How to Choose the Best Bedside Cot uk
Both the NHS and the Lullaby Trust have issued official safe sleeping guidelines that suggest that infants sleep in their own Moses basket or cot. A crib that is placed near the bed can be an efficient and space-saving option for parents who share a room.
Mumsnetters adore the co-sleeper because it is spacious, with plenty of room for baby's to grow and wriggle. It is also much larger than a Moses Basket. It's also simple to put together and comes with a travel bag.
What is a bedside crib?
A bedside cot (also called a bassinet, side-sleeper or co-sleeper) is a safe way for your baby to sleep near you during the first few months of their life. These cribs are attached to your bed and allow you to pull your child in your arms to feed them at night or for comforting. These cribs are also great for mums who are nursing or recovering from a Cesarean Section.
4-in-1 bedside crib are typically smaller than a standard cot however, they still provide plenty of space for your baby to rest. You can choose from various styles and features based on your preferences. Many bedside cribs have a drop down or removable side that allows you to reach your baby's feeding at night. They are available in a variety of heights to suit the size of your bed.
Some cribs with a bedside have an riser that permits you to add a slight incline to the sleep area that can help with reflux and the ability to zip off the sides for easy cleaning. Others have manual rocking functions 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 thick to allow your baby plenty of headroom.
You can be sure that your child will be comfortable and safe in a cot that is positioned at the bedside. Kate Hudson, Serena Williams and Gigi Hadid are all big fans of SNOO's bedside crib. It is definitely worth considering as an alternative to the Moses basket.
Safety
The Lullaby Trust, in conjunction with the NHS, has issued official guidelines for safe sleeping that advise 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 reduce the risk of suffocation or sudden infant death syndrome. A bedside crib lets you keep your baby close to you to soothe them to sleep and even feed them at night without leaving your bed. It's also great when you are unable to move following an operation or recovering from an operation such as a C-section.
Silver Cross Slumber Carbon 3 in 1 travel cot bedside Crib is our top pick for a bedside crib. It's compact and folds flat to fit into a transport bag which makes it ideal for trips away on holidays or from home. It's one the lightest options for a bedside crib and comes with a comfy deep foam mattress with mesh panels which allow air to flow. It also comes with an option for incline. Plus, it won Gold at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for the Best Cot Crib or Moses basket.
Another great bedside cot is the Chicco Next2me Magic bedside crib that was awarded Bronze in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It has a built-in changing mat and storage solution and weighs only 10kg. bedside cosleeper is light at 10kg, and features an adjustable side that can be lowered down for easy access.
Style
For many mothers, particularly those recovering from a C-section A crib for bedside can prove to an absolute blessing. You can easily reach your baby without getting out of the bed. This allows you to comfort and feed your infant at night. They are also a great option for breastfeeding mothers as their close proximity will help boost their milk supply.
As well as being incredibly practical, these bassinets can also look elegant, which is why they're so sought-after. Some are bigger than Moses Baskets and some come with additional features such as a gentle reflux and incline. They are designed to be placed near your bed, they can be moved around the home when baby gets older and some are able to be taken with you on the go which makes them ideal for new parents travelling.
When choosing a bedside cot It is essential to select a model with drop sides that are easy to use. This lets you lower your infant into the bassinet without having to lift them up into your arms. This can be a challenge for mothers with mobility issues. Chicco Next2Me Magic is one of the models that has been highly praised and was shortlisted by Mumsnetters in the category of the best Cot or Crib Moses Basket for our 2021 Mother and Baby Awards.
Another handy feature that some models have is a transparent side that lets you see your baby at all times. This is especially helpful when you're exhausted at 3am and you need to feed your child. A quick glance can make a big difference. As was noted by Emily our MFM home test participant the Sleepiest BassiNest an excellent choice. It is simple to lower.
Budget
If you're still not ready to make the transition to a larger cot an infant crib on your bed could be an ideal solution. The bassinet-style crib can be attached to your bed, ensuring that you can reach your baby easily for feedings at night or cuddle them without disturbing yourself. It's an excellent choice for those with restricted movement after a C-section. Celebrity moms like Binky Felstead and Stacey Solomon have also chosen this model.
Our Parent Testers loved the new model of this bestselling crib from Chicco that won the 2021 Mother&Baby Award for Best Cot Crib, Crib or Moses Basket. It's spacious, breathable, and has six different height settings for growing babies. There is also a gentle reflux setting. It can also be used as a travel cot, and it comes with an excellent storage bag.
It can be a challenge to move an upholstered bedside cot throughout the house However, our Parent Testers reported that the Shnuggle Air alongside the cot was easy to move. It's among the lightest alternatives and is small enough to fit into its own bag for travel, which means you can take it with you when you travel.
The SnuzPod bedside cot is yet another highly rated item that's easy to fold and assemble with plenty of features for the perfect night's rest. It comes with a removable, lift-off bassinet which fits more beds than other cots. The fabric is breathable, and helps to regulate your baby's temperature. It also has a soft rocking function, as well as an incline setting for reflux, and is light enough to use as a travel cot when you're out and about. It's more expensive than other bedside cots however our Parents Testers believe it's worth the extra money.