"Ask Me Anything:10 Responses To Your Questions About Best Bedside Cot Uk
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 crib that is placed near the bed is an effective and space-saving solution for room-sharing new parents.
Mumsnetters adore this co-sleeper since it's big enough with plenty of room for babies to grow and play and is far more substantial than the typical Moses basket. It's also easy to put together, and comes with a bag for carrying.
What is a bedside cot?
A bedside cot (also known as a bassinet, side sleeper or co-sleeper) is a safe way for your baby to rest close to you overnight during the first few months of their life. These cribs attach to your bed and allow you to lift your baby out towards you to feed them at night or for comforting without the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome associated with traditional bed-sharing. These cribs are also ideal for mothers who are nursing or recovering from a cesarean section.
These cots are typically smaller than standard cots but they provide plenty of space for your baby to rest. You can choose from various designs and features based on your preferences. Many cribs with a bedside feature the option of removing or dropping down the side to make it easier to reach the baby at night for feedings. They also come in different heights, based on the size of your bed.
Some cribs for bedside use a riser which allows you to add an incline in the sleeping area. This can help with reflux. They also have an open side for easy cleaning. Some have manual rocking features which can be a relaxing distraction for your infant. You'll also require a breathable mattress for your new crib, which should be a minimum of 30cm deep to ensure that your newborn has sufficient head room.
A bedside cot is an investment, but you can be sure your baby will be comfortable and safe 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 issued official guidelines for safe sleep that recommend that newborns stay in the same bedroom as their parents for the first six months. However they shouldn't sleep in your bed. This is to reduce the risk of suffocation, or sudden infant death syndrome. A crib for bed allows you to keep your baby close to you to comfort them and night feed them without having to leave your bed. This is an excellent option if you are recovering from an operation or C-section and are unable to move.
Our top choice for a bedside crib, the Silver Cross Slumber Carbon 3-in-1 travel cot bedside crib is compact and folds flat in a matter of seconds and fits into a travel bag which makes it perfect for trips to the beach and nights away from home. It's one of the lightest bedside cots available and comes with a the most comfortable deep foam mattress with mesh air-flow panels, an optional tilt setting, and it was awarded Gold in the 2021 Mother&Baby awards for Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket.
Another fab bedside cot option 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 for easy access.
Style
For a lot of moms, especially those who are recovering from a C-section A crib that is placed near the bed can prove to be an absolute godsend. They are attached to your bed so you can easily reach your baby without having to get up and letting you feed them and soothe them quickly. They are also a great option for breastfeeding mothers since their close proximity will help increase their milk supply.
Bassinets aren't just practical, but also stylish. This is why they're so sought-after. They're typically bigger than Moses baskets and come in a variety of different styles, with some featuring extra features like a gentle tilting of the reflux. They're designed to sit right next to your bed and can be moved around the house as your baby grows. Some are portable, so they're great for travelling parents.
It is important to choose an cot with bedside that is easy to use drop-sides. These allow you to lower your infant into the bassinet without needing to lift them into your arms, which can be difficult for moms who have limited mobility. Chicco Next2Me Magic is one of these models that has been praised and shortlisted by Mumsnetters in the category of the 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 be able to always view your baby. This is especially useful in the case of 3am feeds that are bleary-eyed where a quick glance can make all the difference. One of these options is the Sleepiest BassiNest which is easy to lower, as was noted by our MFM home tester Emily.
Budget
If you're not ready to make the leap to a larger cot the bedside crib could be a great option. The crib is attached to your bed, so you can easily reach your baby for feedings at night or cuddle your child without causing disturbance. It's a great choice for those with restricted movement following a C-section. Famous moms such as Binky Felstead and Stacey Solomon have also chosen it.
Our Parents Testers loved the new model of this well-loved crib from Chicco, which won the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Cot Crib, Crib or Moses Basket. It's spacious and breathable, and comes with six different height settings for growing babies. There is also a soft reflux setting. It can also be used as a crib for travel and comes with a storage case that is convenient for storage.
twin bedside cot can be a little difficult to move around your home, but our Parent Testers found the Shnuggle Air on the side of the crib 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 take it with you on your travels.
The SnuzPod bedside cot is another highly rated item that's easy to fold and assemble with plenty of features for an unwinding night's sleep. It comes with a bassinet that lifts off to fit more beds than any other cot, and its breathable fabric can help your baby regulate their 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 on the move. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs for bed however, Parent Testers agree that it's worth the extra expense.