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 cot or Moses basket. A crib that is placed near the bed is a practical and space-saving option for parents who share a room.

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

What is a bedside crib?

A bedside cot (also known as a bassinet, side-sleeper or co-sleeper) is a safe method for your baby to sleep close to you throughout their first few months. These cribs are attached to your bed, allowing you to lift your child to you to feed them at night or even comfort them. These cribs are also ideal for mums who are breastfeeding or recovering from a cesarean section.

They're usually a little smaller than a regular cot or cotbed, but they provide ample space for your baby to rest. You can choose from a variety of designs and features depending on what you like best. Many bedside cribs have an adjustable or drop down side that allows you to reach your baby for evening feeds. They are available in a variety of heights to suit the size of your bed.

Some cribs with a bedside have an riser that permits you to add a slight slope to the sleep space which could help with reflux. It also has the ability to zip off the sides for easy cleaning. Some cribs come with manual rocking options which can provide a soothing distraction for your baby. You'll need a mattress that is comfortable to be used with your crib. It must be at least 30cm in depth to allow your baby plenty of headroom.

You can rest assured that your child will be comfortable and safe in a cot that is positioned at the bedside. With stars like Kate Hudson, Serena Williams and Gigi Hadid all awed by the SNOO bedside crib, it's definitely worth looking into this elegant alternative to a moses basket.

Safety

The Lullaby Trust, in conjunction with the NHS, has issued official safe sleeping guidelines that advise that babies stay in the same bedroom as their parents for the first six months. However they shouldn't sleep in your bed. This is to lower the risk of suffocation, or sudden infant death syndrome. A bedside crib 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 a great option if you are recovering from an operation or a C-section and are unable to move.

Silver Cross Slumber Carbon 3 in 1 travel cot bedside travel cot crib is our top choice for a crib that can be used as a bedside. It's small and folds flat to fit into its transport bag, making it perfect for trips away on holidays or from home. It's one of the lightest bedside cots and has a comfy deep foam mattress with mesh air-flow panels, and an tilt setting, and it won Gold in the 2021 Mother&Baby awards for Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket.

Another fab bedside cot option is the Chicco Next2me Magic bedside crib which was awarded Bronze in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It features a built-in change mat and storage system and weighs only 10kg. It is light at 10kg, and has an adjustable side that drops down for easy access.

Style

A crib for your bed is a blessing for many moms, particularly those who are recovering from C-sections. You can easily reach your baby without getting out of your bed. This allows you to soothe and feed your infant during the night. Being close to the baby can also increase milk production for mothers who breastfeed.

They are not just practical, but also fashionable. This is the reason they're so sought-after. They're typically bigger than Moses baskets and come in a variety of different styles, some having additional features, like a soft reflux incline setting. They are designed to be placed near your bed, they can be moved around the house as the baby grows older, and some are portable enough to take to the go which makes them ideal for new parents travelling.

When you are choosing a bedside cot It is essential to select a model that have easy-to-use drop sides. These allow you to lower your infant into the bassinet without needing to lift them into your arms, which is difficult for mothers with limited mobility. One of these models is the Chicco Next2Me Magic which has been applauded by Mumsnetters and was shortlisted in our 2021 Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot Moses, Crib or Basket category.

Some models also come with a transparent side, which allows you to be able to always view your baby. This is particularly useful during bleary-eyed 3am feeds, when just a glance can make all the difference. As mentioned by Emily, our MFM home test participant Sleepiest BassiNest is a great option. It is easy to lower.

Budget

A bedside crib is a great option if you are not yet ready to upgrade to a larger crib. The bassinet-style crib is attached to the side of your bed so you can easily reach your baby for feedings at night and soothe them without disturbing your own sleep. It's also a great choice for those suffering from limited movement after a C-section, and is a popular option with famous mothers like Stacey Solomon and Binky Felstead.

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

It can be a challenge to move a bedside cot around your house, but our Parent Testers said that the Shnuggle Air beside cot was very easy to move. It's among the lightest options and compact enough to fit into its own travel bag, so you can take it with you when you travel.

The SnuzPod bedside baby bed cot is another highly rated product that's easy to fold and assemble with plenty of features for an unwinding night's sleep. It has a removable lift-off bassinet that fits more beds than other cots. The fabric is breathable and helps regulate your baby's temperature. It also features a soft rocking feature and an incline setting for reflux, and is lightweight enough to use as a travel cot if you're on the move. It's more expensive than other bedside cribs but Parents Testers agree that it's worth the extra expense.