How to Choose the Best Bedside Cot uk
Both the NHS and Lullaby Trust have issued official safe sleeping guidelines which suggest that infants sleep in their own Moses basket or cot. A bedside crib can be practical and space-saving for parents who share a room.
Mumsnetters love the co-sleeper because it's big and has plenty of room for babies to grow and wriggle. It is also much bigger than a Moses Basket. co sleeper bedside cot is also easy to assemble, and comes with a bag for carrying.
What is a bedside cot?
Bedside cots (also known as bassinets, side sleepers or co-sleepers) are an effective and safe method for your baby to sleep near you during the early months. These cribs are attached to your bed and allow you to bring your baby closer to you for night feeding or comforting without the threat of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome associated with traditional bed-sharing. They're also a great choice for breastfeeding mothers or mums recovering from a caesarean section.
These cots are often a little smaller than a standard cot, but still offer plenty of space for your baby to sleep. You can choose from a variety of designs and features according to what your preference is. Many cribs with a bedside feature a removable or drop-down side that makes it easier to reach the baby during the night to feed them. They are also available in different heights, based on your bed size.
Some cribs for bedside use an adjustable riser that allows you to add a slight rise to the sleep area that can aid in reflux and the ability to zip off the sides for easy cleaning. Some cribs come with manual rocking options that can be a soothing distraction to your newborn. You'll require a mattress that's air-conditioned to match your crib. It should be at least 30cm in depth to allow your baby plenty of headroom.
A bedside cot is an investment, but you can rest assured that your baby will be comfortable and safe sleep. Kate Hudson, Serena Williams, and Gigi Hadid are all avid users of SNOO's crib for babies. 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 advise that babies are in the same room as their parents for the first six months. However they shouldn't sleep in your bed. This is to reduce the chance of suffocation and sudden infant death syndrome. A bedside crib is an excellent option that allows your baby to comfortably be near enough for you to night feed them and soothe them back to sleep without having to leave your bed. It's also a great option for those who have a limited mobility after an operation or recovering from an operation such as a C-section.
Silver Cross Slumber Carbon 3 in 1 bedside cot travel cot is our top pick for a bedside crib. It's small and folds flat to fit in its travel bag and is perfect for holidays or nights away from home. It's among the lightest options for a bedside cot. It has a soft, comfortable foam mattress with mesh panels which allow air to flow. It also has an option for incline. Additionally, it was awarded Gold at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for 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 features a built-in change mat and storage system, is lightweight at 10kg, and comes with an adjustable side that drops down for easy access.
Style
For many mothers, particularly those recovering from a C-section A crib for bedside could prove to be a blessing in disguise. You can easily reach your baby without getting out of your bed. This lets you soothe and feed your infant during the night. The close proximity to the baby can also help increase the amount of milk produced by mothers who are breastfeeding.
They are not just functional, but also fashionable. This is why they're so sought-after. Some are more spacious than Moses Baskets and some come with additional features, like a gentle incline. They are designed to fit close to your bed and can be moved around the home as baby grows. Some are portable, which means they're great for travelling parents.
It's important to choose a bedside cot that is easy to use drop-sides. This lets you lower your baby into the bassinet without lifting them up into your arms. This can be a challenge for mothers who have limited mobility. Chicco Next2Me Magic is one of the models that has been praised and shortlisted by Mumsnetters in the category of Best Cot or Crib Moses Basket for our 2021 Mother&Baby Awards.
Another useful feature that a few models have is a transparent side that allows you to observe your baby at all times. This is particularly useful in the case of 3am feeds that are bleary-eyed where just a glance can make all the difference. One of these options is the Sleepiest BassiNest that is simple to lower, as outlined by our MFM home tester Emily.
Budget
If you're not quite ready to move to a larger cot, a bedside crib may be the perfect solution. This bassinet-style cot attaches to the side of your bed so that you can easily reach your baby for feedings at night and soothe them without disturbing your sleep. It's also a great option for those who suffer from limited movement after the birth and is a popular choice with celeb mums including Stacey Solomon and Binky Felstead.
Our Parents Testers loved this latest version of the well-loved Chicco crib, which won 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for 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 gentle reflux setting. You can also use it as a travel cot. Additionally, it comes with an easy-to-store storage bag.
A bedside cot can be difficult to move around your home However, our Parents Testers found the Shnuggle Air near the crib to be easy to maneuver. It is among the lightest options and can be tucked away in its own travel bag.
The SnuzPod is another highly-rated bedside cot that is easy to set up and take down and packed with features to ensure an enjoyable night's sleep. It has a removable lift-off bassinet that fits more beds than any other cot and its breathable fabric helps your baby maintain their temperature. It features a soft rocking feature, as well as an incline for reflux. It is also lightweight enough to use as a travel crib while you're out and about. It's a little more expensive than other bedside cribs but Parents Testers are of the opinion that it is worth the extra expense.