The 10 Most Terrifying Things About Best Bedside Cot Uk
How to Choose the Best Bedside Cot uk
Official guidelines for safe sleep from both NHS and Lullaby Trust recommends that newborns sleep in their own cot or Moses basket. A crib that is placed near the bed is an effective and space-saving solution for parents who live together.
Mumsnetters adore this co-sleeper since it's big enough with plenty of space for babies to grow and play and is far more substantial than the typical Moses basket. It's also easy to assemble, and comes with a bag for carrying.
What is a bedside cot?
Bedside cots (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 early months. These cribs are attached to your bed and allow you to bring your baby closer to you at night for feeding or comforting without the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome as a result of traditional bed sharing. These cribs are also great for mums who are breastfeeding or recovering from a Cesarean Section.
They're usually a little smaller than a regular cot for bedside, but offer plenty of space for your baby to sleep. 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 that makes it easier to reach your baby during the night to feed them. They are also available in different heights, based on the size of your bed.
Some cribs for bedside use an riser that permits you to add a slight rise to the sleeping space that can help with reflux and a zip-off side for easy cleaning. Some have manual rocking features which can be a soothing distraction for your newborn. You'll require a mattress that's breathable to go with your crib. It must be at least 30cm thick to give your baby enough headroom.
A twin bedside cot crib is a major investment, but you can rest assured that your baby will have a comfortable and safe sleep. Kate Hudson, Serena Williams, and Gigi hadid are all fans of SNOO's crib for babies. It is definitely worth a look as an alternative to a Moses basket.
Safety
The Lullaby Trust, in conjunction with the NHS, has issued official guidelines for safe sleeping which recommend that babies are in the same room as their parents for the first six months. However, they should not sleep in your bed. This is to lower the risk of suffocation, or sudden infant death syndrome. A bedside crib allows you to keep your baby close so that you can calm them down and feed them at night without having to leave your bed. It's also a great option for those who have a limited mobility after an operation or are recovering from a C-section.
Our top choice for a bedside cot, the Silver Cross Slumber Carbon 3-in-1 travel cot bedside crib is compact and folds flat in seconds to fit into its own bag for travel, making it ideal for travel and nights away from home. It's among the lightest bedside cots available and comes with a the most comfortable deep foam mattress with mesh air-flow panels, an optional incline setting, plus it won Gold in the 2021 Mother&Baby awards for Best Crib, Cot or Moses Basket.
Chicco Next2me Magic is another excellent bedside crib. It won Bronze at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It has built-in storage and a changing mat, is lightweight (only 10kg) and features an adjustable side that makes it easy to access.
Style
A crib for your bed can be a lifesaver for many moms, particularly those recovering from C-sections. They can be attached to your bed so you can easily reach your baby without having to get up in order to feed them and comfort them quickly. They are also a great option for breastfeeding mothers as close proximity can boost their milk supply.
As well as being incredibly practical, these bassinets can look pretty elegant and that's why they're so sought-after. They are larger than Moses Baskets and some even have additional features like a gentle reflux and incline. They're designed to fit next to your bed and can be moved around the house as your baby grows. Some are portable, which means they're great for travelling parents.
When choosing a bedside cot it is important to choose a model with drop sides that are easy to use. This lets you lower your child into the bassinet, without lifting them up into your arms. This can be a challenge for mothers who have limited mobility. One of these models is the Chicco Next2Me Magic which has been applauded by Mumsnetters and was shortlisted for our 2021 Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket category.
Some models also have a transparent side, which allows you to always see your baby. This is especially useful when you are groggy at 3am and need to feed your baby. A quick glance can make a big difference. One of these options is the Sleepiest BassiNest which is easy to lower, as was noted by our MFM home tester Emily.
Budget
A bedside crib co sleeper crib is a fantastic alternative if you're not ready to move to a larger crib. This bassinet-style cot attaches to the bed's side so you can easily reach your baby for feedings at night and soothe them without disturbing your own sleep. It's a great option for those who are unable to move after a C-section. Famous moms like Binky Felstead and Stacey Solomon have also chosen this model.
Our Parent 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 comfortable, breathable, and comes with six different height settings suitable for growing babies. There is also a gentle reflux setting. It can also be used as a crib for travel and comes with a handy storage case.
A bedside crib can be difficult to move around your home however our Parent Testers found the Shnuggle Air near the crib to be easy to move around. It's one of the lighter options that can be put in its own travel bag.
The SnuzPod bedside cot is a highly rated item that's easy to assemble and fold, with many features for the perfect night's rest. It comes with a removable, lift-off bassinet that fits more beds than other cots. The fabric is breathable and can help regulate your baby's temperature. It also has a soft 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 a little more expensive than other cots for bed however our Parent Testers affirm that it's worth the extra money.