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 bedside crib can be an efficient and space-saving option for parents who live in a room together.

Mumsnetters love this co-sleeper as it's large and spacious, with plenty of space for babies to grow and play, and much bigger than the size of a Moses basket. It's also simple to assemble, and comes with a carry bag.

What is a bedside cot?

A bedside baby sleeper cot (also called a bassinet, side sleeper or co-sleeper) is a safe method for your baby to sleep close to you throughout the first few months of their life. These cribs are attached to your bed and let you lift 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.

They are usually a little smaller than a standard cot however, they still provide plenty of space for your baby to rest. You can choose from various styles and features based on your preferences. Many cribs with a bedside cot bed 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 various heights based on your bed size.

Some bedside cribs come with an adjustable riser that allows you to add a slight rise to the sleep space which can aid in reflux and an easy zip-off side for cleaning. Some cribs come with manual rocking features that can be a soothing distraction for your baby. You'll also require a comfortable mattress to go with your crib. It must be at least 30cm deep to ensure that your baby has enough head space.

A bedside crib is an investment but you can be sure your baby will have a peaceful and safe night's sleep. Kate Hudson, Serena Williams, and Gigi Hadid are all big fans of SNOO's bedside crib. It is definitely worth considering as an alternative to a Moses basket.

Safety

The Lullaby Trust, in conjunction with the NHS has released official safe sleeping guidelines that advise that babies sleep in the same bedroom as their parents for the first six months. However, they should not sleep in your bed. This is to lower the risk of suffocation, or sudden infant death syndrome. A crib that is placed near your bed is an excellent option that lets your baby remain close enough to you to feed them at night and help them return to sleep without having to leave your bed. It's also ideal when you are unable to move following an operation or recovering from a C-section.

Our top choice for a bedside cot the Silver Cross Slumber Carbon 3-in-1 travel cot bedside (Lovewiki.faith) crib is compact and folds flat in a matter of seconds to fit into its own bag for travel, so it's perfect for cot bedside holidays and nights away from home. It's among the lightest bedside cot options and cot bedside has a comfy deep foam mattress with mesh 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 fab bedside cot option is the Chicco Next2me Magic bedside crib with wheels crib which was awarded Bronze in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It comes with an integrated storage unit and changing mat, is lightweight (only 10kg) and features an adjustable side that makes it easy to access.

Style

For a lot of moms, especially those recovering from C-sections, a bedside crib can prove to be a blessing in disguise. You can easily reach your baby without getting out of your bed. This allows you to provide comfort and food to your infant during the night. The close proximity to your baby can also help increase milk production for mothers who breastfeed.

These bassinets are not only functional, but also fashionable. This is the reason they're so sought-after. They're typically bigger than Moses baskets and are available in many different styles, some even having extra features like a gentle tilt to the reflux. They are designed to fit next to your bed and can be moved around the house as baby grows. Some are portable, so they're great for parents who travel.

When you are choosing a bedside cot It is essential to select a model with drop sides that are easy to use. These let you lower your baby into the bassinet without lifting them into your arms, which can be difficult for moms 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 Crib, Moses or Crib Basket category.

Another useful feature that a few models come with is a translucent side that allows you to be able to 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. One such option 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 alternative if you're not ready to move to a bigger crib. This bassinet-style crib attaches to your bed, so you can reach your baby easily for night feeds or comfort them without causing any disturbance to yourself. It's also a great choice for those who suffer from restricted movement after the birth and is a popular option for celeb moms like Stacey Solomon and Binky Felstead.

Our Parents Testers loved the new model of this popular crib from Chicco which was awarded the 2021 Mother&Baby Award for Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket. It's large and breathable, and comes with six different height settings for babies who are growing. There is also a gentle reflux setting. You can also use it as a travel cot and it comes with a handy storage bag.

It can be difficult to move an upholstered bedside cot throughout the home, but our Parent Testers said that the Shnuggle Air alongside the cot was easy to maneuver. It's one of the lightest alternatives and is small enough to fit into its own travel bedside crib bag, which means you can carry it with you on your travels.

The SnuzPod bedside cot is yet another highly rated product that's simple to put together and fold away and comes with a variety of features to ensure 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 has a gentle rocking function, as well as an incline setting to help with reflux, and it's light enough to use as a travel cot while you're out and about. It's a little more expensive than other bedside cots, but our Parents Testers believe it's worth the extra cost.