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 can be practical and space-saving for parents who live in a room together.

Mumsnetters love the co-sleeper as it's spacious, with plenty of room for baby's to grow and wriggle. It's also larger than a Moses Basket. It's also easy to assemble and comes with a bag for travel.

What is a bedside crib?

Bedside cots (also called bassinets, side sleepers, or co-sleepers) are an ideal and safe way for your baby to be close to you during their first few months. These cribs are attached to your bed and allow you to bring your baby closer to you to feed them at night or for comforting without the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome as a result of traditional bed sharing. These cribs are also ideal for Best Bedside Cot uk mothers who are breastfeeding or recovering from a Cesarean Section.

These cots are typically smaller than standard cots but they provide plenty of space for your baby to sleep. You can pick from a variety of designs and features depending on what your preference is. A lot of cribs with a bedside feature a drop down or removable side that makes it easier to reach your baby for feeding at night. They are available in a variety of heights to accommodate the size of your bed.

Some bedside cribs come with an adjustable riser that allows you to add a slight rise to the sleeping space that can help with reflux and the ability to zip off the sides for easy cleaning. Some cribs come with manual rocking options that can be a soothing distraction for your baby. You'll require a mattress that's comfortable to be used with your crib. It should be at least 30cm in depth to give your baby enough headroom.

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

Safety

Official guidelines for safe sleep from the Lullaby Trust and NHS advises that babies born today should be in the same room as you during the first six months, but not in your bed, to decrease the risk of suffocation and to decrease the risk of sudden infant death syndrome. A bedside crib travel crib is an excellent option that lets your baby comfortably be near enough for you to feed them during the night and help them return to sleep without having to get out of your bed. It's also great if you have limited mobility following an operation or recovering from an operation such as a C-section.

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

Chicco Next2me Magic is another excellent bedside crib. It was awarded Bronze at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It features a built-in change mat and storage solutions and weighs only 10kg. It is light at 10kg, and comes with an adjustable side that can be lowered down for easy access.

Style

A crib for your bed is a godsend for many mothers, particularly those recovering from C-sections. You can easily reach your baby without getting out of your bed. This lets you soothe and feed your infant at night. They are also a great option for breastfeeding mothers since close proximity can boost their milk supply.

Alongside being incredibly practical, these bassinets are attractive too, which is why they're so popular. They're usually larger than Moses baskets and come in a variety of different styles, with some featuring extra features like a gentle reflux incline setting. The baskets are designed to fit under your bed, they are able to be moved around the house when the baby grows older. Additionally, some are portable enough to take on the go too making them perfect for new parents traveling.

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

Some models also have a translucent side, which allows you to see your baby. This is particularly useful when you are groggy at 3am and you need to feed your child. A quick glance could make a huge difference. As was noted by Emily our MFM home tester 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 full-sized crib. The bassinet-style crib is attached to the side of your bed to allow you to easily reach your baby for evening feeds and also comfort 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 favorite choice with celeb mums including Stacey Solomon and Binky Felstead.

Our Parent Testers loved the new version of the well-loved Chicco crib, which was awarded the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards as the Best Cot or Crib. It's spacious and breathable, and comes with six different height settings suitable for growing babies. There is also a soft reflux setting. It can also be used as a travel cot and it comes with an easy-to-store storage bag.

It can be difficult to move a bedside cot around the house, but our Parent Testers stated that the Shnuggle Air alongside the cot was simple to move. It is among the lighter options that can be packed into its own travel bag.

The SnuzPod is another highly-rated bedside cot that is easy to assemble and fold away and Best Bedside Cot uk packed with features for the best night's rest. It has a removable, lift-off bassinet which fits more beds than other cots. The fabric is breathable, and helps keep your baby's temperature in check. It has a gentle rocking feature as well as an incline to aid in reflux. It is also lightweight enough to use as a travel crib while you're on the move. It's a bit more expensive than other bedside cots, but our Parents Testers say it's well worth the extra money.