one of the lightest options and can be put 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 that will ensure your child gets a good night's sleep. It has a removable adjustable bassinet that lifts off, which can fit more beds than other cots. The fabric is breathable and can help regulate your baby's temperature. It features a soft rocking feature and an incline for reflux. It is also lightweight enough to use as a travel crib when you are out and about. It's a little more expensive than other cots for bed, but our Parent Testers affirm that it's worth the extra cost.