How to Choose the Best bedside cot 6 months plus Cot uk

Both the NHS and Lullaby Trust have issued official safe sleeping guidelines that advise that babies sleep in their own Moses basket or cot. A bedside crib is a space-saving and practical option for parents who share a room.

Mumsnetters love this co-sleeper because it's big enough with plenty of room for babies to grow and play and is far more substantial than the size of a Moses basket. It's also easy to assemble and comes with a carry-on bag.

What is a bedside cot?

Bedside cribs (also called side sleepers, bassinets or co sleeper bedside cot; https://chessdatabase.science/Wiki/5_Lessons_You_Can_Learn_From_Bedside_Cosleeper,-sleepers) are an ideal and safe way for your baby to sleep near you during their early months. These cribs are attached to your bed, allowing you to lift your child towards you to feed them at night or for comforting. They're also a great choice for breastfeeding mothers or mothers recovering from a Caesarean section.

These cots are typically smaller than a standard cot but they provide plenty of room for your baby to relax. You can pick from different styles and features based on your preferences. Many cribs with a bedside feature an adjustable or drop-down side that makes it easier to reach the baby at night for feedings. They are also available in various heights based on your bed size.

Some bedside cribs come with an adjustable riser that allows you to add a slight incline to the sleep space which can aid in reflux and the ability to zip off the sides for easy cleaning. Some have manual rocking features which can be a soothing distraction for your newborn. You'll also need a breathable mattress to go with your new crib, which must be at least 30cm deep to ensure that your newborn has sufficient head room.

You can be sure that your baby will be comfortable and safe in a bedside cot. Kate Hudson, Serena Williams, and Gigi Hadid are all big fans of SNOO's crib for babies. It is definitely worth a look as an alternative to the Moses basket.

Safety

Official safe sleeping guidelines from the Lullaby Trust and NHS advises that newborn babies should be in the same room as you for the first six months but not in your bed to lower the risk of suffocation and to decrease the risk of sudden infant death syndrome. A bedside crib lets you keep your infant close to you to help comfort them and night feed them without having to leave your bed. It's also great when you are unable to move following an operation or recovering from C-section.

Silver Cross Slumber Carbon 3 in 1 travel cot bedside crib is our top pick for a bedside crib. It's small and folds flat to fit into its transport bag and is perfect for nights out on the town or away from home. It's among the lightest bedside cot options and has a comfy deep foam mattress with mesh air-flow panels and an tilting setting, and it was awarded Gold in the 2021 Mother&Baby awards for the best bedside cot for newborn Crib, Cot, or Moses Basket.

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 changing mat and storage system and weighs only 10kg. It is light at 10kg, and features an adjustable side that slides down to make it easy to access.

Style

A bedside crib is a godsend for many mothers, particularly those recovering from C-sections. They attach to your bed so you can easily reach your baby without having to get up in order to feed them and soothe them quickly. They are also a great choice for breastfeeding mothers since close proximity can boost the amount of milk they produce.

Bassinets aren't just convenient but also stylish. This is why they're so sought-after. They're typically bigger than Moses baskets and come in lots of different styles, some having additional features such as a gentle reflux incline setting. Designed to fit by your bed, they can be moved around the home as the baby grows older, and some can be carried with you on the go, making them great for new parents travelling.

It is essential to select an cot with bedside with drop-sides that are easy to use. This lets you lower your child into the bassinet, without having to lift them up into your arms. This can be difficult for mothers who have limited mobility. One such model is the Chicco Next2Me Magic which has been highly praised by Mumsnetters and was shortlisted for our 2021 Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket category.

Some models also have a translucent side, which allows you to see your baby. This is particularly useful when you are tired and sleepy where just a glance can make all the difference. As noted by Emily who is our MFM home tester, the Sleepiest BassiNest is a great option. It's easy to lower.

Budget

A bedside crib is an excellent option if you are not ready to upgrade to a larger crib. This bassinet-style cot attaches to the side of your bed to allow you to easily reach your baby's night feeds and comfort them without disturbing your sleep. It's also a great option for those who suffer from restricted movement following the birth, and is a popular option with famous mothers like Stacey Solomon and Binky Felstead.

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

A bedside cot newborn cot can be difficult to move around your home, but our Parent Testers found the Shnuggle Air on the side of the crib simple to move. It's among the lightest options and small enough to fit in its own travel bag, so you can take it with you on your travels.

The SnuzPod bedside cot mattress cot is a 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 bassinet with a lift-off that can fit more beds than any other cot, and its breathable fabric can help your baby maintain their temperature. It also features a soft rocking function, as well as an incline option for reflux, and it's light enough to use as a travel cot while you're on the move. It's more expensive than other bedside cots, but our Parent Testers say it's well worth the extra money.