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 crib or Moses basket. A bedside crib is an efficient and space-saving choice for room-sharing new parents.

Mumsnetters adore this co-sleeper since it’s spacious with lots of room for babies to grow and play, and more spacious than a Moses basket. It’s also simple to put together and comes with a carry-on bag.

What is a bedside cot?

Bedside cribs (also known as side sleepers, bassinets or co-sleepers) are an ideal and safe way for your baby to sleep with you during the first few months. These cribs are attached to your bed and allow you to lift your baby out towards you at night for feeding or comforting without the threat of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome as a result of traditional bed sharing. They’re also a great choice for mothers who are breastfeeding or recovering from a Caesarean section.

They are usually a little smaller than standard cots but they provide plenty of room for your baby to rest. You can choose from different designs and features based on your preferences. A lot of cribs for bedside use a removable or drop-down side that makes it easier to reach your baby during the night to feed them. They are also available in different heights, based on the size of your bed.

Some cribs for bedside use a riser which allows you to create an incline in the sleep area. This can aid in reducing reflux. They also have the option of a zip-off side for easy cleaning. Some have manual rocking features that can provide a relaxing distraction for your newborn. You’ll need a mattress that is air-conditioned to match your crib. It must be at least 30cm deep to give your baby enough headroom.

A bedside cot is an investment, but you can be sure your baby will be peaceful and safe night’s sleep. Kate Hudson, Serena Williams and Gigi hadid are all fans of SNOO’s bedside crib. It is definitely worth a look as an alternative to the Moses basket.

Safety

Official safe sleeping guidance from the Lullaby Trust and NHS advises that babies born today should be placed in the same bed as you during the first six months, but not in your bed to lower the chance of suffocation and to decrease the risk of sudden infant death syndrome. A bedside crib is an excellent option that allows your child to comfortably be near enough for you to feed them during the night and soothe them back to sleep without needing to leave your own bed. It is also a great option for when you are recovering from an operation or a C-section and are unable to move.

Silver Cross Slumber Carbon 3 in 1 travel cot bedside Crib is our top pick for a crib that can be used as a bedside. It’s small and folds flat to fit into a transport bag which makes it ideal for nights out on the town or away from home. It’s among the lightest options for a bedside crib and comes with a comfy deep foam mattress with mesh panels that allow air to flow. It also has an option for incline. Additionally, it was awarded Gold at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for the Best Cot Crib or Moses basket.

Chicco Next2me Magic is another great bedside crib option. It was awarded Bronze at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It comes with an integrated storage unit and changing mat, is lightweight (only 10kg), and has an adjustable side that makes it easy to access.

Style

For many mums, particularly those who are recovering from C-sections, a bedside crib could prove to be an absolute godsend. You can easily reach your baby without having to get out of bed. This lets you provide comfort and food to your infant at night. They are an excellent choice for mothers who are breastfeeding as close proximity can increase their milk supply.

In addition to being extremely convenient, these bassinets can look pretty stylish too which is the reason they’re so popular. They’re often a bit more spacious than Moses baskets and are available in many different styles, with some having additional features such as a gentle tilt to the reflux. The baskets are designed to fit under your bed, they can be moved around your home as the baby grows older, and some are portable enough to take with you on the go making them perfect for new parents travelling.

When selecting a cot for your bedside It is essential to choose a model with drop sides that are easy to use. This allows you to lower your baby into the bassinet without having to lift them up into your arms. This can be difficult for mothers with limited mobility. One of these models 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.

Some models also come with a transparent side, allowing you to always see your baby. This is particularly useful during bleary-eyed 3am feeds 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

A bedside crib is a great option if you’re not ready to upgrade to a larger crib. This bassinet-style crib attaches to your bed, ensuring that 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 an operation and is a popular choice with celeb mums including Stacey Solomon and Binky Felstead.

Our Parents Testers loved the new model of this well-loved crib from Chicco, which won the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot Crib, Crib or Moses Basket. It’s large and breathable, and comes with six different height settings for babies who are growing. There is also a soft reflux setting. It can also 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 house However, our Parent Testers reported that the Shnuggle Air alongside the cot was easy to move. It’s one of the smallest options and small enough to fit in its own travel bag so you can take it with you when you travel.

The SnuzPod is a different highly rated bedside cot that’s simple to set up and take down and packed with features that will ensure your child gets the best night’s rest. It comes with a bassinet with a lift-off that can fit more beds than any other cot and its breathable fabric can help your baby to regulate their temperature. It also features a soft rocking feature and an incline option for reflux, and it’s light enough to be used as a travel cot while you’re out and about. It’s more expensive than other cots for bed, but our Parents Testers affirm that it’s worth the extra money.