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 bedside crib can be an efficient and space-saving option for parents who live in a room together.
Mumsnetters adore this co-sleeper since it's big enough with plenty of space for babies to grow and play, and more spacious than the size of a Moses basket. It's also easy to assemble and comes with a travel bag.
What is a bedside crib?
Bedside cots (also known as bassinets, side sleepers, or co-sleepers) are a safe and convenient way for your baby to sleep near you during the early 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 that is a result of traditional bed-sharing. They're also a great option for breastfeeding mothers or mothers recovering from a Caesarean section.
They're often slightly smaller than a standard cot or cotbed, yet offer plenty of space for your baby to rest. You can pick from a wide range of designs and features depending on what you like best. A lot of cribs for bedside use a removable or drop-down side that makes it easier to reach the baby during feeding time at night. They are also available in different heights depending on the size of your bed.
Some bedside cribs come with a riser that allows you to add a slight incline to the sleep area that can aid in reflux and a zip-off side for easy cleaning. Others have manual rocking functions which can be a relaxing distraction for your baby. You'll also require a breathable mattress to go with your crib. It should be a minimum of 30cm deep to ensure your newborn has enough headroom.
bedside cots uk is a major investment, but you can be certain that your baby will have a peaceful and safe night's sleep. With the likes of Kate Hudson, Serena Williams and Gigi Hadid all being fans of the SNOO bedside crib, it's worth looking into this elegant alternative to a moses basket.
Safety
The Lullaby Trust, in conjunction with the NHS, has issued official safe sleeping guidelines that recommend that newborns sleep in the same bedroom as their parents for the first six months. However, they should not sleep in your bed. This is to lower 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 comfortably be near enough for you to feed them at night and help them return to sleep without having to leave your bed. It's also ideal if you have limited mobility following an operation or recovering from an operation such as a C-section.
Our top pick for a bedside cot the Silver Cross Slumber Carbon 3-in-1 bedside crib for travel is compact and folds flat in seconds to fit into its own travel bag which makes it perfect for trips to the beach and nights away from home. It's one of the tiniest bedside cots available and comes with a a comfy deep foam mattress, air-flow panels, and an incline setting, plus it won Gold in the 2021 Mother&Baby awards for the 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 comes with an integrated storage unit and changing mat, is light (only 10kg) and comes with an adjustable side that makes it easy to access.
Style
For a lot of moms, especially those recovering from C-sections A crib that is placed near the bed could prove to an absolute blessing. They can be attached to your bed so you can easily reach your baby without having to get up in order to feed them and soothe them quickly. Being close to the baby can also increase the amount of milk produced by mothers who breastfeed.
Alongside being incredibly practical, these bassinets can also look elegant which is the reason they're so popular. They're often a bit bigger than Moses baskets and come in a variety of different styles, with some featuring extra features, like a soft reflux incline setting. They're designed to fit next 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 selecting a cot for your bedside It is essential to select a model that have easy-to-use drop sides. These allow you to lower your infant into the bassinet without having to lift them into your arms, which is difficult for mums who have limited mobility. One such model is the Chicco Next2Me Magic which has been applauded by Mumsnetters and was shortlisted for our 2021 Mother&Baby Awards' Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket category.
Another handy feature that some models have is a transparent side that lets you see your baby at all times. This is especially helpful when you are groggy at 3am and have to feed your child. A quick glance could make a huge difference. As noted by Emily, our MFM home tester, the Sleepiest BassiNest is an excellent choice. It is easy to lower.
Budget
A bedside crib is a fantastic alternative if you're not ready to upgrade to a bigger crib. The bassinet-style crib can be attached to your bed, so you can easily reach your baby to feed them at night or even comfort them without disturbing yourself. It's also a great option for those suffering from restricted movement after the birth and is a popular option for celeb moms like Stacey Solomon and Binky Felstead.
Our Parents Testers loved this latest version of the well-loved Chicco crib, which was awarded the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for the Best Cot or Crib. It's spacious comfortable, breathable, and comes with six different height settings suitable for growing babies. There is also a gentle reflux setting. It can also be used as a travel cot. Additionally, it comes with an excellent storage bag.
It can be difficult to move a bedside cot around the home, but our Parents Testers stated that the Shnuggle Air next to the cot was easy to maneuver. It's one of the lightest options and small enough to fit in its own travel bag which means you can take it along with you on your trip.
The SnuzPod bedside cot is another highly rated product that's easy to fold and assemble with plenty of features for an unwinding night's sleep. It has a bassinet with a lift-off that can fit more beds than any other cot, and its breathable fabric helps your baby maintain their temperature. It has a gentle rocking feature and an incline for reflux. It's also light enough to use as a crib for travel when you're traveling. It's a little more expensive than other cots for bed however our Parents Testers believe it's worth the extra money.