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 crib that is placed near the bed is a practical and space-saving option for room-sharing new parents.

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

What is a bedside crib?

Bedside cribs (also known as side sleepers, bassinets or co-sleepers) are an effective and safe method for your baby to sleep near you in the first few months. These cribs attach to your bed and allow you to pull your child in your arms for night-feeding or comforting. They're also a great option for breastfeeding mothers or mothers recovering from a Caesarean section.

They're typically smaller than a standard cot, but they provide ample space for your baby to rest. You can pick from a variety of designs and features depending on what you prefer. A majority of cribs for bedside use a drop down or removable side that makes it easier to reach your baby for feeding at night. They are also available in different heights to suit the size of your bed.

Some bedside cribs come with an riser that permits you to add a slight slope to the sleep area that can aid in reflux and an easy zip-off side for cleaning. Some cribs have manual rocking bedside crib options which can provide a soothing distraction for your baby. You'll need a mattress that is breathable to go with your crib. It must be at least 30cm thick to give your baby enough headroom.

A bedside crib is a major investment, but you can be sure your baby will be peaceful and safe night's sleep. With the likes of Kate Hudson, Serena Williams and Gigi Hadid all fans of the SNOO bedside crib, it's definitely worth considering this fashionable alternative to moses basket.

Safety

The Lullaby Trust, in conjunction with the NHS has issued official guidelines for safe sleeping that advise that babies stay in the same bedroom as their parents for the first six months. However, they should not sleep in your bed. This is to lower the risk of suffocation or sudden infant death syndrome. A crib that is placed near your bed is a great option that lets your baby safely be close enough for you to night feed them and soothe them back to sleep without having to leave your bed. It's also great for those who have a limited mobility after an operation or are recovering from C-section.

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 and fits into its own travel bag making it ideal for travel 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 let air flow. It also comes with an optional incline option. Additionally, it was awarded Gold at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for the Best Moses Basket or Cot Crib.

Another great bedside cot is the Chicco Next2me Magic bedside crib that won Bronze in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It has a built-in storage solution and changing mat, is light (only 10kg) and comes with an adjustable side for easy access.

Style

For many mothers, particularly those recovering from C-sections, a bedside crib could prove to be an absolute godsend. You can easily reach your baby without having to get out of bed. This lets you provide comfort and food to your infant at night. Being close to the baby can also aid in increasing milk production for mothers who are breastfeeding.

These bassinets are not only convenient but also stylish. This is the reason they're so popular. Some are more spacious than Moses Baskets and some even have additional features like a gentle reflux and incline. They are designed to be placed near your bed, they are able to be moved around the home when baby gets older and some are portable enough to take on the go too, making them great for new parents traveling.

When choosing a bedside baby sleeper cot, it's important to choose a model that have easy-to-use drop sides. They allow you to lower your baby into the bassinet without having to lift them into your arms, which can be difficult for mums with limited mobility. One of these models is the Chicco Next2Me Magic which has been praised by Mumsnetters and was shortlisted in our 2021 Mother&Baby Awards' Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket category.

Some models also come with a transparent side, which allows you to be able to always view your baby. This is especially useful when you're exhausted at 3am and have to feed your child. A quick glance could make a huge difference. One of these options is the Sleepiest BassiNest which is simple to lower, as noted by our MFM home tester Emily.

Budget

If you're not quite ready to move to a larger cot, the bedside cot wooden crib could be a great option. The bassinet-style crib is attached to the side of your bed so you can easily reach your baby's feedings at night and soothe them without disturbing your sleep. 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 this new version of the bestselling Chicco crib, which won 2021 Mother&Baby Awards as the Best Cot or Crib. It's afclimatizing and spacious and comes with six height settings to accommodate babies who are growing, as well as a gentle incline setting. You can also use it as a travel cot. Additionally, it comes with an excellent storage bag.

It can be a challenge to move a bedside cots for newborns cot around the house, but our Parent Testers reported that the Shnuggle Air beside cot was very simple to move. It's one of the lighter options that can be tucked away in its own travel bag.

The SnuzPod bedside cot is a highly rated product that's easy to fold and assemble, with many features for a restful night's sleep. 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 gentle rocking function and an incline option for reflux, and is light enough to be used as a travel cot when you're on the move. It's more expensive than other cots for bed but our Parent Testers believe it's worth the extra money.