How to Choose the Best Bedside Cot uk
Both the NHS and Lullaby Trust have issued official safe sleeping guidelines that advise that babies sleep in their own Moses basket or cot. A bedside crib is an efficient and space-saving option for parents who share a room.
Mumsnetters love this co-sleeper because it's spacious with lots of space for babies to grow and wriggle and far more substantial than a Moses basket. It's also easy to assemble and comes with a travel 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 be close to you during their early months. These cribs fix to your bed and let you lift your baby out towards you at night for feeding or comforting without the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome as a result of traditional bed sharing. These cribs are also ideal for mothers who are breastfeeding or recovering from a Cesarean Section.
They are usually a little smaller than a standard cot but they provide plenty of space for your baby to relax. You can choose from a variety of designs and features based on your preferences. Many cribs with a bedside feature an adjustable or drop-down side that makes it easier to reach your baby during feeding time at night. They are also available in various heights based on the size of your bed.
Some bedside cribs have a riser which allows you to create an incline in the sleep area. This can aid in reducing reflux. They also come with the option of a zip-off side for easy cleaning. Other cribs have manual rocking functions that can provide a relaxing distraction for your baby. You'll also require a comfortable mattress to go with your new crib, which should be a minimum of 30cm deep to ensure that your newborn has sufficient head room.
You can be confident that your baby will be safe and secure in a cot that is positioned at the bedside. Kate Hudson, Serena Williams and Gigi hadid are all fans of SNOO's crib for babies. It is definitely worth considering as an alternative to the Moses basket.
Safety
The Lullaby Trust, in conjunction with the NHS, has issued official safe sleeping guidelines which recommend that babies sleep in the same bedroom as their parents for the first six months. However, they should not sleep in your bed. This is to lower the risk of suffocation or sudden infant death syndrome. A crib that is placed near your bed lets you keep your infant close to you so that you can comfort them and even feed them at night without leaving your bed. This is an excellent option if you are recovering from an operation or a C-section, and have limited mobility.
Our top pick for a bedside cot the Silver Cross Slumber Carbon 3-in-1 travel cot bedside crib is compact and folds flat in a matter of seconds and fits into a travel bag which makes it perfect for trips to the beach and nights away from home. It's one the lightest options for a bedside cot. It comes with a comfy deep foam mattress with mesh panels that let air flow. It also has an optional incline option. It also won Gold at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for the Best Moses Basket or Cot Crib.
Chicco Next2me Magic is another excellent bedside crib. It was awarded Bronze at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It comes with built-in storage and a changing mat, is lightweight (only 10kg) and features an adjustable side for easy access.
Style
For many mothers, particularly those who have had C-sections A crib that is placed near the bed can be an absolute godsend. They attach to your bed so you can reach your baby easily without needing to get up, allowing you to night feed them and soothe them quickly. They're an excellent choice for mothers who are breastfeeding as the close proximity can help increase their milk supply.
Bassinets aren't just convenient but also fashionable. This is why they're so sought-after. They're usually bigger than Moses baskets and are available in many different styles, with some having additional features like a gentle tilting of the reflux. 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 great for travelling parents.
It's important to choose a bedside cot that is easy to use drop-sides. They allow you to lower your baby's bassinet without lifting them into your arms, which is difficult for mothers with mobility issues. large bedside crib is one of these models that has been acknowledged and shortlisted by Mumsnetters in the category of Best Cot or Crib or Moses Basket for our 2021 Mother&Baby Awards.
Another great feature that certain models have is a transparent side that allows you to observe your baby at all times. This is especially useful when you are tired and sleepy, when a quick glance can make all the difference. One of these options is the Sleepiest BassiNest, which is simple to lower, as was noted by our MFM home tester Emily.
Budget
If you're not ready to make the leap to a larger cot, the bedside crib could be an ideal solution. The cot is attached to the side of your bed so that you can easily reach your baby for night feeds and comfort them without disturbing your sleep. It's also a great option 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 this popular crib from Chicco that won the 2021 Mother&Baby Award for Best Cot Crib, Crib or Moses Basket. It's spacious, breathable, and has six different height settings for babies who are growing. There is also a soft reflux setting. It can be used as a crib for travel and comes with a handy storage case.
A bedside cot can be a little difficult to move around the home However, our Parent Testers found the Shnuggle Air beside crib really easy to maneuver. It's one of the smallest alternatives and is compact enough to fit into its own travel bag which means you can take it along with you on your trip.
The SnuzPod bedside cot is yet another highly rated product that's easy to assemble and fold and comes with a variety of features to ensure a restful night's sleep. It has a removable, adjustable bassinet that lifts off, which can fit more beds than other cots. The fabric is breathable and helps keep your baby's temperature in check. It features a soft rocking feature and an incline for reflux. It's also light enough to use as a crib for travel when you're traveling. It's a little more expensive than other cribs for bed however, Parent Testers agree that it's worth the extra cost.