How to Choose the Best Bedside Cot uk

Official safety sleeping guidelines from both NHS and Lullaby Trust recommends that newborns sleep in their own crib or Moses basket. A bedside crib can be a space-saving and practical option for parents who live in a room together.

Mumsnetters love the co sleeper bedside cot-sleeper as it is spacious, with plenty of room for babies to grow and wiggle. It's also bigger than a Moses Basket. It's also simple to put together and comes with a travel bag.

What is a bedside cot?

Bedside cots (also known as side sleepers, bassinets or co-sleepers) are an effective and safe method for your baby to sleep with you during their first few months. These cribs attach to your bed and let you 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.

These cots are typically a little smaller than standard cots, but still offer plenty of room for your baby to relax. You can pick from a variety of styles and features, depending on what you prefer. Many cribs with a bedside feature a removable or drop-down side, which makes it easier to reach your baby during feeding time at night. They are also available in different heights depending on your bed size.

Some cribs for bedside use 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 for easy cleaning. Some cribs come with manual rocking options that can provide a relaxing distraction to your newborn. You'll require a mattress that's comfortable to be used with your crib. It should be at least 30cm thick to give your baby enough headroom.

You can be sure that your baby will be safe and comfortable in a bedside cot. With stars like Kate Hudson, Serena Williams and Gigi Hadid all awed by the SNOO bedside crib, it's definitely worth considering this fashionable alternative to a moses basket.

Safety

Official guidelines for safe sleep from the Lullaby Trust and NHS advises that babies born today should be placed in the same bed as you for the first six months, but not in your bed to reduce the risk of suffocation, and to reduce the chance of sudden infant death syndrome. A crib that is placed near your bed is an excellent option that allows your baby to comfortably be near enough for you to feed them at night and comfort 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 a C-section.

Our top pick for a bedside cot, the Silver Cross Slumber Carbon 3-in-1 Travel Cot Bedside Crib (Vuf.Minagricultura.Gov.Co) is compact and folds flat in a matter of seconds and fits into a travel bag so it's perfect for holidays and nights away from home. It's among the lightest options for a bedside cot. It has a soft, comfortable foam mattress with mesh panels that allow air to flow. It also comes with an incline option that can be added. It also won Gold at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for the Best Moses basket or Cot Crib.

Another fantastic bedside cot is the Chicco Next2me Magic bedside crib and cot crib that was awarded Bronze in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It features a built-in change mat and storage system, is lightweight at 10kg, and comes with an adjustable side that can be lowered down for easy access.

Style

For many mums, particularly those who are recovering from a C-section A crib for bedside cot co sleeper can be an absolute godsend. They are attached to your bed so that you can easily reach your baby without having to get out of bed in order to feed them and soothe them quickly. They're an excellent choice for breastfeeding mothers since the close proximity can help increase their milk supply.

In addition to being extremely convenient, these bassinets can look pretty attractive too and that's why they're so sought-after. Some are more spacious than Moses Baskets, and some have extra features such as a gentle reflux and incline. They're designed to sit 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.

It is important to choose a bedside cot that has 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 mothers who have limited mobility. 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.

Another great feature that certain models have is a transparent side that lets you be able to see your baby at all times. This is particularly useful when you are tired and sleepy where a quick glance can make all the difference. One of these options is the Sleepiest BassiNest, which is easy to lower as noted by our MFM home tester Emily.

Budget

If you're not ready to make the transition to a full-sized cot, the bedside crib could be an ideal solution. The crib is attached to your bed, ensuring that you can reach your baby easily to feed them at night or even comfort them without disturbing yourself. It's also a great option for those who suffer from restricted movement following an operation, and is a popular option with famous mothers like Stacey Solomon and Binky Felstead.

Our Parent Testers loved the new version of the bestselling Chicco crib, which was awarded the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards as the Best Cot or Crib. It is spacious comfortable, breathable, and comes with six different height settings suitable for growing babies. There is also a soft reflux setting. It can also be used as a travel crib and comes with a handy storage case.

It can be difficult to move an upholstered bedside cot throughout the house However, our Parent Testers said that the Shnuggle Air alongside the cot was easy to move. It is among the lightest options and can be tucked away in its own travel bag.

The SnuzPod is another highly rated bedside cot that's easy to put together and fold away and comes with a variety of features for a good night's sleep. It has a removable, adjustable bassinet that lifts off, which can fit more beds than other cots. The fabric is breathable and helps keep your baby's temperature in check. It also features a soft rocking function and an incline setting for reflux, and is light enough to be used as a travel cot when you're out and about. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs for bed however, Parent Testers believe it's worth the extra expense.