How to Choose the Best Bedside Cot uk

Official safe sleeping guidance from both NHS and Lullaby Trust recommends that newborns sleep in their own crib or Moses basket. A bedside crib is an effective and space-saving solution for parents who share a room.

Mumsnetters adore this co-sleeper since it's big enough with plenty of room for baby to grow and play and is far more substantial than the typical Moses basket. It's also simple to put together and comes with a bag for carrying.

What is a bedside travel cot crib?

Bedside cots (also called side sleepers, bassinets or co-sleepers) are a safe and convenient way for your baby to sleep near you during their first few months. These cribs attach to your bed and allow you to pull your child in your arms for night-feeding or comforting. These cribs are also great for mums who are breastfeeding or recovering from a cesarean section.

These cots are typically smaller than standard cots however, they still provide plenty of space for your baby to sleep. You can pick from different styles and features based on your preferences. Many bedside cribs come with the option of removing or dropping down the side that makes it easier to reach the baby at night for feedings. 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 slope to the sleeping space that can help with reflux and an easy zip-off side for cleaning. Some cribs feature manual rocking options that can provide a relaxing distraction to your newborn. You'll also require a breathable mattress to match your new crib, which should be a minimum of 30cm deep to ensure your newborn has enough headroom.

You can rest assured that your baby will be safe and comfortable in a cot that is positioned at the bedside. Kate Hudson, Serena Williams and Gigi hadid are all fans of SNOO's bedside crib. It is definitely worth considering as an alternative to a Moses basket.

Safety

Official guidelines for safe sleep from the Lullaby Trust and NHS advises that newborn babies should be placed in the same bed as you for the first six months but not in your bed to reduce the chance of suffocation and to decrease the risk of sudden infant death syndrome. A bedside crib is a fantastic option that allows your child to comfortably be near enough for you to feed them during the night and soothe them back to sleep without having to get out of your bed. This is also a great option if you are recovering from an operation or a C-section and are unable to move.

Silver Cross Slumber Carbon 3 in 1 bedside cot travel cot is our top pick for a crib to sleep in. It's compact and folds down flat to fit in its transport bag which makes it ideal for trips away on holidays or from home. It's one of the lightest bedside cots available and comes with a a comfy deep foam mattress, air-flow panels, and an incline setting, plus it won Gold in the 2021 Mother&Baby awards for Best Crib, Cot or Moses Basket.

Chicco Next2me Magic is another great bedside crib option. It was awarded Bronze at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It has a built-in changing mat and storage solution It weighs just 10kg, and features an adjustable side that drops down for easy access.

Style

For a lot of moms, especially those recovering from a C-section, a bedside baby sleeper crib can prove to be a blessing in disguise. They attach to your bed so you can easily reach your baby without having to get up, allowing you to night feed them and comfort them quickly. Being close to the baby can also aid in increasing the production of milk for mothers who are breastfeeding.

In addition to being extremely useful, bassinets can look pretty elegant and large bedside Crib that's why they're so sought-after. They're often a bit larger than Moses baskets and come in lots of different styles, with some even having extra features, like a soft reflux incline setting. The baskets are designed to fit under your bed, they can be moved around the house as the baby grows older, and some are able to be taken to the go, making them great for new parents traveling.

When choosing a bedside cot, it's important to look for designs with drop sides that are easy to use. This lets you lower your child into the bassinet, without lifting them up into your arms. This can be difficult for mothers with 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, Crib or Moses Basket category.

Another useful feature that a few models come with is a translucent side that lets you see your baby at all times. This is especially helpful in the case of 3am feeds that are bleary-eyed when one glance could make all the difference. As noted by Emily who is our MFM home tester Sleepiest BassiNest is an excellent choice. It is easy to lower.

Budget

A bedside crib is an excellent option if you are not ready to upgrade to a bigger crib. The bassinet-style crib is attached to the side of your bed to allow you to easily reach your baby's feedings at night and soothe them without disturbing your own sleep. It's also a great option for those who suffer from restricted movement following a C-section, and is a popular option for celeb moms like Stacey Solomon and Binky Felstead.

Our Parents Testers loved this new version of the popular Chicco crib, which was awarded the 2021 Mother&baby bedside co sleeper Awards as the Best Cot or Crib. It's large Bedside crib and breathable, and has six height settings to accommodate growing babies, and a gentle reflux setting for incline. It can be used as a crib for travel and comes with a storage case that is convenient for storage.

A bedside crib can be difficult to move around your home however our Parent Testers found the Shnuggle Air beside crib really simple to move. It's one of the lightest options and can be put in its own travel bag.

The SnuzPod bedside cot is a highly rated item that's easy to assemble and fold and comes with a variety of features to ensure the perfect night's rest. It has a removable adjustable bassinet that lifts off, which can fit more beds than other cots. The fabric is breathable, and helps regulate your baby's temperature. It also features a soft rocking bedside crib function and large Bedside crib an incline setting for reflux, and is light enough to use as a travel cot while you're out and about. It's a little more expensive than other bedside cribs however, Parent Testers are of the opinion that it is worth the extra expense.