How to Choose the Best Bedside Cot uk
Both the NHS and the 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 live in a room together.
Mumsnetters love this co-sleeper because it's large and spacious, with plenty of room for baby to grow and wriggle and more spacious than the typical Moses basket. It's also simple to put together, and comes with a bag for carrying.
What is a bedside cot?
Bedside cribs (also called bassinets, side sleepers or co-sleepers) are a safe and convenient way for your baby to sleep near you during their first few months. These cribs fix to your bed and allow you to raise your baby towards you at night for feeding or comforting without the threat of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome associated with traditional bed-sharing. They're also a great option for breastfeeding mothers or mothers recovering from a caesarean.
They're usually a little smaller than a standard cot, but offer plenty of space for your baby to lay down. You can choose from a wide range of styles and features, according to what you prefer. Many bedside cribs come with the option of removing or dropping down the side to make it easier to reach your baby at night for feedings. They also come in different heights depending on your bed size.
Some cribs for bedside use a riser that allows you to add a slight rise to the sleep space which can aid in reflux and an easy zip-off side for cleaning. Some have manual rocking features that can provide a relaxing distraction for your baby. You'll also require a breathable mattress to match your new crib. It must be at least 30cm deep to ensure your newborn has sufficient head room.
A bedside crib is a major investment, but you can rest assured that your newborn will get a peaceful and safe night's sleep. Kate Hudson, Serena Williams and Gigi Hadid are all big fans of SNOO's bedside crib. It is definitely worth considering as an alternative to the Moses basket.
Safety
Official guidelines for safe sleep 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 reduce the risk of suffocation and to reduce the chance of sudden infant death syndrome. A bedside crib allows you to keep your baby close to help calm them down and night feed them without leaving your bed. It's also ideal if you have limited mobility after an operation or recovering from a C-section.
Our top choice for a bedside cot, the Silver Cross Slumber Carbon 3-in-1 bedside crib for travel is small and folds flat in seconds to fit into a travel bag which makes it perfect for trips to the beach and nights away from home. It's one of the lightest bedside cots available and comes with a an extremely comfortable mattress, air-flow panels and an incline setting, plus it won Gold in the 2021 Mother&Baby awards for Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket.
Another fantastic bedside cot is the Chicco Next2me Magic bedside crib that won Bronze in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It comes with a built-in storage solution and changing mat, is lightweight (only 10kg) and comes with an adjustable side for easy access.
Style
For a lot of moms, especially those who are recovering from a C-section, a bedside crib could prove to be an absolute godsend. They attach to your bed so you can reach your baby easily without needing 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 increase their milk supply.
They are not just functional, but also fashionable. This is the reason they're so sought-after. They're usually more spacious than Moses baskets and come in a variety of different styles, some having additional features like a gentle reflux incline setting. They are designed to fit close to your bed and can be moved around the house as your baby grows. Some are portable, so they're great for parents who travel.
When choosing a bedside cot it is important to select a model with drop sides that are easy to use. These let you lower your baby's bassinet without lifting them into your arms, which is difficult for mums with limited mobility. Chicco Next2Me Magic is one of these models that has been praised and shortlisted by Mumsnetters in the category of the Best Cot or Crib or Moses Basket for our 2021 Mother&Baby Awards.
Another great feature that certain models come with is a translucent side that lets you see your baby at all times. This is particularly useful when you're groggy at 3am and you need to feed your baby. A quick glance can make a big difference. As noted by Emily our MFM home test participant, the Sleepiest BassiNest is a great option. It's easy to lower.
Budget
A bedside crib is a fantastic option if you are not ready to move to a bigger crib. The cot is attached to the side of your bed so that you can easily reach your baby's feedings at night and soothe them without disturbing your sleep. It's also a great option for those who suffer from restricted movement after a C-section and is a popular choice with celeb mums including Stacey Solomon and Binky Felstead.
Our Parents Testers loved the new version of this well-loved crib from Chicco which was awarded the 2021 Mother&Baby Award for Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket. It's spacious, breathable, and has six different height settings suitable for growing babies. There is also a soft reflux setting. It can be used as a travel crib and comes with a convenient storage case.
It can be a challenge to move a bedside cot around your home, but our Parents Testers said that the Shnuggle Air beside cot was very simple to move. It is one of the lighter options that can be packed into its own travel bag.
The SnuzPod is another highly rated bedside cot that's easy to assemble and fold away, with plenty of features that will ensure your child gets an enjoyable 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 can help regulate your baby's temperature. bedside cot co sleeper features a soft rocking feature, as well as an incline to help with reflux. It's also light enough to use as a crib for travel when you're out and about. It's more expensive than other bedside cribs however, Parent Testers believe it's worth the extra cost.