How to Choose the Best Bedside Cot uk

Official safety sleeping guidelines from both NHS and Lullaby Trust recommends that newborns sleep in their own cot or Moses basket. A crib for bed is a practical and space-saving option for parents who live together.

Mumsnetters love this co-sleeper as it's big enough with plenty of room for baby to grow and play and is much bigger than the size of a Moses basket. It is also easy to put together and comes with a bag for carrying.

What is a bedside crib?

Bedside cribs (also known as bassinets, side sleepers, or co-sleepers) are a safe and convenient way for your baby to be close to you during the early months. These cribs are attached to your bed, allowing you to lift your child in your arms to feed them at night or even comfort them. They're also a great option for mothers who are breastfeeding or recovering from a caesarean section.

They are usually a little smaller than standard cots however, they still provide plenty of space for your baby to sleep. You can pick from a wide range of designs and features depending on what you prefer. Many bedside cots cribs have an adjustable or drop down side that makes it easier to reach your baby for evening feeds. They are available in a variety of heights to suit the size of your bed.

Some bedside travel cot cribs have an adjustable riser that allows you to build an angle to the sleep area. This can be helpful with reflux. They also come with a zip off side for easy cleaning. Some cribs come with manual rocking features which can provide a soothing distraction for your baby. You'll need a mattress that is comfortable to be used with your crib. It should be at least 30cm in depth to give your baby enough headroom.

A bedside cot is an investment, but you can be certain that your baby will have a peaceful and safe night's sleep. With the likes of Kate Hudson, Best Bedside Cot uk Serena Williams and Gigi Hadid all being fans of the SNOO bedside crib, it's worth looking into this elegant alternative to a moses basket.

Safety

The Lullaby Trust, in conjunction with the NHS, has issued official guidelines for safe sleeping which recommend that babies sleep in the same bedroom as their parents for the first six months. However they shouldn't sleep in your bed. This is to reduce the risk of suffocation, or sudden infant death syndrome. A crib that is placed near your bed is a great option that lets your baby safely be close enough for you to night feed them and help them return to sleep without having to get out of your bed. It is also a great option if you are recovering from an operation or a C-section and have limited mobility.

Silver Cross Slumber Carbon 3 in 1 travel cot bedside Crib is our top pick for a crib to sleep in. It's small and folds flat to fit into a transport bag and is perfect for nights out on the town or away from home. It's one the lightest options for a bedside cot. It comes with a comfy deep foam mattress with mesh panels that let air flow. It also comes with an optional incline option. Additionally, it was awarded Gold at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for the Best Moses basket or Cot Crib.

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

Style

For many mothers, particularly those who have had a C-section A crib that is placed near the bed could prove to be an absolute godsend. They attach to your bed so that you can reach your baby easily 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 breastfeed.

Alongside being incredibly convenient, these bassinets can also look stylish too, which is why they're so popular. They're usually bigger than Moses baskets and come in lots of different styles, some even having extra features, like a soft reflux incline setting. They are designed to fit next to your bed and can be moved around the home 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 has easy-to-use drop-sides. This lets you lower your infant into the bassinet without having to lift them up into your arms. This can be a hassle for mothers with mobility issues. Chicco Next2Me Magic is one such model 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.

Another great feature that certain models come with is a transparent side that lets you be able to see your baby at all times. This is especially helpful when you're groggy at 3am and you need to feed your child. A quick glance can make a huge difference. One of these options is the Sleepiest BassiNest, which is easy to lower as outlined by our MFM home tester Emily.

Budget

A bedside cot for twins crib is a fantastic alternative if you're not yet ready to upgrade to a bigger crib. The bassinet-style crib is attached to the bed's side to allow you to easily reach your baby for evening feeds and also comfort them without disturbing your sleep. It's also a great choice for those with limited movement after the birth and is a popular choice with celeb mums including Stacey Solomon and Binky Felstead.

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

It can be difficult to move an upholstered bedside cot throughout the house however our Parent Testers reported that the Shnuggle Air beside cot was very simple to move. It's one of the lightest alternatives and is small enough to fit in its own bag for travel, so you can take it with you on your travels.

The SnuzPod is another highly rated bedside crib travel cot that's easy to put together and fold away and packed with features for the best night's rest. It has a bassinet that lifts off to fit more beds than any other cot and its breathable fabric helps your baby maintain their temperature. It has a gentle rocking feature and an incline to help with reflux. It is also lightweight enough to use as a crib for travel while you're out and about. It's a little more expensive than other cribs for bed, but Parent Testers are of the opinion that it is worth the extra cost.