How to Choose the Best Bedside Cot uk

Official safe sleeping guidance from both NHS and Lullaby Trust recommends that newborns sleep in their own cot or Moses basket. A bedside crib is an efficient and space-saving choice for room-sharing new parents.

Mumsnetters adore the co-sleeper because it's big and has plenty of space for babies to grow and play. It's also larger than a Moses Basket. It's also easy to put together and comes with a carry bag.

What is a bedside cot?

A bedside cot (also known as a bassinet, side-sleeper or co-sleeper) is a secure way for your baby to rest close to you overnight during their first months. These cribs are attached to your bed and allow you to raise your baby towards you to feed them at night or for comforting without the danger of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome as a result of traditional bed sharing. These cribs are also great for mums who are nursing or recovering from a Cesarean Section.

These cots are typically a little smaller than standard cots, but still offer plenty of space for your baby to relax. You can choose from a wide range of styles and features, according to what you like best. A lot of cribs for bedside use the option of removing or dropping down the side, which makes it easier to reach your baby during feeding time at night. They also come in different heights depending on the size of your bed.

Some bedside cribs come with a riser that allows you to add a slight rise to the sleeping space that can help with reflux and a zip-off side for easy cleaning. Others have manual rocking functions which can be a relaxing distraction for your infant. You'll need a mattress that is comfortable to be used with your crib. It should be at least 30cm thick to allow your baby plenty of headroom.

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

Safety

Official safe sleeping guidelines from the Lullaby Trust and NHS advises that newborn babies should sleep in the same room as you during 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 bedside crib and travel cot crib is an excellent option that allows your baby to remain close enough to you to feed them during the night and help them return to sleep without needing to leave your bed. It's also great when you are unable to move after an operation or are recovering from a C-section.

Silver Cross Slumber Carbon 3 in 1 bedside cot wooden cot travel cot is our top pick for a crib to sleep in. It's compact and folds flat to fit into its transport bag, making it perfect for trips away on holidays or from home. It's one the lightest options for a bedside cot. It comes with a comfy deep foam mattress with mesh panels that let air flow. It also has an optional incline option. It also won Gold at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for the Best Cot Crib or Moses basket.

Chicco Next2me Magic is another great bedside crib option. It was awarded Bronze at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It has a built-in changing mat and storage system It weighs just 10kg, and features an adjustable side that can be lowered down to make it easy to access.

Style

A crib for your bed can be a lifesaver for many mums, especially those who are recovering from C-sections. You can easily reach your baby without getting out of your bed. This lets you soothe and feed your infant during the night. The close proximity to the baby can also increase the production of milk for mothers who breastfeed.

Alongside being incredibly practical, these bassinets can also look stylish too and that's why they're so sought-after. They are larger than Moses Baskets and some even have additional features such as a gentle reflux and incline. Designed to fit by your bed, they can be moved around the house when the baby grows older. Additionally, some are portable enough to take to the go making them perfect for parents who are new to traveling.

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

Some models also have a translucent side, which allows you to always see your baby. This is especially useful when you're groggy at 3am and you need to feed your child. A quick glance could make a big difference. As mentioned by Emily our MFM home test participant, the Sleepiest BassiNest is an excellent choice. It's easy to lower.

Budget

A bedside sleeper cot crib is a great alternative if you're not yet ready to upgrade to a full-sized crib. This bassinet-style crib attaches to your bed, ensuring that you can easily reach your baby to feed them at night or even comfort them without causing any disturbance to yourself. It's also a great option for those who suffer from restricted movement following the birth and is a popular choice with celeb mums including Stacey Solomon and Binky Felstead.

Our Parent Testers loved this new version of the popular Chicco crib, which was awarded the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards as the Best Cot or Crib. It's afclimatizing and spacious and has six height settings to accommodate babies who are growing, and a gentle reflux setting for incline. It can be used as a crib for travel and comes with a storage case that is convenient for storage.

It can be a challenge to move a bedside cot around your house however our Parent Testers reported that the Shnuggle Air beside cot was very simple to move. It's one of the lightest alternatives and is small enough to fit in its own travel bag, which means you can carry it along with you on your trip.

The SnuzPod is a different highly rated bedside cot that's simple to set up and take down, with plenty of features that will ensure your child gets a good night's sleep. It comes with a lift-off bassinet that fits more beds than any other cot and its breathable fabric helps your baby maintain their temperature. It has a gentle rocking feature, as well as an incline for reflux. It is also lightweight enough to use as a crib for travel when you're on the move. It's more expensive than other cribs for bed however, Parent Testers agree that it's worth the extra expense.