How to Choose bedside travel cot Cot uk
Official safe sleeping guidance from both NHS and Lullaby Trust recommends that newborns sleep in their own cot or Moses basket. A bedside crib is a practical and space-saving option for parents who share a room.
Mumsnetters love this co-sleeper because it's large and spacious, with plenty of room for babies to grow and play, and much bigger than the size of a Moses basket. It's also easy to assemble and comes with a travel bag.
What is a bedside cot?
A bedside cot (also called a side sleeper, bassinet or co-sleeper) is a secure way for your newborn to sleep near you during the first few months of their life. These cribs attach to your bed and let you lift your child towards you for night-feeding or comforting. These cribs are also great for mums who are breastfeeding or recovering from a cesarean.
They're usually a little smaller than a standard cot or cotbed, yet they provide ample space for your baby to lay down. You can choose between a variety of designs and features based on your preferences. Many cribs with a bedside feature an adjustable or drop-down side that makes it easier to reach your baby during the night to feed them. They are also available in different heights depending on your bed size.
Some cribs for bedside use a riser which allows you to build an incline to the sleep area. This can be helpful with reflux. They also have a zip off side for easy cleaning. Other cribs have manual rocking functions which can be a relaxing distraction for your infant. You'll require a mattress that's air-conditioned to match your crib. It should be at least 30cm thick to allow your baby plenty of headroom.
You can be sure that your child will be safe and comfortable in a cot that is positioned at the bedside. 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 guidance 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 decrease the risk of suffocation and to reduce the chance of sudden infant death syndrome. A crib for bed allows you to keep your infant close to you to calm them down and feed them at night without having to leave your bed. It's an excellent option if you are recovering from an operation or C-section and have limited mobility.
Silver Cross Slumber Carbon 3 in 1 travel cot bedside Crib is our top choice for a crib to sleep in. It's compact and folds down flat to fit into its travel bag and is perfect for holidays or nights away from home. It's one the lightest options for a bedside cot. It features a comfortable deep foam mattress with mesh panels which allow air to flow. It also comes with an optional incline option. Plus, it won Gold at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Moses Basket or Cot Crib.
Another fab bedside cot option is the Chicco Next2me Magic bedside crib that won Bronze in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It has an integrated storage unit and changing mat, is light (only 10kg) and comes with an adjustable side for easy access.
Style
A bedside crib is a blessing for many mums, especially those recovering from C-sections. They can be attached to your bed so you can easily reach your baby without having to get up, allowing you to night feed them and comfort them quickly. They are also a great choice for breastfeeding mothers since their close proximity will help increase their milk supply.
Alongside being incredibly convenient, these bassinets can look pretty attractive too, which is why they're so popular. They're often a bit larger than Moses baskets and come in a variety of different styles, with some having additional features such as a gentle tilt to the reflux. They're designed to sit next to your bed and can be moved around the house as your baby grows. Some are portable, which means they're great for travelling parents.
When selecting a cot for your bedside It is essential to look for designs that have drop sides that are simple to use. These let you lower your baby's bassinet without having to lift them into your arms, which can be difficult for mothers with mobility issues. One such model is the Chicco Next2Me Magic which has been highly praised by Mumsnetters and was shortlisted for our 2021 Mother&Baby Awards' Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket category.
Another great feature that certain models come with is a translucent side that lets you be able to see your baby at all times. This is especially helpful when you're groggy at 3am and have to feed your baby. A quick glance can make a huge difference. As was noted by bedside travel cot , the Sleepiest BassiNest is an excellent choice. It's easy to lower.
Budget
A bedside crib is a fantastic alternative if you're not yet ready to upgrade to a bigger crib. The bassinet-style crib can be attached to your bed, so you can easily reach your baby for night feeds or comfort your child without causing disturbance. It's also a great option for those with restricted movement after the birth, and is a popular choice with celeb mums including Stacey Solomon and Binky Felstead.
Our Parent Testers loved the new version of this popular crib from Chicco, which won the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Cot Crib, Crib or Moses Basket. It's large and breathable, and comes with six height settings to accommodate babies who are growing, and a gentle reflux setting for incline. You can also use it as a travel cot and it comes with an excellent storage bag.
It can be difficult to move a bedside cot around the home However, our Parent Testers stated that the Shnuggle Air next to the cot was easy to move. It's one of the lighter options that can be tucked away in its own travel bag.
The SnuzPod bedside cot is a highly rated product that's easy to put together and fold away with plenty of features for an unwinding night's sleep. It comes with a removable, adjustable bassinet that lifts off, which can fit more beds than other cots. The fabric is breathable, and helps keep your baby's temperature in check. It also features a soft rocking feature and an incline setting for reflux, and is lightweight enough to be used as a travel cot when you're out and about. It's more expensive than other bedside cribs but Parents Testers agree that it's worth the extra cost.