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 bedside crib is a space-saving and practical option for parents who share a room.
Mumsnetters love this co-sleeper because it's big enough with plenty of space for babies to grow and wriggle and more spacious than the size of a Moses basket. It is also easy to put together and comes with a bag for carrying.
What is a bedside crib?
A bedside cot (also known as a bassinet, side sleeper or co-sleeper) is a secure way for your baby to rest close to you overnight during their first months. These cribs can be attached to your bed and let you lift your child towards you to feed them at night or even comfort them. cheap bedside cot are also great for mums who are nursing or recovering from a Cesarean Section.
They're often slightly smaller than a regular cot, but provide plenty of space for your baby to lay down. You can pick from a variety of styles and features based on your preferences. Many bedside cribs come with an adjustable or drop-down side that makes it easier to reach your baby during the night to feed them. They also come in different heights, based on the size of your bed.
cheap bedside cot for bedside use an adjustable riser that allows you to create an incline to the sleep area. This can aid in reducing reflux. They also have a zip off side for easy cleaning. Some have manual rocking features which can be a relaxing distraction for your baby. You'll need a mattress that is breathable to go with your crib. It must be at least 30cm in depth to allow your baby plenty of headroom.
You can be confident that your baby will be safe and comfortable in a cot that is positioned at the bedside. Kate Hudson, Serena Williams, and Gigi Hadid are all big fans of SNOO's crib for babies. It is definitely worth a look as an alternative to the Moses basket.
Safety
The Lullaby Trust, in conjunction with the NHS, has issued official guidelines for safe sleeping that advise 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 reduce the risk of suffocation or sudden infant death syndrome. A crib for bed allows you to keep your baby close to calm them down and night feed them without leaving your bed. It's also ideal when you are unable to move after an operation or are recovering from a C-section.
Silver Cross Slumber Carbon 3 in 1 travel cot bedside crib is our top pick for a crib that can be used as a bedside. It's small and folds flat to fit into a transport bag, making it perfect for trips away on holidays or from home. It's the lightest option for a bedside cot and has a soft, comfortable foam mattress with mesh panels which allow air to flow. It also comes with an incline option that can be added. Additionally, it was awarded Gold at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for the Best Cot Crib or Moses basket.
Another fab bedside cot option is the Chicco Next2me Magic bedside crib which was awarded 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 for easy access.
Style
A crib for your bed is a blessing for many mums, especially those recovering from C-sections. They are attached to your bed so you can easily reach your baby without needing to get up in order to feed them and comfort them quickly. The close proximity to the baby can also increase the amount of milk produced by mothers who are breastfeeding.
As well as being incredibly convenient, these bassinets can look pretty attractive too which is the reason they're so popular. They're typically bigger than Moses baskets and are available in many different styles, with some having additional features such as a gentle tilt to the reflux. They're designed to sit right next to your bed and can be moved around the house as your 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. These let you lower your baby's bassinet without lifting them into your arms, which is difficult for mums with mobility issues. Chicco Next2Me Magic is one such model that has been praised and shortlisted by Mumsnetters in the category of the Best Cot or Crib or Moses Basket for our 2021 Mother and Baby Awards.
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 are groggy at 3am and have to feed your child. A quick glance could make a big difference. One such option is the Sleepiest BassiNest which is easy to lower, as was noted by our MFM home tester Emily.
Budget
A bedside crib is an excellent option if you are not ready to upgrade to a larger crib. The crib is attached to your bed, so you can reach your baby easily to feed them at night or even comfort them without disturbing yourself. It's an excellent choice for those who are unable to move following an operation such as a C-section. Celebrity moms such as Binky Felstead and Stacey Solomon have also chosen it.
Our Parents Testers loved the new version of this bestselling crib from Chicco that won the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket. It's large and breathable, and has six height settings to accommodate babies who are growing, and a gentle reflux incline setting. It can be used as a travel crib and comes with a convenient storage case.
It can be a challenge to move a bedside cot around the house, but our Parents Testers said that the Shnuggle Air beside cot was very simple to move. It's one of the smallest options and is compact enough to fit into its own bag for travel, so you can take it with you on your travels.
The SnuzPod bedside cot is a highly rated product that's simple to assemble and fold, with many features for an unwinding night's sleep. It has a removable, lift-off bassinet that fits more beds than other cots. The fabric is breathable and can help keep your baby's temperature in check. It features a soft rocking feature and an incline to help with reflux. It's also light enough to use as a crib for travel when you are on the move. It's a bit more expensive than other cots for bed, but our Parent Testers believe it's worth the extra cash.