How to Choose the Best Bedside Cot uk

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

Mumsnetters love this co-sleeper because it's large and spacious, with plenty of room for babies to grow and play and is much bigger than a Moses basket. It is also easy to put together and comes with a carry bag.

What is a bedside crib to cot cot?

Bedside cribs (also known as side sleepers, bassinets or co-sleepers) are an effective and safe method for your baby to be close to you in the early months. These cribs are attached to your bed and let you lift your child towards you for night-feeding or comforting. They're also a great choice for breastfeeding mothers or mothers recovering from a caesarean.

These cots are often a little smaller than standard cots, but still offer plenty of room for your baby to sleep. You can choose from a variety of styles and features depending 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 feeding time at night. They also come in various heights based on your bed size.

Some cribs with a bedside have an adjustable riser that allows you to add a slight incline to the sleep space which could help with reflux. It also has the ability to zip off the sides for easy cleaning. Other cribs have manual rocking functions that can provide a relaxing distraction for your baby. You'll need a mattress that is comfortable to be used with your crib. It must be at least 30cm deep to allow your baby plenty of headroom.

A bedside crib is a major investment, but you can rest assured that your newborn will get a peaceful and safe night's sleep. Kate Hudson, Serena Williams and Gigi hadid are all fans of SNOO's crib for babies. It is definitely worth considering as an alternative to a Moses basket.

Safety

Official safe sleeping guidelines from the Lullaby Trust and NHS advises that newborn babies should sleep in the same room as you during the first six months but not in your bed, to decrease the risk of suffocation, and to lower the chance of sudden infant death syndrome. A crib that is placed near your bed is an excellent option that lets your baby safely be close enough for you to feed them at night and help them return to sleep without needing to leave your own bed. This is also a great option if you are recovering from an operation or C-section and are unable to move.

Our top pick for a bedside crib, the Silver Cross Slumber Carbon 3-in-1 travel cot bedside crib is compact and folds flat in a matter of seconds to fit into its own bag for travel, so it's perfect for holidays and nights away from home. It's one of the lightest bedside cot options and has a comfy deep foam mattress that has mesh air-flow panels, an optional tilting setting, and it was awarded Gold in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for the best Crib, Cot, or Moses Basket.

Another fab bedside cot option is the Chicco Next2me Magic 4-in-1 bedside crib crib that was awarded Bronze in the 2021 Mother&baby bedside sleeper Awards. It features a built-in change mat and storage system It weighs just 10kg, and comes with an adjustable side that drops down for easy access.

Style

For many mums, particularly those recovering from a C-section, a bedside crib could prove to be a blessing in disguise. They attach to your bed so you can reach your baby easily without needing to get out of bed, allowing you to night feed them and soothe them quickly. They're an excellent choice for breastfeeding mothers as the close proximity can help boost the amount of milk they produce.

Bassinets aren't just practical, but also fashionable. This is why they are so popular. They're usually larger than Moses baskets and come in a variety of different styles, some featuring extra features like a gentle tilt to the reflux. They are designed to fit close 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's important to choose a cot for your bed that is easy to use drop-sides. This lets you lower your child into the bassinet, without lifting them up into your arms. This can be a challenge for mothers with mobility issues. One such model is the Chicco Next2Me Magic which has been praised by Mumsnetters and was shortlisted in our 2021 Mother&Baby Awards' Best Cot Moses, Crib or Basket category.

Some models also come with a transparent side, allowing you to always see your baby. This is especially useful when you are groggy at 3am and have to feed your baby. A quick glance can make a big difference. One of these options is the Sleepiest BassiNest which is easy to lower as outlined by our MFM home tester Emily.

Budget

If you're still not ready to make the leap to a larger cot, a bedside crib may be an ideal solution. The crib is attached to your bed, ensuring that you can reach your baby easily for feedings at night or cuddle them without causing any disturbance to yourself. It's a great choice for those who have limited movement after a C-section. Famous moms such as Binky Felstead and Stacey Solomon have also chosen it.

Our Parents Testers loved the new version of the popular Chicco crib, which was awarded the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for the Best Cot or Crib. It is spacious, breathable, and has six different height settings for growing babies. There is also a soft reflux setting. It can also be used as a travel cot and it comes with an excellent storage bag.

It can be a challenge to move a bedside rocking crib cot around the house However, our Parent Testers reported that the Shnuggle Air beside cot was very easy to move. It's one of the smallest options and is small enough to fit in its own travel bag so 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, with plenty of features for an enjoyable night's sleep. It comes with a removable, lift-off bassinet which fits more beds than other cots. The fabric is breathable and can help regulate your baby's temperature. It also features a soft rocking feature and an incline option for reflux, and it's light enough to use as a travel cot while you're out and about. It's more expensive than other bedside cots but our Parent Testers say it's well worth the extra cash.