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 crib that is placed near the bed is an efficient and space-saving choice for parents who share a room.

Mumsnetters love the co-sleeper because it is spacious, with plenty of space for babies to grow and play. It is also much bigger than a Moses Basket. It's also easy to put together and comes with a bag for travel.

What is a bedside cot?

A bedside cot (also known as a bassinet, side-sleeper or co-sleeper) is a secure way for your baby to sleep close to you overnight during their first few months. These cribs attach to your bed and let you bring your baby closer to 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 great for mums who are breastfeeding or recovering from a cesarean section.

These cots are often a little smaller than standard cots, but still offer plenty of room for your baby to relax. You can pick from a variety of styles and features depending on your preferences. Many cribs with a bedside feature a removable or drop-down side to make it easier to reach your baby during the night to feed them. They also come in different heights, based on the size of your bed.

Some bedside cribs have an adjustable riser that allows you to create an incline to the sleeping area. This can aid in reducing reflux. They also come with 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 breathable mattress to match your new crib. It should be a minimum of 30cm deep to ensure 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. With stars like Kate Hudson, Serena Williams and Gigi Hadid all awed by 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 guidelines for safe sleep which recommend that babies sleep 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 crib that is placed near your bed is a fantastic option that allows your child to comfortably be near enough for you to feed them during the night and soothe them back to sleep without having to get out of your bed. It's also great for those who have a limited mobility after an operation or are recovering from an operation such as a C-section.

Our top pick for a bedside cot, the Silver Cross Slumber Carbon 3-in-1 travel cot bedside crib is compact and folds down in seconds to fit into a travel bag so it's perfect for holidays and nights away from home. It's one the lightest options for a bedside cot and comes with a comfy deep foam mattress with mesh panels which allow air to flow. It also comes with an optional incline option. Additionally, it was awarded Gold at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Moses Basket or Cot Crib.

Chicco Next2me Magic is another great bedside crib option. It was awarded Bronze at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It comes with a built-in changing mat and storage system and weighs only 10kg. rocking bedside crib is light at 10kg, and comes with an adjustable side that drops down for easy access.


Style

A crib for your bed is a blessing for many mums, especially those who are recovering from C-sections. You can easily reach your baby without having to get out of bed. This lets you comfort and feed your infant during the night. They're also a great option for mothers who are breastfeeding as close proximity can boost their milk supply.

They are not just practical, but also fashionable. This is why they're so sought-after. They're often a bit bigger than Moses baskets and come in lots of different styles, with some featuring extra features such as a gentle reflux incline setting. They are designed to be placed near your bed, they can be moved around the home as the baby grows older, and some are able to be taken with you on the go which makes them ideal for new parents travelling.

It is essential to select an cot with bedside that is easy to use drop-sides. They allow you to lower your infant into the bassinet without lifting them into your arms, which can be difficult for mothers with mobility issues. One of them is the Chicco Next2Me Magic which has been applauded by Mumsnetters and was shortlisted for our 2021 Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot Moses, Crib or Basket category.

Another handy feature that some models have is a transparent side that lets you be able to see 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. As noted by Emily who is our MFM home test participant Sleepiest BassiNest is a great option. It is simple to lower.

Budget

If you're not quite ready to move to a larger cot, an infant crib on your bed could be a great option. This bassinet-style crib attaches to your bed so that you can easily reach your baby for feedings at night or cuddle them without causing any disturbance to yourself. It's a great option for those who have limited movement after the C-section. Famous moms such as Binky Felstead and Stacey Solomon have also chosen it.

Our Parent Testers loved the new version of this well-loved crib from Chicco that won the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot Crib, Crib or Moses Basket. It's afclimatizing and spacious and has six height settings to accommodate growing babies, and a gentle reflux incline setting. It can be used as a crib for travel and comes with a handy storage case.

A bedside cot can be difficult to move around your home however our Parents Testers found the Shnuggle Air beside crib really simple to move. It is one of the lighter options and can be tucked away in its own travel bag.

The SnuzPod is a different highly rated bedside cot that's easy to assemble and fold away and comes with a variety of features that will ensure your child gets an enjoyable night's sleep. It has a lift-off bassinet that fits more beds than any other cot and its breathable fabric can help your baby to regulate their temperature. It also has a soft rocking function, as well as an incline option for reflux, and is lightweight enough to be used as a travel cot if you're on the move. It's a little more expensive than other bedside cots but our Parent Testers affirm that it's worth the extra cash.