How to Choose the Best Bedside Cot Uk (Stack.Amcsplatform.Com)

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 can be practical and space-saving for parents who share a room.

Mumsnetters love this co-sleeper because it's spacious with lots of room for baby to grow and play, and much bigger than the typical Moses basket. It's also easy to put together and comes with a carry-on bag.

What is a bedside crib?

A bedside cot (also called a side sleeper, bassinet or co-sleeper) is a safe way for your newborn to sleep close to you throughout their first few months. These cribs attach to your bed, allowing you to lift your child towards you to feed them at night or even comfort them. They're also a great choice for breastfeeding mothers or mothers recovering from a caesarean section.

These cots are often smaller than standard cots but they provide plenty of room for your baby to relax. You can choose from a wide range of styles and features, depending on what your preference is. Many bedside crib travel cribs have a drop down or removable side, which makes it easier to reach your baby for feeding at night. They are also available in various sizes to fit the dimensions of your bed.

Some cribs with a bedside have an adjustable riser that allows you to add a slight rise to the sleep area that could help with reflux. It also has an easy zip-off side for 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 must be at least 30cm deep to allow your baby plenty of headroom.

A twin bedside cot crib is an investment but you can be certain that your baby will be secure and comfortable sleep. With stars like Kate Hudson, Serena Williams and Gigi Hadid all fans of the SNOO bedside crib, it's worth considering this fashionable alternative to a moses basket.

Safety

The Lullaby Trust, in conjunction with the NHS has released official guidelines for safe sleep that advise that babies sleep in the same bedroom as their parents for the first six months. However they should not be sleeping in your bed. This is to lower the chance of suffocation and sudden infant death syndrome. A crib that is placed near your bed allows you to keep your baby close to you to help calm them down and 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 crib, the Silver Cross Slumber Carbon 3-in-1 travel cot bedside crib is compact and folds flat in seconds to fit into its own bag for travel, so it's perfect for holidays and nights away from home. It's one the lightest options for a bedside cot and has a soft, comfortable foam mattress with mesh panels that let air flow. It also comes with an option for incline. It also won Gold at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for the Best Moses Basket or Cot Crib.

Chicco Next2me Magic is another fantastic bedside cot newborn crib. It was awarded Bronze at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It features a built-in change mat and storage system, is lightweight at 10kg, and has an adjustable side that drops down for Best Bedside Cot uk easy access.

Style

For many mums, particularly those who have had C-sections, a bedside crib can prove to be an absolute godsend. They attach to your bed so you can easily reach your baby without needing to get out of bed, allowing you to night feed them and comfort them quickly. They are also a great choice for breastfeeding mothers since the close proximity can help increase their milk supply.

As well as being incredibly convenient, these bassinets are stylish too, which is why they're so popular. They are larger than Moses Baskets and some even have additional features like a gentle reflux upward slope. Designed to fit by your bed, they can usually be moved around the house when the baby grows older. Additionally, some are portable enough to take on the go too, making them great for new parents traveling.

When selecting a cot for your bedside, it's important to select a model that have drop sides that are simple to use. This allows you to lower your infant into the bassinet without having to lift them up into your arms. This can be difficult for mothers who have limited mobility. One of these models is the Chicco Next2Me Magic which has been highly praised by Mumsnetters and was shortlisted in our 2021 Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot Moses, Crib or Basket category.

Some models also have a transparent side, which allows you to always see your baby. This is especially useful when you're exhausted at 3am and you need to feed your baby. A quick glance could make a huge difference. One such option is the Sleepiest BassiNest which is simple to lower, as outlined by our MFM home tester Emily.

Budget

A bedside crib is an excellent option if you're not ready to move to a larger crib. The bassinet-style crib is attached to the bed's side to allow you to easily reach your baby's feedings at night and soothe them without disturbing your own sleep. It's also a great option for those who suffer from limited movement after the birth, and is a popular option with famous mothers like Stacey Solomon and Binky Felstead.

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 is spacious comfortable, breathable, and comes with six different height settings suitable for growing babies. There is also a soft reflux setting. It can be used as a crib for travel and comes with a storage case that is convenient for storage.

It can be difficult to move a bedside cot wooden cot around the house However, our Parents Testers said that the Shnuggle Air alongside the cot was easy to maneuver. It's one of the smallest alternatives and is small enough to fit into its own travel bag which means you can carry it with you when you travel.

The SnuzPod is another highly rated bedside crib vs cot cot that's simple to assemble and fold away and packed with features for a good night's sleep. It has a removable bassinet that lifts off to fit more beds than any other cot and its breathable fabric can help your baby to regulate their temperature. It also has a gentle rocking function and an incline setting for reflux, and is light enough to be used as a travel cot while you're out and about. It's a bit more expensive than other cots for bed however our Parent Testers say it's well worth the extra cash.