How to Choose the Best Bedside Cot uk

Both the NHS and the Lullaby Trust have issued official safe sleeping guidelines, which advise that babies sleep in their own Moses basket or cot. A crib that is placed near the bed is an efficient and space-saving choice for room-sharing new parents.

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

What is a bedside crib?

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

They're usually a little smaller than a regular cot or cotbed, but they provide ample space for your baby to sleep. You can choose between a variety of designs and features based on your preferences. Many cribs with a bedside feature an adjustable or drop-down side to make it easier to reach the baby during feeding time at night. They are also available in different heights, based on the size of your bed.

Some cribs with a bedside cot newborn have a riser that allows you to add a slight incline to the sleep space which can aid in reflux and a zip-off side for easy cleaning. Some cribs have manual rocking options that can be a soothing distraction to your newborn. You'll also require a comfortable mattress to match your new crib, which must be at least 30cm deep to ensure your baby has enough head space.

A bedside cot is an investment, but you can be sure your newborn will get a peaceful and safe night's sleep. With the likes of Kate Hudson, Serena Williams and Gigi Hadid all awed by the SNOO bedside crib, it's definitely worth considering this stylish alternative to a 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 for the first six months but not in your bed to lower the chance of suffocation and to reduce the chance of sudden infant death syndrome. A crib for bed lets you keep your baby close to help soothe them to sleep and feed them at night without having to leave your bed. It's also ideal if you have limited mobility after an operation or recovering from an operation such as a C-section.

Our top pick for a bedside cosleeper cot the Silver Cross Slumber Carbon 3-in-1 travel cot bedside - linked web page, crib is compact and folds flat in a matter of seconds to fit into its own travel bag which makes it perfect for trips to the beach and nights away from home. It's among the lightest bedside cots and has an extremely comfortable mattress, air-flow panels, an optional incline setting, plus it was awarded Gold in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for the best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket.

Another great bedside cot is the Chicco Next2me Magic bedside crib that won Bronze in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It comes with built-in storage and a changing mat, is light (only 10kg), and has an adjustable side that makes it easy to access.

Style

For many mums, particularly those recovering from C-sections, a bedside crib could prove to an absolute blessing. You can easily reach your baby without getting out of your bed. This allows you to soothe and feed your infant at night. The close proximity to your baby can also increase milk production for mothers who are breastfeeding.

Bassinets aren't just convenient but also fashionable. This is the reason they're so popular. They are larger than Moses Baskets and some even have additional features such as a gentle reflux upward slope. They are designed to be placed near your bed, they can usually be moved around the home when the baby grows older. Additionally, some are able to be taken on the go too making them perfect for new parents travelling.

It is essential to select a cot for your bed that has easy-to-use drop-sides. This allows you to lower your child into the bassinet, without lifting them up into your arms. This can be a challenge for mothers who have limited mobility. One of these models is the Chicco Next2Me Magic which has been highly praised by Mumsnetters and was shortlisted in our 2021 Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot Moses, Crib or Basket category.

Another useful feature that a few models come with is a transparent side that lets you be able to see your baby at all times. This is especially helpful when you're groggy at 3am and have to feed your baby. A quick glance could make a huge difference. As was noted by Emily who is our MFM home tester Sleepiest BassiNest is a great option. It is easy to lower.

Budget

A bedside crib is a great option if you're not yet ready to upgrade to a bigger crib. This bassinet-style crib attaches to your bed so that you can reach your baby easily for night feeds or comfort your child without causing disturbance. It's also a great option for those who suffer from limited movement after an operation, and is a popular option with famous mothers like Stacey Solomon and Binky Felstead.

Our Parent Testers loved the new model of this bestselling crib from Chicco, which won the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket. It's large, breathable, and has six different height settings for babies who are growing. There is also a gentle reflux setting. It can also be used as a travel crib and comes with a handy storage case.

A bedside cot can be a little difficult to move around your home however our Parent Testers found the Shnuggle Air near the crib to be simple to move. It is among the lightest options and can be put in its own travel bag.

The SnuzPod is another highly-rated bedside crib with wheels cot that's simple to assemble and fold away and comes with a variety of features to ensure a good night's sleep. It has a removable lift-off bassinet which fits more beds than other cots. The fabric is breathable and helps keep your baby's temperature in check. It has a gentle rocking feature and an incline to aid in reflux. It is also lightweight enough to be used as a travel crib while you're on the move. It's more expensive than other bedside cot sale cots but our Parents Testers affirm that it's worth the extra money.