Best Bedside Cot Uk 10 Things I'd Like To Have Learned Earlier
How to Choose the Best Bedside Cot uk
Both the NHS and the Lullaby Trust have issued official safe sleeping guidelines that 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 adore this co-sleeper since it's spacious with lots of space for babies to grow and wriggle and far more substantial than the typical Moses basket. It's also simple to put together, and comes with a carry bag.
What is a bedside cot?
A bedside cot (also known as a side sleeper, bassinet or co-sleeper) is a safe method for your baby to rest close to you overnight during their first months. These cribs attach to your bed and let you bring your baby closer to you for night feeding or comforting without the threat of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome associated with traditional bed-sharing. These cribs are also ideal for mums who are breastfeeding or recovering from a cesarean.
They're usually a little smaller than a standard cot or cotbed, yet offer plenty of space for your baby to sleep. You can pick from a wide range of designs and features depending on what you prefer. A majority of cribs for bedside use the option of a drop-down or removable side, which makes it easier to reach your baby's night feeds and are also available in different sizes to fit the dimensions of your bed.
Some bedside cribs have a riser which allows you to add an incline in the sleeping area. This can aid in reducing reflux. baby bedside cot come with an open side for easy cleaning. Others have manual rocking functions that can provide a relaxing distraction for your infant. You'll need a mattress that is breathable to go with your crib. It must be at least 30cm thick to give your baby enough headroom.
You can rest assured that your baby will be safe and secure in a bedside cot. With the likes of Kate Hudson, Serena Williams and Gigi Hadid all fans of the SNOO bedside crib, it's worth considering this fashionable alternative to moses basket.
Safety
Official safe sleeping guidelines from the Lullaby Trust and NHS advises that babies born today should be placed in the same bed as you for the first six months but not in your bed to reduce the chance of suffocation and to lower the chance of sudden infant death syndrome. A crib for bed lets you keep your infant close to you to calm them down and night feed them without leaving your bed. It is an excellent option if you are recovering from an operation or C-section and are unable to move.
Silver Cross Slumber Carbon 3 in 1 travel cot bedside crib is our top choice for a bedside crib. It's small and folds flat to fit into its travel bag, making it perfect for nights out on the town or away from home. It's one of the lightest bedside cot options and has the most comfortable deep foam mattress, air-flow panels, and an incline setting, plus it was awarded Gold in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for the best Crib, Cot or Moses Basket.
Another fantastic bedside cot is the Chicco Next2me Magic bedside crib that was awarded Bronze in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It features a built-in change mat and storage solutions, is lightweight at 10kg, and has an adjustable side that drops down for easy access.
Style
For many mothers, particularly those who are recovering from a C-section A crib for bedside can prove to be an absolute godsend. They can be attached to your bed so you can reach your baby easily without having to get up, allowing you to night feed them and comfort them quickly. They are also a great option for mothers who are breastfeeding as close proximity can boost the amount of milk they produce.
Bassinets aren't just practical, but also stylish. This is the reason they are so popular. They're typically bigger than Moses baskets and come in lots of different styles, with some having additional features, like a soft tilt to the reflux. They're designed to fit 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.
It is essential to select an cot with bedside with drop-sides that are easy to use. This lets you lower your infant into the bassinet without having to lift them up into your arms. This can be a challenge for mothers with mobility issues. One of these models is the Chicco Next2Me Magic which has been praised by Mumsnetters and was shortlisted for our 2021 Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot Moses, Crib or Basket category.
Some models also come with a transparent side, allowing you to always see your baby. This is particularly useful during bleary-eyed 3am feeds, when just a glance can make all the difference. One such option is the Sleepiest BassiNest, which is simple to lower, as noted by our MFM home tester Emily.
Budget
A bedside crib is a great option if you're not ready to upgrade to a full-sized crib. The crib is attached to your bed, so you can easily reach your baby for feedings at night or cuddle them without disturbing yourself. It's also a great option for those who suffer from restricted movement following a C-section, and is a popular option with famous mothers like Stacey Solomon and Binky Felstead.
Our Parents 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 height settings to accommodate growing babies, as well as a gentle setting for incline. It can be used as a crib for travel and comes with a handy storage case.
It can be a challenge to move a bedside cot around your home, but our Parent Testers said that the Shnuggle Air alongside the cot was easy to maneuver. It is one of the lightest options and can be packed into its own travel bag.
The SnuzPod is another highly-rated bedside cot that's simple to assemble and fold away and comes with a variety 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 keep your baby's temperature in check. It also features a soft rocking function, as well as an incline setting for reflux, and it's light enough to be used as a travel cot when you're on the move. It's a bit more expensive than other cots for bed but our Parents Testers believe it's worth the extra cost.