What NOT To Do In The Best Bedside Cot Uk Industry
How to Choose the Best Bedside Cot uk
Both the NHS and Lullaby Trust have issued official safe sleeping guidelines which recommend that newborns sleep only in their own Moses basket or cot. A bedside crib is a space-saving and practical option for parents who share a room.
Mumsnetters love this co-sleeper as it's spacious with lots of room for baby to grow and play, and far more substantial than the typical Moses basket. It's also easy to put together, and comes with a bag for carrying.
What is a bedside cot?
bedside co sleeper cot cribs (also known as side sleepers, bassinets or co-sleepers) are a safe and convenient way for your baby to be close to you during the first few months. These cribs are attached to your bed, allowing you to lift your child towards you for night-feeding or comforting. They're also a great choice for mothers who are breastfeeding or recovering from a caesarean section.
They're often slightly smaller than a regular cot or cotbed, yet provide plenty of space for your baby to rest. You can choose between a variety of styles and features based on your preferences. Many cribs with a bedside feature the option of removing or dropping down the side, which makes 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 cribs for bedside use a riser that allows you to add a slight slope to the sleeping space that can aid in reflux and the ability to zip off the sides for easy cleaning. Some have manual rocking features which can be a soothing distraction for your newborn. You'll need a mattress that is comfortable to be used with your crib. It should be at least 30cm in depth to allow your baby plenty of headroom.
A bedside cot is an investment, but you can be sure your newborn will get a comfortable and safe sleep. With the likes of Kate Hudson, Serena Williams and Gigi Hadid all being fans of the SNOO bedside crib, it's worth looking into this elegant alternative to a moses basket.
Safety
The Lullaby Trust, in conjunction with the NHS has issued official safe sleeping guidelines that advise that babies stay in the same bedroom as their parents for the first six months. However they shouldn't sleep in your bed. This is to lower the risk of suffocation or sudden infant death syndrome. A crib that is placed near your bed lets you keep your infant close to you so that you can comfort them and even feed them at night 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 pick for a bedside cot, the Silver Cross Slumber Carbon 3-in-1 travel cot bedside crib is small and folds flat in seconds to fit into a travel bag making it ideal for travel and nights away from home. It's the lightest option for a bedside cot. It features a comfortable deep foam mattress with mesh panels that allow air to flow. It also has an optional incline option. Plus, it won Gold at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Moses Basket or Cot Crib.
Another fab bedside co sleeper cot option is the Chicco Next2me Magic bedside crib which was awarded Bronze in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It has a built-in changing mat and storage system and weighs only 10kg. It is light at 10kg, and comes with an adjustable side that slides down for easy access.
Style
A bedside cot newborn crib is a blessing for many moms, particularly those who are recovering from C-sections. They can be attached to your bed so you can reach your baby easily without needing to get out of bed and letting you feed them and soothe them quickly. They're also a great option for breastfeeding mothers as close proximity can boost their milk supply.
Bassinets aren't just functional, but also stylish. This is why they're so popular. They're typically larger than Moses baskets and are available in many different styles, with some even having extra features, like a soft tilting of the reflux. They're designed to fit next to your bed and can be moved around the house as your baby grows. Some are portable, so they're ideal for parents who travel.
It is important to choose an cot with bedside that is easy to use drop-sides. They allow you to lower your infant into the bassinet without needing to lift them into your arms, which is difficult for mums with mobility issues. One of them is the Chicco Next2Me Magic which has been highly praised 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 come with is a translucent side that allows you to observe your baby at all times. This is especially useful during bleary-eyed 3am feeds, when just a glance can make all the difference. As noted by Emily our MFM home test participant the Sleepiest BassiNest an excellent choice. It's easy to lower.
Budget
If you're still not ready to move to a larger cot a bedside crib travel crib may be an ideal solution. The bassinet-style crib 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 own sleep. It's also a great option for those who suffer from restricted movement after a C-section and is a favorite option for celeb moms like Stacey Solomon and Binky Felstead.
Our Parents Testers loved the new 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 for growing babies. There is also a soft reflux setting. You can also use it as a travel cot. Additionally, it comes with an excellent storage bag.
It can be a challenge to move an upholstered amazon bedside cot cot throughout the house, but our Parents Testers said that the Shnuggle Air alongside the cot was easy to maneuver. It's among the lightest alternatives and is small enough to fit into its own travel bag, which means you can take it along with you on your trip.
The SnuzPod is a different highly rated bedside cot that's easy to assemble and fold away and packed with features to ensure a good night's sleep. It has a bassinet that lifts off to fit more beds than any other cot, and its breathable fabric can help your baby regulate their temperature. It also has a soft rocking function, as well as an incline option for reflux, and is light enough to use as a travel cot when you're out and about. It's a bit more expensive than other bedside cribs but Parents Testers are of the opinion that it is worth the extra expense.