10 Quick Tips About Best Bedside Cot Uk

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 crib that is placed near the bed is an efficient and space-saving choice for parents who live together.

Mumsnetters love this co-sleeper as it's big enough with plenty of room for baby to grow and wriggle and far more substantial than the typical Moses basket. It is also easy to put together, and comes with a carry bag.

What is a bedside crib?

A bedside cot (also called a side sleeper, bassinet or co-sleeper) is a safe method for your baby to rest close to you throughout the first few months of their life. These cribs are attached to your bed and let you raise your baby towards you for night feeding or comforting without the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome as a result of traditional bed sharing. They're also a great option for mothers who are breastfeeding or recovering from a caesarean.

They're typically smaller than a regular cot, but offer plenty of space for your baby to lay down. You can choose between different designs and features based on your preferences. A lot of cribs with a bedside feature a drop down or removable side, which makes it easier to reach your baby's evening feeds. They are also available in various sizes to fit the dimensions of your bed.

Some cribs with a bedside have a riser that allows you to add a slight incline to the sleep area that could help with reflux. It also has a zip-off side for easy cleaning. Other cribs have manual rocking functions which can be a soothing distraction for your baby. You'll need a mattress that is air-conditioned to match your crib. It should be at least 30cm deep to give your baby enough headroom.

You can be sure that your child will be comfortable and safe in a bedside cot. With stars like Kate Hudson, Serena Williams and Gigi Hadid all awed by the SNOO 4-in-1 bedside crib crib, it's definitely worth looking into this elegant alternative to a moses basket.

Safety

Official guidelines for safe sleep from the Lullaby Trust and NHS advises that newborns 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 lower the chance of sudden infant death syndrome. A bedside crib with changing table crib is a fantastic option that allows your baby to comfortably be near enough for you to night feed them and soothe them back to sleep without having to leave your bed. It is also a great option for when you are recovering from an operation or a C-section, and have limited mobility.

Our top choice for a bedside cot the Silver Cross Slumber Carbon 3-in-1 travel cot bedside crib is compact and folds down in a matter of seconds to fit 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 features a comfortable deep foam mattress with mesh panels which allow air to flow. It also has an incline option that can be added. Plus, it 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 won 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 that allows for easy access.

Style

For many mums, particularly those who are recovering from a C-section, a bedside crib can prove to be an absolute godsend. They can be attached to your bed so that you can reach your baby easily without needing to get out of bed in order to feed them and soothe them quickly. The close proximity to your baby can also aid in increasing milk production for mothers who are breastfeeding.

Bassinets aren't just functional, but also stylish. This is the reason they're so popular. Some are more spacious than Moses Baskets, and some have extra features such as a gentle reflux upward slope. They're designed to sit close to your bed and can be moved around the house as your baby grows. Some are portable, which means they're ideal for parents who travel.

When choosing a bedside cot, it's important to choose a model with drop sides that are easy to use. This lets you lower your child into the bassinet, without having to lift them up into your arms. This can be a challenge for mothers with limited mobility. Chicco Next2Me Magic is one of these models that has been praised and shortlisted by Mumsnetters in the category of Best Cot or Crib, or Moses Basket for our 2021 Mother and Baby Awards.

Another handy feature that some models come with is a transparent side that allows you to observe your baby at all times. This is especially helpful when you're exhausted at 3am and need to feed your child. A quick glance could make a big difference. As mentioned by Emily, our MFM home test participant, the Sleepiest BassiNest is a great option. It is simple to lower.

Budget

A bedside crib is a fantastic option if you're not ready to move to a bigger crib. This bassinet-style cot attaches to the side of your bed to allow you to easily reach your baby for feedings at night and soothe them without disturbing your sleep. It's also a great choice for those suffering from limited movement after the birth and is a popular option for celeb moms like Stacey Solomon and Binky Felstead.

Our Parents Testers loved the new version of this popular crib from Chicco which was awarded the 2021 Mother&Baby Award for Best Cot Crib, Crib or Moses Basket. It's spacious and breathable and comes with six height settings to accommodate growing babies and a gentle reflux setting for the incline. It can also be used as a travel crib and comes with a storage case that is convenient for storage.

A bedside cot can be a little difficult to move around the home However, our Parent Testers found the Shnuggle Air on the side of the crib easy to maneuver. It is among the lighter options that can be put in its own travel bag.

The SnuzPod is a different highly rated bedside crib travel cot cot that's simple to assemble and fold away and packed with features to ensure the best night's rest. It has a bassinet with a lift-off that can fit more beds than any other cot and its breathable fabric can help your baby to regulate their temperature. It also has a gentle rocking function and an incline setting to help with reflux, and it's light enough to use as a travel cot while you're on the move. It's a little more expensive than other bedside cribs but Parents Testers are of the opinion that it is worth the extra cost.