Ask Me Anything: 10 Answers To Your Questions About Best Bedside Cot Uk

How to Choose the Best Bedside Cot uk

Both the NHS and Lullaby Trust have issued official safe sleeping guidelines, which recommend that newborns sleep only in their own Moses basket or cot. A crib that is placed near the bed is an effective and space-saving solution for parents who live together.

Mumsnetters love the co-sleeper because it's big and has plenty of room for baby's to grow and play. It is also much bigger than the 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 an ideal and safe way for your baby to be close to you during the first few months.  cheap bedside cot  attach to your bed, allowing you to lift your child towards you for night-feeding or comforting. These cribs are also ideal for mums who are breastfeeding or recovering from a cesarean section.

They're typically smaller than a standard cot or cotbed, but they provide ample space for your baby to lay down. You can pick from a variety of designs and features according to what you prefer. A lot of cribs with a bedside feature an adjustable or drop down side, which makes it easier to reach your baby's evening feeds. They are also available in different heights to accommodate the size of your bed.

Some cribs for bedside use a riser which allows you to add an incline in the sleeping area. This can help with reflux. They also come with a zip off side to make cleaning easy. Other cribs have manual rocking functions which can be a soothing distraction for your newborn. You'll also require a breathable mattress to go with your new crib. It must be at least 30cm deep to ensure your baby has enough head space.

A bedside crib is an investment but you can rest assured that your baby will have a secure and comfortable sleep. With stars like Kate Hudson, Serena Williams and Gigi Hadid all awed by the SNOO bedside crib, it's worth considering this fashionable alternative to a moses basket.

Safety

Official safe sleeping guidance 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 lower the risk of suffocation and to decrease the risk of sudden infant death syndrome. A crib that is placed near your bed allows you to keep your baby close to you to comfort them and feed them at night without leaving your bed. It is also a great option if you are recovering from an operation or C-section and have limited mobility.

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

Another fantastic bedside cot is the Chicco Next2me Magic bedside crib which was awarded Bronze in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It comes with a built-in changing mat and storage solutions It weighs just 10kg, and features an adjustable side that can be lowered down to make it easy to access.

Style

For many mums, particularly those who are recovering from a C-section A crib for bedside could prove to an absolute blessing. They can be attached to your bed so that you can reach your baby easily without having to get up, allowing you to night feed them and soothe them quickly. They are also a great option for mothers who are breastfeeding as their close proximity will help increase their milk supply.

These bassinets are not only convenient but also fashionable. This is the reason they're so sought-after. They're typically larger than Moses baskets and are available in many different styles, some even having extra features like a gentle tilting of the reflux. The baskets are designed to fit under your bed, they can be moved around your home when baby gets older and some can be carried to the go, making them great for parents who are new to traveling.

When selecting a cot for your bedside it is important to look for designs that have drop sides that are simple to use. These allow you to lower your baby's bassinet without lifting them into your arms, which is difficult for mums who have limited mobility. One of these models is the Chicco Next2Me Magic which has been praised by Mumsnetters and was shortlisted for our 2021 Mother&Baby Awards' Best Cot Moses, Crib or Basket category.

Some models also come with a transparent side, which allows you to see your baby. This is especially helpful when you're groggy at 3am and have to feed your child. A quick glance could make a big difference. One of these options is the Sleepiest BassiNest that is easy to lower as noted by our MFM home tester Emily.

Budget

A bedside crib is a fantastic option if you're not yet ready to upgrade to a full-sized crib. This bassinet-style cot attaches to the bed's side so that you can easily reach your baby for evening feeds and also comfort them without disturbing your own sleep. It's a great choice for those who are unable to move after an operation such as a C-section. Celebrity moms such as Binky Felstead and Stacey Solomon have also chosen it.

Our Parents Testers loved this new version of the well-loved Chicco crib, which was awarded the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for the Best Cot or Crib. 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 also be used as a travel cot. Additionally, it comes with an excellent storage bag.

It can be difficult to move an upholstered bedside cot throughout the house However, our Parents Testers reported that the Shnuggle Air alongside the cot was easy to move. It's one of the smallest options and small enough to fit in its own travel bag, which means you can take it along with you on your trip.

The SnuzPod bedside cot is another highly rated product that's easy to put together and fold away, with many features for a restful night's sleep. It comes with a bassinet with a lift-off that can fit more beds than any other cot, and its breathable fabric can help your baby regulate their 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 while you're out and about. It's more expensive than other bedside cots but our Parents Testers believe it's worth the extra money.