How to Choose the Best Bedside Cot uk
Both the NHS and Lullaby Trust have issued official safe sleeping guidelines which advise that babies sleep in their own Moses basket or cot. A bedside crib is practical and space-saving for parents who live in a room together.
Mumsnetters love this co-sleeper because it's spacious with lots of room for baby to grow and play, and more spacious than the typical Moses basket. It's also simple to put together and comes with a travel bag.
What is a bedside crib?
Bedside cots (also known as bassinets, side sleepers or co-sleepers) are an effective and safe method for your baby to sleep with you during their early months. bedside rocking crib fix to your bed and let you lift your baby out towards you at night for feeding or comforting without the threat of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome associated with traditional bed-sharing. These cribs are also ideal for mothers who are breastfeeding or recovering from a Cesarean Section.
These cots are typically a little smaller than a standard cot but they provide plenty of room for your baby to sleep. You can pick from a variety of designs and features according to what you prefer. A majority of cribs for bedside use an adjustable or drop down side that allows you to reach your baby's feeding at night. They are available in a variety of sizes to fit the dimensions of your bed.
Some bedside cribs have a riser which allows you to add an incline in the sleep area. This can aid in reducing reflux. They also have the option of a zip-off side to make cleaning easy. Some have manual rocking features which can be a soothing distraction for your baby. You'll also require a breathable mattress for 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 child will be safe and comfortable in a cot that is positioned at the bedside. With the likes of Kate Hudson, Serena Williams and Gigi Hadid all being fans of the SNOO bedside crib, it's definitely worth considering this stylish alternative to a moses basket.
Safety
The Lullaby Trust, in conjunction with the NHS, has issued official guidelines for safe sleeping that advise that babies stay in the same bedroom as their parents for the first six months. However, they should not 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 an excellent option that allows your child to remain close enough to you to feed them at night and soothe them back to sleep without having to leave your own bed. It's also great if you have limited mobility after an operation or are recovering from an operation such as a C-section.
Silver Cross Slumber Carbon 3 in 1 bedside cot travel cot is our top pick for a crib that can be used as a bedside. It's small and folds flat to fit into its transport bag, making it perfect for trips away on holidays or from home. It's among the lightest bedside cots available and comes with a an extremely comfortable mattress, air-flow panels, and an incline setting, plus it was awarded Gold in the 2021 Mother&Baby awards for Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket.
Another fab bedside cot option 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 that allows for easy access.
Style
For many mums, particularly those recovering from C-sections, a bedside crib could prove to an absolute blessing. You can easily reach your baby without getting out of the bed. This lets you provide comfort and food to your infant during the night. The close proximity to your baby can also increase the amount of milk produced by mothers who breastfeed.
As well as being incredibly convenient, these bassinets are stylish too which is the reason they're so sought-after. Some are bigger than Moses Baskets, and some have extra features like a gentle reflux incline. They're designed to fit close to your bed and can be moved around the home as baby grows. Some are portable, so they're ideal for parents who travel.
When you are choosing a bedside cot It is essential to choose a model that have drop sides that are simple to use. These let you lower your baby's bassinet without lifting them into your arms, which is difficult for mothers with mobility issues. One of these models is the Chicco Next2Me Magic which has been praised by Mumsnetters and was shortlisted for our 2021 Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot Crib, Moses or Crib Basket category.
Some models also have a translucent side, allowing you to be able to always view your baby. This is especially useful when you're exhausted at 3am and you need to feed your baby. A quick glance can make a huge difference. As mentioned by Emily who is our MFM home test participant, the Sleepiest BassiNest is a great option. It is simple to lower.
Budget
If you're not ready to make the transition to a larger cot the bedside crib could be the perfect solution. This bassinet-style cot attaches to the side of your bed so you can easily reach your baby's feedings at night and soothe them without disturbing your own sleep. It's a great choice for those with restricted movement after an operation such as a C-section. Famous moms such as Binky Felstead and Stacey Solomon have also chosen it.
Our Parent Testers loved the new model of this well-loved crib from Chicco which was awarded the 2021 Mother&Baby Award for Best Cot Crib, Crib or Moses Basket. It is spacious, breathable, and has six different height settings for growing babies. There is also a soft reflux setting. It can be used as a travel crib and comes with a storage case that is convenient for storage.
It can be difficult to move a bedside cot around your home, but our Parent Testers stated that the Shnuggle Air beside cot was very simple to move. It's one of the smallest options and is small enough to fit in its own travel bag which means you can take it with you when you travel.
The SnuzPod is another highly rated bedside cot that's simple to assemble and fold away, with plenty of features that will ensure your child gets an enjoyable night's sleep. It has a removable 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 also has a gentle rocking feature and an incline option for reflux, and is light enough to be used as a travel cot while you're out and about. It's more expensive than other bedside cribs but Parents Testers are of the opinion that it is worth the extra cost.