"Ask Me Anything": Ten 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 that recommend that newborns sleep only in their own Moses basket or cot. A bedside crib is a practical and space-saving option for parents who live together.

Mumsnetters love this co-sleeper because it's spacious with lots of room for baby to grow and play and is more spacious than the typical Moses basket. It's also easy to put together and comes with a bag for travel.

What is a bedside cot?

Bedside cribs (also called side sleepers, bassinets or co-sleepers) are an effective and safe method for your baby to be close to you during the first few months. These cribs are attached to your bed and let you lift your baby out towards you to feed them at night or for comforting without the danger of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome associated with traditional bed-sharing. They're also a great choice for breastfeeding mothers or mothers recovering from a Caesarean section.

They are usually a little smaller than standard cots but they provide plenty of space for your baby to relax. You can pick from a wide range of designs and features according to what your preference is. A lot of cribs with a bedside cot co sleeper feature a drop down or removable side that makes it easier to reach your baby's evening feeds. They are available in a variety of heights to suit the size of your bed.

Some cribs for bedside use an riser that permits you to add a slight rise to the sleeping space that could help with reflux. It also has an easy zip-off side for cleaning. Some cribs come with manual rocking options that can provide a relaxing distraction to your newborn. You'll also need a breathable mattress to go with your new crib, which should be a minimum of 30cm deep to ensure that your newborn has enough headroom.

You can rest assured that your baby will be safe and secure in a bedside cot. Kate Hudson, Serena Williams and Gigi Hadid are all big fans of SNOO's bedside crib. It is definitely worth a look as an alternative to the 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 for the first six months but not in your bed to lower the risk of suffocation and to lower the chance of sudden infant death syndrome. A crib for bed lets you keep your baby close to comfort them and feed them at night without leaving your bed. It's also ideal for those who have a limited mobility after an operation or recovering from an operation such as a C-section.

Our top choice for a bedside cot the Silver Cross Slumber Carbon 3-in-1 travel cot bedside crib is compact and folds down in seconds to fit into its own travel bag making it ideal for travel and nights away from home. It's the lightest option for a bedside cot and features a comfortable deep foam mattress with mesh panels which allow air to flow. It also comes with an optional incline option. It also won Gold at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for the Best Moses basket or Cot Crib.

Another fab bedside crib travel cot cot option is the Chicco Next2me Magic bedside crib which was awarded Bronze in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It comes with an integrated storage unit and changing mat, is light (only 10kg), and has an adjustable side that allows for easy access.

Style

A bedside crib is a blessing for many mums, especially those recovering from C-sections. You can easily reach your baby bedside cot without getting out of bed. This lets you provide comfort and food to your infant at night. They are also a great choice for breastfeeding mothers as their close proximity will help boost their milk supply.

Alongside being incredibly convenient, these bassinets can look pretty attractive too which is the reason they're so popular. Some are bigger than Moses Baskets, and some have extra features like a gentle reflux upward slope. They're designed to fit right 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.

It is essential to select a cot for your bed that is easy to use drop-sides. This allows you to lower your child into the bassinet, without lifting them up into your arms. This can be a challenge for mothers who have limited mobility. Chicco Next2Me Magic is one of these models that has been acknowledged and shortlisted by Mumsnetters in the category of the best Cot or Crib or Moses Basket for our 2021 Mother and Baby Awards.

Some models also have a transparent side, which allows you to see your baby. This is especially helpful during bleary-eyed 3am feeds where a quick glance can make all the difference. As was noted by Emily, our MFM home test participant Sleepiest BassiNest is a great option. It is easy to lower.

Budget

A bedside cot mattress crib is a fantastic alternative if you're not ready to upgrade to a full-sized crib. This bassinet-style crib attaches to your bed, ensuring that you can easily reach your baby to feed them at night or even comfort them without disturbing yourself. It's also a great choice for those who suffer from restricted movement after the birth, and is a popular choice with celeb mums including Stacey Solomon and Binky Felstead.

Our Parents Testers loved this new version of the bestselling Chicco crib, which was awarded the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Cot or Crib. It's spacious and breathable, and comes with six different height settings suitable for growing babies. There is also a gentle reflux setting. You can also use it as a travel cot, and it comes with an easy-to-store storage bag.

It can be difficult to move a bedside cot reviews cot around the home, but our Parents Testers stated that the Shnuggle Air next to the cot was easy to maneuver. It's one of the lightest options and can be packed into its own travel bag.

The SnuzPod is another highly-rated bedside cot that's easy to assemble and fold away and comes with a variety of features that will ensure your child gets a good night's sleep. It has a lift-off bassinet that fits more beds than any other cot, and its breathable fabric can help your baby regulate their temperature. It also has a gentle rocking function and an incline option for reflux, and it's light enough to be used as a travel cot while you're out and about. It's a little more expensive than other cribs for bed, but Parent Testers believe it's worth the extra cost.