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 live in a room together.
Mumsnetters adore this co-sleeper since it's big enough with plenty of space for babies to grow and play, and much bigger than the size of a Moses basket. It's also simple to put together and comes with a travel bag.
What is bedside cot wooden ?
A bedside cot (also called a bassinet, side sleeper or co-sleeper) is a secure way for your baby to sleep close to you overnight during their first months. These cribs can be attached to your bed, allowing you to lift your child in your arms to feed them at night or for comforting. These cribs are also great for mums who are breastfeeding or recovering from a cesarean section.
These cots are typically a little smaller than standard cots however, they still provide plenty of space for your baby to sleep. You can pick from a wide range of designs and features depending on what your preference is. Many bedside cribs have the option of a drop-down or removable side that allows you to reach your baby's evening feeds. They are available in a variety of sizes to fit the dimensions of your bed.
Some bedside cribs have a riser which allows you to create an angle to the sleeping area. This can be helpful with reflux. They also have an open side to make cleaning easy. Some cribs come with manual rocking features which can provide a soothing distraction to your newborn. You'll also need a breathable mattress to match your new crib. It should be a minimum of 30cm deep to ensure that your newborn has sufficient head room.
You can be confident that your child will be safe and secure in a bedside cot. With stars like Kate Hudson, Serena Williams and Gigi Hadid all being fans of the SNOO bedside crib, it's worth looking into this elegant alternative to a moses basket.
Safety
Official safe sleeping guidelines from the Lullaby Trust and NHS advises that babies born today should sleep in the same room as you for the first six months but not in your bed to reduce the risk of suffocation, and to reduce the chance of sudden infant death syndrome. A bedside crib lets you keep your infant close to you so that you can comfort them and even feed them at night without having to leave your bed. It's also great when you are unable to move following 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 compact and folds flat in a matter of seconds and fits into a travel bag making it ideal for travel and nights away from home. It's one of the lightest bedside cots and has a comfy deep foam mattress with mesh air-flow panels and an tilt setting, and it was awarded 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 which was awarded Bronze in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It has a built-in changing mat and storage solution and weighs only 10kg. It is light at 10kg, and has an adjustable side that slides down for easy access.
Style
A bedside crib is a godsend for many mothers, particularly those who are recovering from C-sections. They can be attached to your bed so you can easily reach your baby without having to get up and letting you feed them and soothe them quickly. The close proximity to the baby can also help increase the amount of milk produced by mothers who breastfeed.
Alongside being incredibly convenient, these bassinets are stylish too which is the reason they're so popular. Some are bigger than Moses Baskets, and some have extra features like a gentle reflux upward slope. They're designed to fit right next to your bed and can be moved around the house as your baby grows. Some are portable, which means they're ideal for parents who travel.
When you are choosing a bedside cot It is essential to choose a model with drop sides that are easy to use. This lets you lower your child into the bassinet, without lifting them up into your arms. This can be a hassle for mothers with limited mobility. 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.
Another great feature that certain models come with is a transparent side that lets you see your baby at all times. This is particularly useful when you're groggy at 3am and need to feed your baby. A quick glance could make a big difference. One such option is the Sleepiest BassiNest which is easy to lower, as outlined by our MFM home tester Emily.
Budget
If you're still not ready to move to a larger cot an infant crib on your bed could be the perfect solution. This bassinet-style cot attaches to the side of your bed to allow you to easily reach your baby's night feeds and comfort them without disturbing your sleep. It's also a great choice for those suffering from restricted movement after an operation and is a popular option with famous mothers like Stacey Solomon and Binky Felstead.
Our Parent Testers loved the new version of the popular Chicco crib, which took home the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for the Best Cot or Crib. It's large and breathable, and comes with six different height settings for babies who are growing. There is also a soft reflux setting. It can be used as a travel crib and comes with a handy storage case.
It can be a challenge to move an upholstered bedside cot throughout the house however our Parents Testers said that the Shnuggle Air alongside the cot was simple to move. It's one of the lightest options and can be put in its own travel bag.
The SnuzPod bedside cot is another highly rated product that's simple to assemble and fold with plenty of features for a restful night's sleep. It has 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. bedside cot wooden has a soft rocking function, as well as an incline option for reflux, and it's light enough to be used as a travel cot while you're on the move. It's more expensive than other bedside cribs however, Parent Testers agree that it's worth the extra cost.