"Ask Me Anything:10 Answers To Your Questions 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 recommend that newborns sleep only in their own Moses basket or cot. A crib for bed is an efficient and space-saving choice for room-sharing new parents.

Mumsnetters adore the co-sleeper because it's big and has plenty of room for baby's to grow and play. It's also bigger than a Moses Basket. It is also easy to put together and comes with a bag for carrying.

What is a bedside crib?

A bedside cot (also known as a bassinet, side-sleeper or co-sleeper) is a secure way for your newborn to sleep close to you overnight during their first few months. These cribs attach to your bed and let you lift your baby out towards you to feed them at night or for comforting without the danger of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome associated with traditional bed-sharing. They're also a great choice for breastfeeding mothers or mothers recovering from a caesarean.

They are usually a little smaller than a standard cot however, they still provide plenty of space for your baby to sleep. You can choose from various styles and features based on your preferences. Many bedside crib that turns into cot cribs come with a removable or drop-down side that makes it easier to reach the baby during feeding time at night. They are also available in different heights depending on the size of your bed.

Some cribs for bedside use an adjustable riser that allows you to add a slight incline to the sleep space which can help with reflux and a zip-off side for easy cleaning. Some cribs have manual rocking options which can provide a soothing distraction to your newborn. You'll require a mattress that's breathable to go with your crib. It must be at least 30cm thick to allow your baby plenty of headroom.

A bedside crib is an investment but you can be sure your baby will be secure and comfortable sleep. Kate Hudson, Serena Williams, and Gigi Hadid are all big fans of SNOO's crib for babies. It is definitely worth a look 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 for the first six months but not in your bed to reduce the chance of suffocation and to reduce the chance of sudden infant death syndrome. A crib that is placed near your bed is a great option that lets your baby safely be close enough for you to feed them at night and comfort them back to sleep without needing to leave your own bed. It's an excellent option if you are recovering from an operation or C-section, and have limited mobility.

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

Another great bedside cot is the Chicco Next2me Magic bedside crib that was awarded Bronze in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It comes with a built-in changing mat and storage solution It weighs just 10kg, and comes with an adjustable side that can be lowered down for easy access.

Style

A crib for your bed is a blessing for many moms, particularly those recovering from C-sections. They attach to your bed so that you can reach your baby easily without needing to get out of bed, allowing you to night feed them and comfort them quickly. They're also a great option for breastfeeding mothers since their close proximity will help boost their milk supply.

Bassinets aren't just convenient but also stylish. This is why they're so sought-after. They're often a bit larger than Moses baskets and are available in many different styles, some having additional features such as a gentle reflux incline setting. They are designed to fit right next to your bed and can be moved around the home as baby grows. Some are portable, which means they're ideal for parents who travel.

When selecting a cot for your bedside It is essential to look for designs that have drop sides that are simple to use. These allow you to lower your baby's 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 Crib, Moses or Crib Basket category.

Another handy feature that some models have is a transparent side that lets you observe 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 could make a big difference. One such option is the Sleepiest BassiNest, which is easy to lower, as noted by our MFM home tester Emily.

Budget

A large bedside crib crib is a great alternative if you're not yet ready to upgrade to a larger crib. This bassinet-style crib attaches to your bed, ensuring that you can easily reach your baby to feed them at night or even comfort them without causing any disturbance to yourself. It's also a great choice for those suffering from restricted movement following 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 bestselling crib from Chicco, which won the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot Crib, Crib or Moses Basket. It's spacious and breathable and comes with six height options to accommodate growing babies, plus a gentle reflux setting for the incline. It can also be used as a crib for travel and comes with a handy storage case.

A bedside cot can be tricky to move around the home, but our Parents Testers found the Shnuggle Air on the side of the crib easy to move around. It's one of the lighter options that can be packed into its own travel bag.

The SnuzPod is another highly rated bedside cot that is easy to assemble and fold away, with plenty of features that will ensure your child gets an enjoyable night's sleep. 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 maintain their temperature. It has a gentle rocking feature and an incline for reflux. It's also light enough to be used as a travel crib when you are on the move. It's more expensive than other cheap bedside cot cots however our Parents Testers believe it's worth the extra money.