How to Choose the Best bedside crib vs cot Cot uk

Both the NHS and the Lullaby Trust have issued official safe sleeping guidelines that suggest that infants sleep in their own Moses basket or cot. A crib that is placed near the bed can be practical and space-saving for parents who live in a room together.

Mumsnetters love this co-sleeper as it's spacious with lots of space for babies to grow and wriggle and more spacious than a Moses basket. It's also easy to put together and comes with a carry bag.

What is a bedside crib to cot crib?

Bedside cots (also known as bassinets, side sleepers, or co-sleepers) are a safe and convenient way for your baby to be close to you during their early months. These cribs fix to your bed and allow you to bring your baby closer to you for night feeding or comforting without the threat of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome associated with traditional bed-sharing. They're also a great choice for breastfeeding mothers or mums recovering from a caesarean section.

These cots are often a little smaller than a standard cot but they provide plenty of space for your baby to rest. You can pick from a wide range of styles and features, according to what you like best. Many bedside 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 accommodate the size of your bed.

Some cribs for bedside use a riser that allows you to add a slight rise to the sleep space which could help with reflux. It also has a zip-off side for easy cleaning. Others have manual rocking functions which can be a soothing distraction for your infant. 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.

You can rest assured that your baby will be safe and secure in a cot that is positioned at the bedside. Kate Hudson, Serena Williams and Gigi Hadid are all avid users of SNOO's crib for babies. It is definitely worth considering as an alternative to a 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 their first six months, but not in your bed, to decrease the risk of suffocation, and to decrease the risk of sudden infant death syndrome. A crib that is placed near your bed is a great option that lets your baby remain close enough to you to feed them at night and help them return to sleep without having to get out of your own bed. It is also a great option if you are recovering from an operation or a C-section and have limited mobility.

Our top pick for a bedside cot, the Silver Cross Slumber Carbon 3-in-1 travel cot bedside crib is compact and folds flat in seconds to fit into a travel bag making it ideal for travel and nights away from home. It's among the lightest options for a bedside co sleeper cot cot and travel cot bedside has a soft, comfortable foam mattress with mesh panels which allow air to flow. It also comes with an option for incline. Additionally, it was awarded Gold at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Cot Crib or Moses basket.

Another fantastic bedside cot is the Chicco Next2me Magic bedside crib which was awarded Bronze in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It comes with a built-in changing mat and storage system It weighs just 10kg, and features an adjustable side that can be lowered down for easy access.

Style

A crib for your bed is a blessing for many moms, particularly those recovering from C-sections. They can be attached to your bed so you can reach your baby easily without needing to get out of bed and letting you feed them and comfort them quickly. Being close to the baby can also help increase the production of milk for mothers who are breastfeeding.

In addition to being extremely useful, bassinets can also look attractive too which is the reason they're so popular. They're typically larger than Moses baskets and come in a variety of different styles, some featuring extra features like a gentle tilting of the reflux. They are designed to fit next to your bed and can be moved around the home as baby grows. Some are portable, which means they're great for travelling parents.

It is essential to select a bedside cot that has 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 difficult for mothers with limited mobility. Chicco Next2Me Magic is one such model that has been acknowledged and shortlisted by Mumsnetters in the category of Best Cot or Crib or Moses Basket for our 2021 Mother and Baby Awards.

Another great feature that certain models have is a transparent side that allows you to observe your baby at all times. This is particularly useful in the case of 3am feeds that are bleary-eyed where one glance could make all the difference. As was noted by Emily our MFM home test participant, the Sleepiest BassiNest is an excellent choice. It is easy to lower.

Budget

If you're still not ready to move to a full-sized cot, an infant crib on your bed could be an ideal solution. This bassinet-style cot attaches to the side of your bed so that you can easily reach your baby for night feeds and comfort them without disturbing your sleep. It's a great choice for those who are unable to move following an operation such as a C-section. Celebrity moms like Binky Felstead and Stacey Solomon have also chosen this model.

Our Parent Testers loved the new model of this well-loved crib from Chicco which was awarded the 2021 Mother&Baby Award for Best Cot Crib, Crib or Moses Basket. It's spacious, breathable, and has 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 a challenge to move a bedside cot around your home however our Parents Testers said that the Shnuggle Air beside cot was very easy to move. It's among the lightest options and small enough to fit into its own bag for travel, so you can take it with you when you travel.

The SnuzPod bedside cot is yet another highly rated product that's easy to put together and fold away, with many features for the perfect night's rest. It has a removable, lift-off bassinet which fits more beds than other cots. The fabric is breathable and helps keep your baby's temperature in check. It features a soft rocking feature as well as an incline to help with reflux. It is also lightweight enough to be used as a travel crib when you are out and about. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs for bed, but Parent Testers believe it's worth the extra expense.