How to Choose the Best bedside cots for newborns Cot uk
Official guidelines for safe sleep from both NHS and Lullaby Trust recommends that newborns sleep in their own cot or Moses basket. A bedside cot for twins crib can be practical and space-saving for parents who share a room.
Mumsnetters adore this co sleeper bedside cot-sleeper since it's large and spacious, with plenty of room for babies to grow and play and is far more substantial than a Moses basket. It's also simple to put together, and comes with a bag for carrying.
What is a bedside cot?
Bedside cribs (also called bassinets, side sleepers, or co-sleepers) are a safe and convenient way for your baby to sleep with you during the early months. These cribs attach to your bed and allow you to lift your baby out towards you to feed them at night or for comforting without the threat of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome that is a result of traditional bed-sharing. These cribs are also ideal for mums who are breastfeeding or recovering from a cesarean.
They are usually a little smaller than standard cots, but still offer plenty of space for your baby to rest. You can choose from a variety of designs and features depending on what you like best. Many cribs with a bedside feature a removable or drop-down side that makes it easier to reach your baby during the night to feed them. They also come in different heights depending on your bed size.
Some cribs with a bedside have an riser that permits you to add a slight incline to the sleep space which can aid in reflux and an easy zip-off side for cleaning. Other cribs have manual rocking functions which can be a relaxing distraction for your infant. You'll also require a breathable mattress to go with your new crib. It should be a minimum of 30cm deep to ensure your newborn has enough headroom.
You can be confident that your child will be safe and comfortable in a cot that is positioned at the bedside crib with wheels. Kate Hudson, Serena Williams, and Gigi hadid are all fans 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 released official guidelines for safe sleep that advise that babies sleep in the same bedroom as their parents for the first six months. However they shouldn't sleep in your bed. This is to lower the risk of suffocation or sudden infant death syndrome. A bedside crib is an excellent option that lets your baby remain close enough to you to night feed them and help them return to sleep without needing to leave your own bed. It's also great for those who have a limited mobility after an operation or recovering from an operation such as a C-section.
Our top choice for a bedside cot the Silver Cross Slumber Carbon 3-in-1 travel cot bedside crib is small and folds flat in a matter of seconds to fit into its own travel bag making it ideal for travel and nights away from home. It's one of the lightest bedside cots available and comes with a a comfy deep foam mattress with mesh 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.
Chicco Next2me Magic is another fantastic bedside crib. It was awarded Bronze at 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 for easy access.
Style
A bedside crib is a godsend for many moms, particularly those recovering from C-sections. You can easily reach your baby without having to get out of bed. This lets you provide comfort and food to your baby at night. They're an excellent choice for breastfeeding mothers as close proximity can increase their milk supply.
They are not just functional, but also fashionable. This is why they're so sought-after. Some are bigger than Moses Baskets and some come with additional features like a gentle reflux and incline. They're designed to sit next to your bed and can be moved around the house as baby grows. Some are portable, so they're ideal for parents who travel.
It is essential to select an cot with bedside that has easy-to-use drop-sides. This lets you lower your baby into the bassinet without having to lift them up into your arms. This can be a hassle for mothers with mobility issues. Chicco Next2Me Magic is one such model that has been praised and shortlisted by Mumsnetters in the category of the Best Cot or Crib Moses Basket for our 2021 Mother and Baby Awards.
Some models also have a translucent side, which allows you to always see your baby. This is especially useful when you're exhausted at 3am and you need to feed your child. A quick glance could make a big difference. As mentioned by Emily, our MFM home tester the Sleepiest BassiNest an excellent choice. It's easy to lower.
Budget
A bedside crib is an excellent alternative if you're not ready to move to a bigger crib. This bassinet-style cot attaches to the side of your bed so you can easily reach your baby's evening feeds and also comfort them without disrupting your sleep. It's also a great option for those suffering from restricted movement following the birth and is a favorite option with famous mothers like Stacey Solomon and Binky Felstead.
Our Parents Testers loved the new model of this well-loved crib from Chicco that won the 2021 Mother&Baby Award for Best Cot Crib, Crib or Moses Basket. 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 a challenge to move an upholstered bedside cot throughout the home However, our Parent Testers stated that the Shnuggle Air beside cot was very easy to move. It's one of the smallest options and small enough to fit in its own bag for travel, which means you can take it along with you on your trip.
The SnuzPod is another highly-rated bedside cot that's easy to put together and fold away and packed with features for the best night's rest. It has a removable 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 also features a soft rocking function and an incline option for reflux, and is lightweight enough to be used as a travel cot when you're on the move. It's a bit more expensive than other bedside co sleeper cot cribs but Parents Testers believe it's worth the extra expense.