How to Choose the Best Bedside Cot uk

Both the NHS and the Lullaby Trust have issued official safe sleeping guidelines, which advise that babies sleep in their own Moses basket or cot. A bedside crib is practical and space-saving for parents who share a room.


Mumsnetters love this co-sleeper because it's spacious with lots of room for babies to grow and play and is more spacious than a Moses basket. It's also simple to put together, and comes with a carry bag.

What is a bedside crib?

A bedside cot (also called a bassinet, side-sleeper or co-sleeper) is a safe way for your baby to rest close to you throughout the first few months of their life. These cribs can be attached to your bed and let you lift your child to you to feed them at night or for comforting. cotsfortots are also ideal for mothers who are breastfeeding or recovering from a cesarean section.

They are usually a little smaller than standard cots but they provide plenty of space for your baby to relax. You can choose from a variety of designs and features depending on what you prefer. A lot of cribs with a bedside feature the option of a drop-down or removable side that allows you to reach your baby for evening feeds. They are available in a variety of heights to accommodate the size of your bed.

Some cribs with a bedside have a riser that allows you to add a slight slope to the sleep space which could help with reflux. It also has an easy zip-off side for cleaning. Some cribs have manual rocking options that can provide a relaxing distractor for your infant. You'll require a mattress that's comfortable to be used with your crib. It should be at least 30cm thick to allow your baby plenty of headroom.

You can be sure that your baby will be safe and comfortable in a bedside cot. Kate Hudson, Serena Williams and Gigi Hadid are all big fans of SNOO's crib for babies. It is definitely worth considering as an alternative to a Moses basket.

Safety

Official safe sleeping guidelines from the Lullaby Trust and NHS advises that newborn babies should sleep in the same room as you during the first six months, but not in your bed to lower the chance of suffocation and to lower the chance of sudden infant death syndrome. A crib for bed lets you keep your baby close to you to help calm them down and even feed them at night without leaving your bed. It's also great when you are unable to move after an operation or are 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 crib that can be used as a bedside. It's small and folds flat to fit into its bag for travel, making it perfect for nights out on the town or away from home. It's the lightest option for a bedside crib and comes with a comfy deep 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 Best Moses Basket or Cot Crib.

Chicco Next2me Magic is another fantastic bedside crib. It won Bronze at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It features a built-in change mat and storage solutions It weighs just 10kg, and features an adjustable side that slides down to make it easy to access.

Style

A bedside crib is a godsend for many mothers, particularly those who are recovering from C-sections. They are attached to your bed so you can easily reach your baby without having to get up in order to feed them and soothe them quickly. They're also a great choice for breastfeeding mothers since their close proximity will help boost their milk supply.

In addition to being extremely useful, bassinets can look pretty attractive too and that's why they're so sought-after. Some are more spacious than Moses Baskets, and some have extra features like a gentle reflux and incline. The baskets are designed to fit under your bed, they are able to be moved around the house as the baby grows older, and some can be carried with you on the go which makes them ideal for parents who are new to traveling.

It is essential to select a cot for your bed that is easy to use drop-sides. This lets you lower your child into the bassinet, without lifting them up into your arms. This can be a hassle for mothers who have limited mobility. One such model is the Chicco Next2Me Magic which has been applauded by Mumsnetters and was shortlisted in our 2021 Mother&Baby Awards' Best Cot Crib, Moses or Crib Basket category.

Another useful feature that a few models come with is a transparent side that allows you to see your baby at all times. This is particularly useful in the case of 3am feeds that are bleary-eyed, when just a glance can make all the difference. One such option is the Sleepiest BassiNest that 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, a bedside crib may be the perfect solution. This bassinet-style cot attaches to the bed's side so that you can easily reach your baby's night feeds and comfort them without disturbing your own sleep. It's a great option for those with restricted movement following an operation such as a C-section. Celebrity moms like Binky Felstead and Stacey Solomon have also chosen it.

Our Parents Testers loved this latest version of the well-loved Chicco crib, which took home the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for the Best Cot or Crib. It's large, breathable, and has six different height settings suitable for growing babies. There is also a gentle reflux setting. You can also use it as a travel cot. Additionally, it comes with an excellent storage bag.

A bedside cot can be a little tricky to move around the home however our Parents Testers found the Shnuggle Air near the crib to be easy to maneuver. It's one of the smallest options and is compact enough to fit into its own bag for travel, which means you can take it with you on your travels.

The SnuzPod is another highly rated bedside cot that's simple to assemble and fold away, with plenty of features for a good night's sleep. It comes with a bassinet that lifts off to fit more beds than any other cot, and its breathable fabric helps your baby regulate their temperature. It also has a soft rocking function, as well as an incline option for reflux, and it's light enough to use as a travel cot while you're out and about. It's a bit more expensive than other bedside cribs but Parents Testers believe it's worth the extra expense.