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 crib or Moses basket. A bedside crib is a space-saving and practical option for parents who share a room.
Mumsnetters love this co-sleeper as it's large and spacious, with plenty of space for babies to grow and wriggle and far more substantial than the typical Moses basket. It's also easy to put together and comes with a carry-on bag.
What is a bedside crib?
A bedside cot (also called a side sleeper, bassinet or co-sleeper) is a safe method for your baby to rest close to you overnight during their first months. These cribs can be attached to your bed and let you lift your child to you for night-feeding or comforting. They're also a great choice for mothers who are breastfeeding or recovering from a caesarean section.
They are usually a little smaller than a standard cot however, they still provide plenty of room for your baby to sleep. You can pick from a variety of styles and features depending on your preferences. A lot of cribs for bedside use a removable or drop-down side that makes it easier to reach the baby during feeding time at night. They are also available in different heights, based on the size of your bed.
Some cribs with a bedside have an adjustable riser that allows you to add an incline to the sleep area. This can help with reflux. They also have a zip off side for easy cleaning. Other cribs have manual rocking functions that can provide a relaxing distraction for your newborn. You'll need a mattress that is breathable to go with your crib. It should be at least 30cm thick to give your baby enough headroom.
You can rest assured that your child will be comfortable and safe in a bedside cot. 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 released official safe sleeping guidelines 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 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 comfortably be near enough for you to feed them during the night and comfort them back to sleep without having to get out of your bed. It's also a great option if you are recovering from an operation or C-section and are unable to move.
Silver Cross Slumber Carbon 3 in 1 travel cot bedside Crib is our top choice for a crib to sleep in. It's small and folds flat to fit in its travel bag, making it perfect for nights out on the town or away from home. It's one of the lightest bedside cots and has a comfy deep foam mattress with mesh air-flow panels and an tilting setting, and it won Gold in the 2021 Mother&Baby awards for Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket.
Another fantastic bedside cot is the Chicco Next2me Magic bedside crib that was awarded Bronze in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It features a built-in change mat and storage solutions and weighs only 10kg. It is light at 10kg, and comes with an adjustable side that drops down to make it easy to access.
Style
For many mums, particularly those who have had a C-section, a bedside crib could prove to an absolute blessing. They attach to your bed so you can reach your baby easily without needing to get up and letting you feed them and soothe them quickly. They are also a great choice for mothers who are breastfeeding as their close proximity will help increase their milk supply.
In addition to being extremely convenient, these bassinets can also look stylish too and that's why they're so popular. Some are bigger than Moses Baskets and some even have additional features like a gentle reflux upward slope. They're designed to sit close to your bed and can be moved around the house as your baby grows. Some are portable, so they're great for parents who travel.
It is essential to select a bedside cot that has easy-to-use drop-sides. This lets you lower your baby into the bassinet without lifting them up into your arms. This can be difficult for mothers with mobility issues. 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 Moses, Crib or Basket category.
Another useful feature that a few models come with is a translucent side that lets you observe your baby at all times. This is particularly useful when you are groggy at 3am and need to feed your baby. A quick glance can make a big difference. One such option is the Sleepiest BassiNest which is simple to lower, as outlined by our MFM home tester Emily.
Budget
A bedside crib is a fantastic option if you're not yet ready to upgrade to a bigger crib. This bassinet-style cot attaches to the side of your bed so that you can easily reach your baby's night feeds and comfort them without disturbing your sleep. It's also a great option for those suffering from limited movement after a C-section and is a favorite choice with celeb mums including Stacey Solomon and Binky Felstead.
Our Parent Testers loved the new model of this bestselling crib from Chicco which was awarded the 2021 Mother&Baby Award for Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket. It's spacious, breathable, and has six different height settings suitable for growing babies. There is also a gentle reflux setting. It can also be used as a travel cot. Additionally, it comes with an easy-to-store storage bag.
It can be difficult to move a bedside cot around the house however our Parents Testers reported that the Shnuggle Air alongside the cot was easy to maneuver. It's one of the smallest options and is compact enough to fit into its own travel bag so you can take it with you on your travels.
The SnuzPod is a different highly rated bedside cot that's simple to put together and fold away, with plenty of features for the best night's rest. It has a removable, lift-off bassinet which fits more beds than other cots. The fabric is breathable, and helps keep your baby's temperature in check. It also has a gentle rocking feature and an incline setting to help with reflux, and it's light enough to use as a travel cot while you're on the move. It's a little more expensive than other bedside cots but our Parents Testers believe it's worth the extra money.