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 crib is an effective and space-saving solution for room-sharing new parents.

Mumsnetters love this co-sleeper as it's large bedside cot and spacious, with plenty of room for baby to grow and play and is far more substantial than the size of a Moses basket. It is also easy to put together, and comes with a carry bag.

What is a bedside cot?

A bedside crib and cot cot (also known as a side sleeper, bassinet or co-sleeper) is a safe way for your baby to rest close to you throughout the first few months of their life. These cribs can be attached to your bed and let you lift your child towards you for night-feeding or comforting. These cribs are also great for mums who are nursing or recovering from a cesarean.

They're usually a little smaller than a regular cot or cotbed, yet provide plenty of space for your baby to lay down. You can pick from a wide range of designs and features depending on what your preference is. A lot of cribs for bedside use the option of removing or dropping down the side that makes it easier to reach your baby at night for feedings. 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 help with reflux. They also come with an open side for easy cleaning. Some have manual rocking features which can be a relaxing distraction for your baby. You'll require a mattress that's breathable to go with your crib. It must 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 fans of SNOO's crib for babies. It is definitely worth considering as an alternative to a Moses basket.

Safety

Official safe sleeping guidelines from the Lullaby Trust and NHS advises that newborn bedside cot babies should sleep in the same room as you for the first six months but not in your bed to reduce the risk of suffocation, and to lower the chance of sudden infant death syndrome. A crib for bed lets you keep your infant close to you to comfort them and even feed them at night without leaving your bed. It's 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 travel cot bedside crib is compact and folds flat in a matter of seconds to fit into its own travel bag so it's perfect for holidays and nights away from home. It's one of the lightest bedside cot options and has a comfy deep foam mattress with mesh air-flow panels and an incline setting, plus it was awarded Gold in the 2021 Mother&Baby awards for the Best Crib, Cot, 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 It weighs just 10kg, and comes with an adjustable side that slides down for easy access.

Style

A bedside crib is a godsend for many mothers, particularly those who are recovering from C-sections. You can easily reach your baby without getting out of the bed. This allows you to soothe and feed your infant during the night. The close proximity to the baby can also increase the amount of milk produced by mothers who are breastfeeding.

These bassinets are not only practical, but also stylish. This is why they are so popular. Some are more spacious than Moses Baskets, and some have extra features, like a gentle and incline. They are designed to be placed near your bed, they can usually be moved around your home when baby gets older and some are able to be taken to the go, making them great for new parents traveling.

It is essential to select an cot with bedside that is easy to use drop-sides. This lets you lower your baby into the bassinet without having to lift them up into your arms. This can be a challenge for mothers with mobility issues. One such model is the Chicco Next2Me Magic which has been highly praised by Mumsnetters and was shortlisted in 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 especially helpful when you're exhausted at 3am and you need to feed your baby. A quick glance could make a huge difference. As was noted by Emily who is our MFM home tester Sleepiest BassiNest is a great option. It is easy to lower.

Budget

If you're not ready to make the leap to a full-sized cot, an infant crib on your bed could be an ideal solution. The bassinet-style crib is attached to the bed's side so you can easily reach your baby for evening feeds and also comfort them without disturbing your own sleep. It's also a great option for those with restricted movement following an operation and is a popular option with famous mothers like Stacey Solomon and Binky Felstead.

Our Parents Testers loved the new version of this well-loved crib from Chicco, which won the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket. It's spacious, breathable, and has six different height settings for babies who are growing. There is also a soft reflux setting. It can also be used as a travel crib and comes with a storage case that is convenient for storage.

It can be a challenge to move an upholstered bedside cot throughout the house, but our Parents Testers said that the Shnuggle Air alongside the cot was easy to maneuver. It's one of the smallest options and small enough to fit into its own bag for travel, which means you can take it along with you on your trip.

The SnuzPod bedside cot is a highly rated product that's simple to put together and fold away and comes with a variety of features to ensure a restful 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 has a gentle rocking bedside crib function, as well as an incline option for reflux, and is light enough to use as a travel cot if you're out and about. It's a bit more expensive than other bedside cots however our Parents Testers affirm that it's worth the extra money.