How to Choose the Best Bedside Cot uk

Both the NHS and the Lullaby Trust have issued official safe sleeping guidelines which recommend that newborns sleep only in their own Moses basket or cot. A bedside cot newborn crib is a practical and space-saving option for parents who live together.

Mumsnetters adore the co-sleeper because it is spacious, with plenty of room for babies to grow and play. It is also much bigger than a Moses Basket. It's also easy to assemble and comes with a bag for travel.

What is a bedside cot mattress crib?

A bedside cots cot (also known as a bassinet, side sleeper or co-sleeper) is a safe way for your newborn to sleep close to you throughout their first months. These cribs attach to your bed and allow you to lift your baby out towards you to feed them at night or for comforting without the threat of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome associated with traditional bed-sharing. They're also a great choice for breastfeeding mothers or mums recovering from a Caesarean section.

They're usually a little smaller than a regular cot or cotbed, yet they provide ample space for your baby to lay down. You can choose from a wide range of styles and features, according to what you like best. A majority of cribs for bedside use an adjustable or drop down side, which makes it easier to reach your baby's feeding at night. They are also available in different sizes to fit the dimensions of your bed.

Some bedside cots cribs come with an riser that permits you to add a slight slope 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 relaxing distraction for your newborn. You'll also require a breathable mattress to match your new crib, which should be a minimum of 30cm in depth to ensure that your baby has enough head space.

You can be confident that your child will be safe and secure in a cot that is positioned at the bedside. Kate Hudson, Serena Williams, and Gigi Hadid are all big fans of SNOO's crib for babies. 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 sleep which recommend that babies sleep 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 risk of suffocation, or sudden infant death syndrome. A crib that is placed near your bed is a great option that allows your child to remain close enough to you to feed them during the night and comfort them back to sleep without needing to leave your own bed. This is also a great option for when you are recovering from an operation or a C-section and have limited mobility.

Our top pick for a bedside cot the Silver Cross Slumber Carbon 3-in-1 large bedside cot crib for travel is compact and folds down in a matter of seconds and fits into a travel bag making it ideal for travel and nights away from home. It's the lightest option for a bedside cot. It comes with a comfy deep foam mattress with mesh panels that allow air to flow. It also comes with an option for incline. Additionally, it was awarded 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 which was awarded Bronze in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It comes with a built-in storage solution and changing mat, is light (only 10kg) and comes with an adjustable side for easy access.

Style

A bedside crib is a blessing for many mothers, particularly those recovering from C-sections. They can be attached to your bed so you can easily reach your baby without having to get out of bed and letting you feed them and comfort them quickly. They are also a great choice for breastfeeding mothers since their close proximity will help boost their milk supply.

These bassinets are not only convenient but also fashionable. This is why they are so popular. Some are more spacious than Moses Baskets and some even have additional features like a gentle reflux upward slope. They are designed to be placed near your bed, they can be moved around your home as the baby grows older, and some are able to be taken with you on the go making them perfect for parents who are new to traveling.

It's important to choose a bedside cot that has easy-to-use drop-sides. This lets you lower your child 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 praised and shortlisted by Mumsnetters in the category of Best Cot or Crib, or Moses Basket for our 2021 Mother and Baby Awards.

Some models also come with a transparent side, allowing you to see your baby. This is particularly useful during bleary-eyed 3am feeds when one glance could make all the difference. As was noted by Emily who is our MFM home test participant Sleepiest BassiNest is an excellent choice. It's easy to lower.

Budget

A bedside crib is a fantastic option if you are not yet ready to upgrade to a full-sized crib. The bassinet-style crib is attached to the side of your bed so that you can easily reach your baby for night feeds and comfort them without disturbing your sleep. It's also a great option for those who suffer from restricted movement following an operation, and is a popular choice with celeb mums including Stacey Solomon and Binky Felstead.

Our Parent Testers loved the new model of this popular crib from Chicco that won the 2021 Mother&Baby Award for Best Cot Crib, Crib or Moses Basket. It is spacious and breathable, and comes with six different height settings suitable for growing babies. There is also a soft reflux setting. You can also use it as a travel cot, and it comes with a handy storage bag.

A bedside cot can be difficult to move around your home, but our Parents Testers found the Shnuggle Air beside crib really simple to move. It's among the lightest options and compact enough to fit into its own travel bag, which means you can carry it along with you on your trip.

The SnuzPod bedside cot is another highly rated product that's simple to put together and fold away, with many features for a restful night's sleep. It has a removable, lift-off bassinet that fits more beds than other cots. The fabric is breathable, and helps keep your baby's temperature in check. It has a gentle rocking feature as well as an incline to help with reflux. It is also lightweight enough to be used as a travel crib while you're out and about. It's more expensive than other bedside cots however our Parents Testers affirm that it's worth the extra cash.