How to Choose the Best Bedside Cot uk

Both the NHS and the Lullaby Trust have issued official safe sleeping guidelines that recommend that newborns sleep only in their own Moses basket or cot. A crib that is placed near the bed is an effective and space-saving solution for parents who live together.

Mumsnetters love this co-sleeper because it's large and spacious, with plenty of room for babies to grow and play, and far more substantial than the typical Moses basket. cotsfortots Links to an external site. 's also simple to put together and comes with a travel bag.

What is a bedside cot?

A bedside cot (also called a bassinet, side-sleeper or co-sleeper) is a safe method for your newborn to sleep near you during their first months. These cribs fix to your bed and let you lift your baby out towards you for night feeding or comforting without the danger of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome as a result of traditional bed sharing. These cribs are also great for mums who are nursing or recovering from a Cesarean Section.

These cots are often smaller than a standard cot however, they still provide plenty of room for your baby to sleep. You can choose from various designs and features based on your preferences. A majority of cribs for bedside use the option of a drop-down or removable side that allows you to reach your baby for night feeds and are also available in different heights to accommodate the size of your bed.

Some bedside cribs come with a riser that allows you to add a slight slope to the sleeping space that could help with reflux. It also has an easy zip-off side for cleaning. Others have manual rocking functions which can be a relaxing distraction for your newborn. You'll need a mattress that is comfortable to be used with your crib. It should be at least 30cm deep to give your baby enough headroom.

A bedside cot is an investment, but you can be sure your baby will be peaceful and safe night's sleep. With the likes of Kate Hudson, Serena Williams and Gigi Hadid all fans of the SNOO bedside crib, it's worth considering this fashionable alternative to moses basket.


Safety

The Lullaby Trust, in conjunction with the NHS has released official safe sleeping guidelines that advise that babies stay in the same bedroom as their parents for the first six months. However they shouldn't sleep in your bed. This is to decrease the chance of suffocation and sudden infant death syndrome. A bedside crib is an excellent option that allows your baby to safely be close enough for you to night feed them and comfort them back to sleep without needing to leave your own bed. It's also a great option when you are unable to move after an operation or recovering from C-section.

Our top choice for a bedside crib, the Silver Cross Slumber Carbon 3-in-1 travel cot bedside crib is small 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 cot options and has the most comfortable deep foam mattress that has 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 fab bedside cot option is the Chicco Next2me Magic bedside crib that won Bronze in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It comes with built-in storage and a changing mat, is lightweight (only 10kg) and features an adjustable side that allows for easy access.

Style

For a lot of moms, especially those who are recovering from a C-section A crib for bedside can an absolute blessing. You can easily reach your baby without getting out of your bed. This allows you to soothe and feed your infant at night. They're an excellent choice for breastfeeding mothers as close proximity can boost their milk supply.

Alongside being incredibly practical, these bassinets can also look attractive too, which is why they're so sought-after. Some are bigger than Moses Baskets, and some have extra features like a gentle reflux and incline. They are designed to fit next to your bed and can be moved around the home as baby grows. Some are portable, so they're great for parents who travel.

When selecting a cot for your bedside It is essential to choose a model that have drop sides that are simple to use. This allows you to lower your child into the bassinet, without having to lift them up into your arms. This can be a challenge for mothers who have 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, Moses or Crib Basket category.

Another great feature that certain models come with is a translucent side that lets you be able to see your baby at all times. This is especially useful when you're groggy at 3am and need to feed your baby. A quick glance can make a huge difference. One such option 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 a great option. The cot is attached to the side of your bed so you can easily reach your baby for night feeds and comfort them without disrupting your sleep. It's an excellent choice for those with restricted movement following 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 Award for Best Cot Crib, Crib or Moses Basket. It's afclimatizing and spacious and has six height settings to accommodate babies who are growing, plus a gentle reflux setting for the incline. It can also be used as a travel crib and comes with a handy storage case.

A bedside crib can be difficult to move around your home however our Parents Testers found the Shnuggle Air on the side of the crib easy to maneuver. It's one of the smallest options and compact enough to fit into its own travel bag which means you can carry it along with you on your trip.

The SnuzPod bedside cot is yet another highly rated product that's easy to fold and assemble with plenty of features for the perfect night's rest. It has a removable, adjustable bassinet that lifts off, which can fit more beds than other cots. The fabric is breathable and helps to regulate your baby's temperature. It also has a soft rocking function, as well as an incline setting to help with reflux, and is light enough to use as a travel cot when you're out and about. It's more expensive than other cots for bed but our Parents Testers say it's well worth the extra cash.