How to Choose the Best Bedside Cot uk

Official safety sleeping guidelines from both NHS and Lullaby Trust recommends that newborns sleep in their own cot or Moses basket. A bedside crib is a space-saving and practical option for parents who share a room.

Mumsnetters love the co-sleeper as it's spacious, with plenty of space for babies to grow and play. It is also much bigger than the Moses Basket. It's also simple to put together and comes with a travel bag.

What is a bedside crib?

A bedside cot (also called a bassinet, side sleeper or co-sleeper) is a safe way for your newborn to sleep close to you overnight during their first months. These cribs are attached to your bed and allow you to bring your baby closer to you at night for feeding or comforting without the danger of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome associated with traditional bed-sharing. They're also a great choice for mothers who are breastfeeding or recovering from a Caesarean section.

These cots are typically a little smaller than standard cots however, they still provide plenty of room for your baby to rest. You can choose from a wide range of styles and features, according to what you prefer. A majority of cribs for bedside use the option of a drop-down or removable side that allows you to reach your baby for evening feeds. They are available in a variety of sizes to fit the dimensions of your bed.

Some cribs with a bedside have an adjustable riser that allows you to add a slight incline to the sleep space which can help with reflux and a zip-off side for easy cleaning. Some cribs come with manual rocking options that can be a soothing distraction to your newborn. You'll require a mattress that's comfortable to be used with your crib. It must be at least 30cm in depth to allow your baby plenty of headroom.

A bedside crib is a major investment, but you can be certain that your newborn will get a comfortable and safe sleep. 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

The Lullaby Trust, in conjunction with the NHS, has issued official guidelines for safe sleeping which recommend that babies are in the same room 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 that is placed near your bed is an excellent option that lets your baby safely be close enough for you to night feed them and soothe them back to sleep without needing to leave your bed. It's also a great option for when you are recovering from an operation or a C-section and are unable to move.

Our top pick for a bedside crib that turns into cot cot, the Silver Cross Slumber Carbon 3-in-1 bedside crib that travels cots is compact and folds down in seconds to fit 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 a comfy deep foam mattress, air-flow panels, and an tilting setting, and it was awarded Gold in the 2021 Mother&Baby awards for the Best Crib, Cot or Moses Basket.

Another fab bedside cot option is the Chicco Next2me Magic bedside cot mattress crib which was awarded Bronze in the 2021 Mother&baby bedside co sleeper Awards. It features a built-in change mat and storage solution It weighs just 10kg, and comes with an adjustable side that drops down for easy access.

Style

A bedside crib can be a lifesaver for many mothers, particularly those recovering from C-sections. You can easily reach your baby without having to get out of the bed. This lets you soothe and feed your baby at night. The close proximity to your baby can also help increase milk production for mothers who breastfeed.

These bassinets are not only functional, but also stylish. This is why they are so popular. They're often a bit larger than Moses baskets and are available in many different styles, with some having additional features, like a soft tilt to the reflux. Designed to fit by your bed, they are able to be moved around your home as the baby grows older, and some are able to be taken with you on the go which makes them ideal for new parents traveling.

When selecting a cot for your bedside, it's important to look for designs that have easy-to-use drop sides. This allows you to lower your infant into the bassinet without lifting them up into your arms. This can be difficult for mothers with mobility issues. One such model is the Chicco Next2Me Magic which has been applauded by Mumsnetters and was shortlisted for our 2021 Mother&Baby Awards' best bedside cots Cot Crib, Moses or Crib Basket category.

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

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 for night feeds or comfort your child without causing disturbance. It's a great option for those with restricted movement after a C-section. Celebrity moms such as Binky Felstead and Stacey Solomon have also chosen it.

Our Parents Testers loved this latest version of the well-loved Chicco crib, which took home the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Cot or Crib. It's large, breathable, and has six different height settings suitable for growing babies. There is also a gentle reflux setting. You can also use it as a travel cot and it comes with an excellent storage bag.

It can be difficult to move a bedside cot around the home however our Parent Testers reported that the Shnuggle Air beside cot was very easy to move. It's one of the lightest options and compact enough to fit into its own travel bag, which means you can take it with you on your travels.

The SnuzPod is another highly rated bedside cot that is easy to assemble and fold away, with plenty of features for a good night's sleep. It has a removable 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 has a soft rocking feature and an incline setting for reflux, and is light enough to use as a travel cot if you're out and about. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs for bed, but Parent Testers are of the opinion that it is worth the extra expense.