How to Choose the Best Bedside Cot uk
Both the NHS and the Lullaby Trust have issued official safe sleeping guidelines, which advise that babies 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 the co-sleeper because it's big and has plenty of room for baby's to grow and play. It is also much larger than the Moses Basket. It's also easy to assemble and comes with a carry-on bag.
What is a bedside crib?
Bedside cots (also known as side sleepers, bassinets or co-sleepers) are an ideal and safe way for your baby to be close to you in the first few months. These cribs attach to your bed and let you bring your baby closer to 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 option for mothers who are breastfeeding or recovering from a caesarean section.
They are usually smaller than standard cots, but still offer plenty of room for your baby to rest. You can choose from a variety of styles and features depending on your preferences. Many cribs with a bedside feature the option of removing or dropping down the side that makes it easier to reach the baby at night for feedings. They are also available in various heights based on the size of your bed.
Some cribs with a bedside have an adjustable riser that allows you to add an incline in the sleep area. This can be helpful with reflux. They also come with an open side for easy cleaning. Some cribs have manual rocking features that can be a soothing distractor for your infant. You'll require a mattress that's comfortable to be used with your crib. It should be at least 30cm thick to give your baby enough headroom.
A bedside crib is a major investment, but you can rest assured that your baby will have a comfortable and safe sleep. Kate Hudson, Serena Williams and Gigi hadid are all fans of SNOO's crib for babies. It is definitely worth considering as an alternative to a Moses basket.
Safety
Official safe sleeping guidance from the Lullaby Trust and NHS advises that newborns be in the same room as you for the first six months, but not in your bed to reduce the risk of suffocation, and to decrease the risk of sudden infant death syndrome. A crib for bed allows you to keep your infant close to you to soothe them to sleep and night feed them without leaving your bed. It's an excellent option if you are recovering from an operation or a C-section and are unable to move.
Silver Cross Slumber Carbon 3 in 1 bedside cot travel cot is our top choice for a crib that can be used as a bedside. It's compact and folds down flat to fit into a transport bag and is perfect for holidays or nights away from home. It's among the lightest options for a bedside cot and comes with a comfy deep foam mattress with mesh panels that allow air to flow. It also comes with an incline option that can be added. It also won Gold at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for the Best Cot Crib 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 an integrated storage unit and changing mat, is lightweight (only 10kg) and comes with an adjustable side that allows for easy access.
Style
A crib for your bed is a godsend for many moms, particularly those recovering from C-sections. You can easily reach your baby without getting out of bed. This allows you to provide comfort and food to your baby at night. Being close to visit the following post can also help increase the amount of milk produced by mothers who breastfeed.
These bassinets are not only functional, but also fashionable. This is why they're so sought-after. Some are more spacious than Moses Baskets and some even have additional features, like a gentle incline. They are designed to fit close to your bed and can be moved around the home 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 look for designs that have easy-to-use drop sides. These allow you to lower your baby's bassinet without having to lift them into your arms, which is difficult for mums with mobility issues. Chicco Next2Me Magic is one of these models that has been acknowledged and shortlisted by Mumsnetters in the category of Best Cot or Crib Moses Basket for our 2021 Mother&Baby Awards.
Another useful feature that a few models come with is a translucent side that allows you to observe your baby at all times. This is especially helpful in the case of 3am feeds that are bleary-eyed where just a glance can make all the difference. As noted by Emily, our MFM home test participant, the Sleepiest BassiNest is a great option. It is easy to lower.
Budget
If you're not ready to make the leap to a larger cot a bedside crib may be a great option. The crib is attached to your bed, so you can reach your baby easily to feed them at night or even comfort them without disturbing yourself. It's a great option for those who have limited movement following the C-section. Celebrity moms like Binky Felstead and Stacey Solomon have also chosen it.
Our Parent Testers loved this new version of the bestselling Chicco crib, which was awarded the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Cot or Crib. It's spacious, breathable, and has six different height settings for babies who are growing. There is also a gentle reflux setting. It can be used as a travel crib and comes with a storage case that is convenient for storage.
It can be a challenge to move a bedside cot around the home, but our Parent Testers reported that the Shnuggle Air beside cot was very simple to move. It's one of the lightest options and is compact enough to fit into its own travel bag, so you can take it with you when you travel.
The SnuzPod is another highly rated bedside cot that's easy to set up and take down, with plenty of features for an enjoyable night's sleep. It has a removable lift-off bassinet which fits more beds than other cots. The fabric is breathable, and helps regulate your baby's temperature. It has a gentle rocking feature and an incline to help with reflux. It's also light enough to use as a travel crib when you're traveling. It's a little more expensive than other bedside cots however our Parents Testers believe it's worth the extra money.