How to Choose the Best Bedside Cot uk

Both the NHS and the Lullaby Trust have issued official safe sleeping guidelines that suggest that infants sleep in their own Moses basket or cot. A bedside crib is an effective and space-saving solution for room-sharing new parents.

Mumsnetters love this co-sleeper because 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 easy to put together and comes with a carry-on bag.

What is a bedside crib?

Bedside cots (also known as bassinets, side sleepers or co-sleepers) are an effective and safe method for your baby to sleep near you in the early months. These cribs attach to your bed and let you bring your baby closer to you at night for feeding or comforting without the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome that is a result of traditional bed-sharing. They're also a great choice for breastfeeding mothers or mums recovering from a caesarean.

These cots are often a little smaller than standard cots but they provide plenty of room for your baby to relax. You can choose from various styles and features depending on your preferences. Many cribs with a bedside feature a removable or drop-down side, which makes it easier to reach your baby at night for feedings. They are also available in different heights, based on the size of your bed.

Some cribs with a bedside have an adjustable riser that allows you to add a slight incline to the sleep space which can help with reflux and an easy zip-off side for cleaning. Some cribs have manual rocking features that can provide a relaxing distractor for your infant. You'll require a mattress that's air-conditioned to match your crib. It should be at least 30cm deep to allow your baby plenty of headroom.

A bedside crib is an investment but you can be sure your newborn will get a peaceful and safe night's sleep. With stars like 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

The Lullaby Trust, in conjunction with the NHS, has issued official guidelines for safe sleeping that recommend that newborns are in the same room as their parents for the first six months. However they shouldn't sleep in your bed. This is to reduce the chance of suffocation and sudden infant death syndrome. A bedside crib is a fantastic option that allows your baby to safely be close enough for you to feed them at night and comfort them back to sleep without having to leave your own bed. It's also a great option if you have limited mobility following an operation or recovering from a C-section.

Our top choice 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 travel bag which makes it perfect for trips to the beach and nights away from home. It's one 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 incline option that can be added. It also won Gold at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Moses Basket or cot bedside Crib.

Chicco Next2me Magic is another excellent bedside crib. It was awarded Bronze at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It comes with a built-in storage solution and changing mat, is lightweight (only 10kg) and comes with an adjustable side that allows for easy access.

Style

A bedside crib is a blessing for many moms, particularly those recovering from C-sections. They attach to your bed so you can reach your baby easily without having to get up in order to feed them and soothe them quickly. They are an excellent choice for mothers who are breastfeeding as close proximity can boost the amount of milk they produce.

They are not just functional, but also stylish. This is why they're so popular. They're typically larger than Moses baskets and come in a variety of different styles, some even having extra features like a gentle tilting of the reflux. They're designed to fit right next to your bed and can be moved around the house as your baby grows. Some are portable, which means they're great for travelling parents.

It is important to choose a cot for your bed that is 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 who have limited mobility. One such model is the Chicco Next2Me Magic which has been applauded by Mumsnetters and was shortlisted for our 2021 Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot Moses, Crib or Basket category.

Some models also have a translucent side, allowing you to see your baby. This is particularly useful when you are tired and sleepy, when 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 are not ready to upgrade to a bigger crib. The bassinet-style crib is attached to the side of your bed so that you can easily reach your baby for feedings at night and soothe them without disturbing your sleep. It's also a great option for those who suffer from restricted movement following an operation, and is a popular option with famous mothers like Stacey Solomon and Binky Felstead.

Our Parents Testers loved the new model of this well-loved crib from Chicco which was awarded the 2021 Mother&Baby Award for Best Cot Crib, Crib or Moses Basket. It's spacious and breathable and comes with six height options to accommodate babies who are growing, plus a gentle reflux incline setting. It can be used as a crib for travel and comes with a handy storage case.

It can be difficult to move a bedside cot around your home However, our Parent Testers said that the Shnuggle Air beside cot was very simple to move. It's one of the lighter options and can be packed into its own travel bag.

The SnuzPod bedside cot is yet another highly rated product that's easy to put together and fold away, with many features for an unwinding night's sleep. It has a removable, lift-off bassinet that fits more beds than other cots. The fabric is breathable, and helps to regulate your baby's temperature. It also features a soft rocking feature and an incline setting to help with reflux, and it's light enough to use as a travel cot when you're on the move. It's a bit more expensive than other bedside travel crib cots but our Parents Testers believe it's worth the extra money.