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 is an efficient and space-saving choice 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 play. It is also much bigger than the Moses Basket. It's also easy to put together and comes with a bag for travel.
What is a bedside crib?
Bedside cots (also called bassinets, side sleepers, or co-sleepers) are a safe and convenient way for your baby to be close to you during their first few months. These cribs fix to your bed and let you raise your baby towards you at night for feeding or comforting without the danger of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome associated with traditional bed-sharing. These cribs are also ideal for mothers who are nursing or recovering from a Cesarean Section.
These cots are typically a little smaller than a standard cot however, they still provide plenty of space for your baby to relax. You can pick from a wide range of designs and features according to what your preference is. A lot of cribs for bedside use a removable or drop-down side to make it easier to reach the baby during feeding time at night. bedside sleeper cot come in different heights depending on your bed size.
Some cribs with a bedside have a riser which allows you to create an angle to the sleep area. This can be helpful with reflux. They also come with an open side to make cleaning easy. Some have manual rocking features which can be a relaxing distraction for your newborn. You'll also need a breathable mattress to match your new crib, which must be at least 30cm deep to ensure that your baby has enough head space.
A bedside crib is an investment but you can rest assured that your baby will have a comfortable and safe 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 released official guidelines for safe sleeping that recommend that newborns are in the same room as their parents for the first six months. However they should not be sleeping in your bed. This is to decrease the risk of suffocation, or sudden infant death syndrome. A bedside crib lets you keep your baby close to you so that you can comfort them and feed them at night without having to leave your bed. It's also great if you have limited mobility after an operation or recovering from C-section.
Silver Cross Slumber Carbon 3 in 1 bedside cot travel cot is our top pick for a crib that can be used as a bedside. It's small and folds flat to fit in its bag for travel and is perfect for holidays or nights away from home. It's among the lightest bedside cots available and comes with a the most comfortable deep foam mattress, air-flow panels, and an incline setting, plus it won Gold in the 2021 Mother&Baby awards for Best Crib, Cot, or Moses Basket.
Another fantastic bedside cot is the Chicco Next2me Magic bedside crib that won Bronze in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It has built-in storage and a changing mat, is lightweight (only 10kg), and has an adjustable side that makes it easy to access.
Style
For many mums, particularly those who have had C-sections, a bedside crib could prove to be an absolute godsend. They are attached to your bed so you can easily reach your baby without having to get up, allowing you to night feed them and comfort them quickly. They're also a great choice for mothers who are breastfeeding as close proximity can boost the amount of milk they produce.
Alongside being incredibly practical, these bassinets are elegant which is the reason they're so sought-after. They are larger than Moses Baskets, and some have extra features like a gentle reflux incline. Designed to fit by your bed, they are able to be moved around your home when the baby grows older. Additionally, some can be carried on the go too which makes them ideal for parents who are new to traveling.
When choosing a bedside cot It is essential to look for designs that have drop sides that are simple to use. This lets you lower your infant into the bassinet without lifting them up into your arms. This can be a hassle for mothers who have limited mobility. One of them 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 have a translucent side, which allows you to see your baby. This is especially helpful in the case of 3am feeds that are bleary-eyed, when one glance could make all the difference. One of these options is the Sleepiest BassiNest, which is easy to lower, as noted by our MFM home tester Emily.
Budget
If you're not quite ready to make the leap to a larger cot, an infant crib on your bed could be the perfect solution. The bassinet-style crib can be attached to your bed so that you can easily reach your baby for feedings at night or cuddle them without disturbing yourself. It's also a great option for those suffering 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 well-loved 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 growing babies. There is also a gentle reflux setting. It can also be used as a travel cot and it comes with an easy-to-store storage bag.
It can be a challenge to move a bedside cot around the home However, our Parent Testers said that the Shnuggle Air alongside the cot was easy to move. It is among the lightest options and can be put in its own travel bag.
The SnuzPod is a different highly rated bedside cot that's simple to assemble and fold away and packed with features to ensure a good night's sleep. It comes with a removable, lift-off bassinet that fits more beds than other cots. The fabric is breathable and helps keep your baby's temperature in check. It features a soft rocking feature as well as an incline to help with reflux. It's also light enough to be used as a travel crib when you are on the move. It's more expensive than other bedside cots however our Parent Testers affirm that it's worth the extra cash.