How to Choose the Best Bedside Cot uk

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

Mumsnetters love this co-sleeper because it's spacious with lots of room for babies to grow and wriggle and much bigger than the size of a Moses basket. It's also simple to put together and comes with a bag for travel.

What is a bedside cot wooden crib?

Bedside cribs (also known as bassinets, side sleepers, or co-sleepers) are an effective and safe method for your baby to be close to you in the first few months. These cribs attach to your bed and let you lift your baby out towards you at night for feeding or comforting without the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome as a result of traditional bed sharing. They're also a great choice for breastfeeding mothers or mums recovering from a Caesarean section.

They're often slightly smaller than a standard cot or cotbed, yet offer plenty of space for your baby to rest. You can choose from a wide range of designs and features according to what you prefer. A lot of cribs for bedside travel crib use a removable or drop-down side that makes it easier to reach the baby during the night to feed them. They are also available in different heights depending on the size of your bed.

Some cribs for bedside use a riser that allows you to add a slight slope to the sleep space which can aid in reflux and an easy zip-off side for cleaning. Other cribs have manual rocking functions which can be a relaxing distraction for your infant. You'll require a mattress that's comfortable to be used with your crib. It should be at least 30cm in depth to allow your baby plenty of headroom.

You can be sure that your child 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 guidelines for safe sleep from the Lullaby Trust and NHS advises that babies born today should sleep in the same room as you for their first six months but not in your bed to reduce the risk of suffocation, and to reduce the chance of sudden infant death syndrome. A bedside crib is an excellent option that allows your child to safely be close enough for you to feed them at night and soothe them back to sleep without having to get out of your own bed. It's also ideal when you are unable to move following an operation or recovering from C-section.

Our top choice for a bedside cot, the Silver Cross Slumber Carbon 3-in-1 travel cot bedside crib is compact and folds down in a matter of seconds to fit into its own travel bag so it's perfect for holidays and nights away from home. It's among the lightest bedside cots available and comes with a the most comfortable deep foam mattress with mesh air-flow panels, and an incline setting, plus it won Gold in the 2021 Mother&Baby awards for the Best Crib, Cot or Moses Basket.

Chicco Next2me Magic is another excellent bedside crib. It won Bronze at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It features a built-in change mat and storage solutions It weighs just 10kg, and features an adjustable side that slides down to make it easy to access.

Style

For many mums, particularly those who have had a C-section A crib for bedside can be a blessing in disguise. They are attached to your bed so that you can reach your baby easily without having to get up in order to feed them and soothe them quickly. They're also a great option for mothers who are breastfeeding as close proximity can boost their milk supply.

As well as being incredibly useful, bassinets can also look stylish too and that's why they're so popular. They're usually more spacious than Moses baskets and come in a variety of different styles, some featuring extra features like a gentle reflux incline setting. They're designed to sit close to your bed and can be moved around the house as baby grows. Some are portable, so they're ideal for parents who travel.

When you are choosing a bedside cot it is important to select a model that have easy-to-use drop sides. They allow you to lower your infant into the bassinet without needing to lift them into your arms, which is 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 or Moses Basket category.

Some models also have a translucent side, allowing you to always see your baby. This is especially helpful when you are groggy at 3am and have to feed your child. A quick glance could make a big difference. One of these options is the Sleepiest BassiNest, which is simple to lower, as noted by our MFM home tester Emily.

Budget

If you're not ready to move to a full-sized cot, the bedside crib could be the perfect solution. The bassinet-style crib can be attached to your bed so that you can easily reach your baby for feedings at night or cuddle them without disturbing yourself. It's an excellent choice for those with restricted movement after an operation such as a C-section. Famous moms such as Binky Felstead and Stacey Solomon have also chosen this model.

Our Parent Testers loved the new version of this popular crib from Chicco which was awarded the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot Crib, Crib or Moses Basket. It's large, breathable, and has six different height settings for babies who are growing. There is also a gentle reflux setting. You can also use it as a travel cot. Additionally, it comes with a handy storage bag.

It can be a challenge to move a bedside cot around the home However, our Parents Testers reported that the Shnuggle Air alongside the cot was easy to maneuver. It's one of the smallest options and is small enough to fit into its own bag for travel, which means you can take it along with you on your trip.

The SnuzPod bedside cot is another highly rated item that's easy to put together and fold away with plenty of features for the perfect night's rest. It has a removable adjustable bassinet that lifts off, which can fit more beds than other cots. The fabric is breathable, and helps regulate your baby's temperature. It also features a soft rocking function and an incline setting for reflux, and is light enough to use as a travel cot when you're out and about. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs for bed however, Parent Testers believe it's worth the extra expense.