How to Choose the Best bedside baby bed 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 crib that is placed near the bed is an effective and space-saving solution for room-sharing new parents.

Mumsnetters adore this co-sleeper since 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 simple to assemble, and comes with a carry bag.

What is a bedside crib?

bedside travel crib cribs (also known as side sleepers, bassinets or co-sleepers) are a safe and convenient way for your baby to sleep with you during their early months. These cribs can be attached to your bed, allowing you to lift your child in your arms for night-feeding or comforting. They're also a great option for breastfeeding mothers or mothers recovering from a Caesarean section.

They're typically smaller than a regular cot or cotbed, yet they provide ample space for your baby to rest. You can choose from a variety of designs and features based on your preferences. Many cribs with a bedside feature a removable or drop-down side that makes it easier to reach the baby during feeding time at night. They are also available in various heights based on your bed size.

Some cribs for bedside use a 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 options that can provide a relaxing distractor for your infant. You'll also require a breathable mattress to match your new crib, which must be at least 30cm deep to ensure your newborn has enough headroom.

A bedside crib is an investment but you can rest assured that your baby will have a comfortable and safe sleep. Kate Hudson, Serena Williams, and Gigi Hadid are all avid users of SNOO's crib for babies. It is definitely worth a look as an alternative to a Moses basket.

Safety

Official safe sleeping guidance from the Lullaby Trust and NHS advises that newborns sleep in the same room as you for their 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 for bed allows you to keep your infant close to you to help calm them down and feed them at night without leaving your bed. This 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 travel cot bedside crib is small and folds flat in a matter of seconds and fits into its own bag for travel, which makes it perfect for trips to the beach and nights away from home. It's among the lightest bedside cots available and comes with a a comfy deep foam mattress, air-flow panels, an optional incline setting, plus it was awarded Gold in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for the best Crib, Cot, or Moses Basket.

Chicco Next2me Magic is another excellent bedside crib. It was awarded Bronze at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It has a built-in changing mat and storage solutions, is lightweight at 10kg, and features an adjustable side that drops down to make it easy to access.

Style

For a lot of moms, especially those who are recovering from a C-section A crib that is placed near the bed can prove to be an absolute godsend. They are attached to your bed so you can easily reach your baby without needing to get out of bed, allowing you to night feed them and soothe them quickly. They are an excellent choice for mothers who are breastfeeding as close proximity can increase their milk supply.

Alongside being incredibly convenient, these bassinets are attractive too which is the reason they're so popular. Some are bigger than Moses Baskets, and some have extra features, like a gentle incline. They are designed to be placed near your bed, they can be moved around the house when baby gets older and some can be carried on the go too, making them great for new parents traveling.

When selecting a cot for your bedside, it's important to look for designs with drop sides that are easy to use. This lets you lower your infant into the bassinet without lifting them up into your arms. This can be a hassle for mothers who have limited mobility. Chicco Next2Me Magic is one of the models that has been praised 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 translucent side, which allows you to always see your baby. This is especially helpful in the case of 3am feeds that are bleary-eyed when one glance could make all the difference. As was noted by Emily, our MFM home tester, the Sleepiest BassiNest is an excellent choice. It's easy to lower.

Budget

If you're still not ready to move to a larger cot a bedside crib may be a great option. The crib is attached to your bed, so you can reach your baby easily for feedings at night or cuddle them without causing any disturbance to yourself. It's a great option for those who have limited movement following the C-section. Famous moms like Binky Felstead and Stacey Solomon have also chosen this model.

Our Parent Testers loved this latest version of the popular Chicco crib, which won 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Cot or Crib. It's large and breathable, and comes with six height options to accommodate growing babies, and a gentle reflux setting for incline. It can also be used as a travel cot bedside, and it comes with a handy storage bag.

A bedside cot can be difficult to move around the home However, our Parent Testers found the Shnuggle Air on the side of the crib simple to move. It is one of the lightest options and can be put in its own travel bag.

The SnuzPod is a different highly rated bedside cots uk cot that's easy to assemble and fold away and packed with features that will ensure your child gets a good night's sleep. It has a removable bassinet with a lift-off that can fit more beds than any other cot and its breathable fabric helps your baby regulate their temperature. It also has a gentle rocking function and an incline setting for reflux, and it's light enough to use as a travel cot when you're out and about. It's a bit more expensive than other bedside cots but our Parents Testers affirm that it's worth the extra money.