How to Choose the Best Bedside Cot uk
Both the NHS and the Lullaby Trust have issued official safe sleeping guidelines which recommend that newborns sleep only in their own Moses basket or cot. A bedside crib is an efficient and space-saving choice for parents who share a room.
Mumsnetters love the co-sleeper because it's spacious, with plenty of space for babies to grow and play. It's also bigger than the Moses Basket. It is also easy to assemble, and comes with a carry bag.
What is a bedside crib?
Bedside cribs (also known as side sleepers, bassinets or co-sleepers) are an ideal and safe way for your baby to sleep near you during their early months. These cribs can be attached to your bed and allow you to pull your child to you to feed them at night or for comforting. They're also a great choice for mothers who are breastfeeding or recovering from a caesarean section.
They're typically smaller than a regular cot or cotbed, but provide plenty of space for your baby to lay down. You can choose from a variety of styles and features, according to what your preference is. A lot of cribs for bedside use a removable or drop-down 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 cribs for bedside use a riser which allows you to build an incline in the sleeping area. This can be helpful with reflux. They also come with the option of a zip-off side to make cleaning easy. Other cribs have manual rocking functions which can be a soothing distraction for your newborn. You'll also require a comfortable mattress to match your new crib. It must be at least 30cm deep to ensure that your newborn has sufficient head room.
A bedside crib is an investment but you can rest assured that your newborn will get a secure and comfortable sleep. 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
The Lullaby Trust, in conjunction with the NHS has issued official safe sleeping guidelines which recommend that babies stay in the same bedroom as their parents for the first six months. However they should not be sleeping in your bed. This is to lower the risk of suffocation, or sudden infant death syndrome. A bedside crib allows you to keep your baby close to calm them down and feed them at night without leaving your bed. It's also great for those who have a limited mobility after an operation or recovering from an operation such as a C-section.
Our top pick for a bedside crib, the Silver Cross Slumber Carbon 3-in-1 bedside crib that travels cots is small and folds flat in seconds to fit into a travel bag making it ideal for travel and nights away from home. It's the lightest option for a bedside cot. It features a comfortable deep foam mattress with mesh panels which allow air to flow. It also has an optional incline option. Plus, it won Gold at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Cot Crib 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 solution, is lightweight at 10kg, and has an adjustable side that slides down for easy access.
Style
A crib for your bed is a godsend for many mums, especially those recovering from C-sections. You can easily reach your baby without getting out of the bed. This lets you soothe and feed your baby at night. They are also a great option for mothers who are breastfeeding as their close proximity will help boost their milk supply.
Alongside being incredibly practical, these bassinets can also look stylish too which is the reason they're so sought-after. They're usually larger than Moses baskets and come in lots of different styles, some having additional features like a gentle tilt to the reflux. bedside cot sale are designed to fit close to your bed and can be moved around the home as baby grows. Some are portable so they're great for parents who travel.
When choosing a bedside cot it is important to look for designs that have easy-to-use drop sides. This allows you to lower your child into the bassinet, without lifting them up into your arms. This can be a hassle for mothers with mobility issues. Chicco Next2Me Magic is one of the models that has been praised and shortlisted by Mumsnetters in the category of Best Cot or Crib, or Moses Basket for our 2021 Mother&Baby Awards.
Another useful feature that a few models come with is a translucent side that lets you see your baby at all times. This is especially useful when you're groggy at 3am and need to feed your child. A quick glance could make a huge difference. As mentioned by Emily our MFM home test participant, the Sleepiest BassiNest is a great option. It is easy to lower.
Budget
If you're not quite ready to move to a larger cot an infant crib on your bed could be a great option. The crib is attached to your bed, ensuring that you can easily reach your baby for feedings at night or cuddle your child without causing disturbance. It's also a great choice for those suffering from restricted movement after the birth and is a favorite option with famous mothers like Stacey Solomon and Binky Felstead.
travel cot bedside crib loved the new model of this popular crib from Chicco that won the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket. It's afclimatizing and spacious and has six height settings to accommodate growing babies, plus a gentle reflux incline setting. It can also be used as a crib for travel and comes with a convenient storage case.
A bedside cot can be a little tricky to move around the home however our Parent Testers found the Shnuggle Air on the side of the crib simple to move. It is among the lightest options and can be packed into its own travel bag.
The SnuzPod is another highly rated bedside cot that's simple to assemble and fold away and comes with a variety of features that will ensure your child gets the best night's rest. It has a removable lift-off bassinet which fits more beds than other cots. The fabric is breathable and helps to regulate your baby's temperature. It has a gentle rocking feature as well as an incline to help with reflux. It's also light enough to be used as a crib for travel when you're traveling. It's a little more expensive than other bedside cots however our Parent Testers believe it's worth the extra cash.