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 a practical and space-saving option for parents who share a room.

Mumsnetters adore this co-sleeper since it's big enough with plenty of room for babies to grow and wriggle and far more substantial than a Moses basket. It's also simple to put together and comes with a travel bag.

What is a bedside cot?

Bedside cots (also known as bassinets, side sleepers or co-sleepers) are an ideal and safe way for your baby to sleep near you in the first few months. These cribs are attached to your bed and let you raise your baby towards you to feed them at night or for comforting without the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome as a result of traditional bed sharing. They're also a great option for breastfeeding mothers or mums recovering from a caesarean.

They're typically smaller than a standard cot or cotbed, but offer plenty of space for your baby to rest. You can pick from different styles and features based on your preferences. A majority of cribs for bedside use the option of a drop-down or removable side, which makes it easier to reach your baby for feeding at night. They are available in a variety of sizes to fit the dimensions of your bed.

Some cribs for bedside crib with wheels use a riser which allows you to build an incline to the sleep area. This can help with reflux. They also have the option of a zip-off side to make cleaning easy. Other cribs have manual rocking functions which can be a relaxing distraction for your infant. You'll require a mattress that's 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 comfortable and safe in a cot that is positioned at the bedside. Kate Hudson, Serena Williams and Gigi Hadid are all avid users of SNOO's crib for babies. It is definitely worth a look 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 reduce the risk of suffocation, and to lower the chance of sudden infant death syndrome. A bedside crib is a fantastic option that lets your baby safely be close enough for you to night feed them and soothe them back to sleep without having to leave your own bed. It's also a great option for those who have a limited mobility following an operation or recovering from an operation such as a C-section.

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

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 system, is lightweight at 10kg, and features an adjustable side that slides down for easy access.

Style

For a lot of moms, especially those who are recovering from C-sections A crib for bedside could prove to be a blessing in disguise. They can be attached to your bed so you can reach your baby easily without having to get up and letting you feed them and soothe them quickly. The close proximity to your baby can also aid in increasing milk production for mothers who breastfeed.

In addition to being extremely convenient, these bassinets are elegant and that's why they're so popular. They're often a bit more spacious than Moses baskets and come in a variety of different styles, with some even having extra features, like a soft tilting of the reflux. The baskets are designed to fit under your bed, they can usually be moved around your home when the baby grows older. Additionally, some are portable enough to take to the go, making them great for new parents traveling.

It is essential to select a bedside cot sale cot that has 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 with limited mobility. One of these models is the Chicco Next2Me Magic which has been applauded by Mumsnetters and was shortlisted in our 2021 Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot Crib, Moses or Crib Basket category.

Another useful feature that a few models come with is a transparent side that allows you to see your baby at all times. This is especially useful during bleary-eyed 3am feeds where one glance could make all the difference. One of these options is the Sleepiest BassiNest, which is easy to lower, as noted by our MFM home tester Emily.

Budget

If you're not ready to make the transition to a larger cot, the bedside crib could be the perfect solution. This bassinet-style cot attaches to the bed's side to allow you to easily reach your baby's feedings at night and soothe them without disrupting your sleep. It's an excellent choice for those who have limited movement after a C-section. Famous moms like Binky Felstead and Stacey Solomon have also chosen this model.

Our Parents Testers loved the new model of this well-loved crib from Chicco which was awarded the 2021 Mother&Baby Award for Best Cot Crib, Crib or Moses Basket. It's spacious and breathable and comes with six height options to accommodate growing babies as well as a gentle setting for incline. It can also be used as a crib for travel and comes with a storage case that is convenient for storage.

A bedside cot can be a little difficult to move around your home, but our Parent Testers found the Shnuggle Air near the crib to be easy to move around. It's one of the lighter options that can be packed into its own travel bag.

The SnuzPod bedside cot is another highly rated item that's easy to assemble and fold 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 to regulate your baby's temperature. It also features a soft rocking function and an incline setting for reflux, and it's light enough to use as a travel cot while you're out and about. It's more expensive than other 4-in-1 bedside crib cots but our Parent Testers believe it's worth the extra money.