Miranda Brandow

How to Choose the Best Bedside Cot uk

Both the NHS and Lullaby Trust have issued official safe sleeping guidelines that advise that babies sleep in their own Moses basket or cot. A crib that is placed near the bed can be a space-saving and practical option for parents who share a room.

Mumsnetters adore the co-sleeper because it's spacious, with plenty of space for babies to grow and wriggle. It is also much bigger than a Moses Basket. It is also easy to put together, and comes with a carry bag.

What is a bedside crib?

Bedside cots (also known as side sleepers, bassinets or co-sleepers) are a safe and convenient way for your baby to be close to you during their early months. These cribs attach to your bed and allow you to pull your child in your arms to feed them at night or even comfort them. They're also a great option for breastfeeding mothers or mums recovering from a caesarean section.

They're typically smaller than a regular cot, but provide plenty of space for your baby to rest. You can pick from a wide range of designs and features according to what you like best. A lot of cribs for bedside cots uk use a removable or Best Bedside Cot uk drop-down side to make it easier to reach the baby during the night to feed them. They are also available in different heights, based on your bed size.

Some cribs with a bedside crib that turns into cot have an adjustable riser that allows you to add an incline to the sleeping area. This can aid in reducing reflux. They also come with the option of a zip-off side to make cleaning easy. Others have manual rocking functions which can be a soothing distraction for your infant. You'll need a mattress that is comfortable to be used with your crib. It should be at least 30cm deep to allow your baby plenty of headroom.

A bedside crib is a major investment, but you can be sure your newborn will get a secure and comfortable sleep. With the likes of Kate Hudson, Serena Williams and Gigi Hadid all fans of the SNOO bedside crib, it's definitely worth considering this stylish alternative to moses basket.

Safety

The Lullaby Trust, in conjunction with the NHS has released official guidelines for safe sleeping that advise that babies sleep in the same bedroom as their parents for the first six months. However, Best Bedside Cot uk they should not sleep in your bed. This is to reduce the chance of suffocation and sudden infant death syndrome. A crib for bed allows you to keep your infant close to you to help soothe them to sleep and even feed them at night without having to leave your bed. It's also great when you are unable to move following an operation or recovering from an operation such as a C-section.

Silver Cross Slumber Carbon 3 in 1 travel cot bedside crib with changing table Crib is our top choice for a bedside crib. It's compact and folds down flat to fit in its travel bag, making it perfect for trips away on holidays or from home. It's among the lightest options for a bedside cot. It features a comfortable deep foam mattress with mesh panels that let air flow. It also comes with 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 won Bronze at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It has an integrated storage unit and changing mat, is lightweight (only 10kg) and features an adjustable side that allows for easy access.

Style

A crib for your bed is a blessing for many mothers, particularly those who are recovering from C-sections. You can easily reach your baby without getting out of bed. This lets you provide comfort and food to your baby bedside cot at night. Being close to the baby can also increase the production of milk for mothers who breastfeed.

As well as being incredibly useful, bassinets can also look elegant 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 tilting of the reflux. They are designed to be placed near your bed, they are able to be moved around the house when the baby grows older. Additionally, some can be carried with you on the go, making them great for new parents traveling.

It is essential to select a bedside cot 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 with mobility issues. Chicco Next2Me Magic is one of the models that has been highly praised and was shortlisted by Mumsnetters in the category of the Best Cot or Crib or Moses Basket for our 2021 Mother&Baby Awards.

Another handy feature that some models come with is a translucent side that allows you to see your baby bedside sleeper at all times. This is especially helpful when you are tired and sleepy where one glance could make all the difference. One such option is the Sleepiest BassiNest, which is easy to lower as outlined by our MFM home tester Emily.

Budget

A bedside crib is a great option if you're not yet ready to upgrade to a larger crib. This bassinet-style crib attaches to your bed, ensuring that you can easily reach your baby for night feeds or comfort them without disturbing yourself. It's also a great choice for those suffering from restricted movement following an operation and is a favorite option for celeb moms like Stacey Solomon and Binky Felstead.

Our Parent Testers loved the new version of this popular crib from Chicco, which won the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket. It's large comfortable, breathable, and comes with six different height settings 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 house, but our Parents Testers reported that the Shnuggle Air beside cot was very easy to maneuver. It's one of the lightest alternatives and is small enough to fit in its own travel bag which means you can take it with you when you travel.

The SnuzPod bedside cot is another highly rated product that's simple to put together and fold away with plenty of features for an unwinding night's sleep. It has a removable, lift-off bassinet which fits more beds than other cots. The fabric is breathable and helps to regulate your baby's temperature. It also features a soft rocking function, as well as an incline option for reflux, and is light enough to be used as a travel cot when you're out and about. It's a little more expensive than other cots for bed but our Parent Testers affirm that it's worth the extra cost.