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 live together.
Mumsnetters love this co-sleeper as it's big enough with plenty of room for baby to grow and play and is far more substantial than a Moses basket. It's also easy to put together, and comes with a bag for carrying.What is a bedside crib?
A bedside cot (also called a bassinet, side-sleeper or co-sleeper) is a safe way for your baby to sleep close to you overnight during their first months. These cribs fix to your bed and allow you to lift your baby out towards you for night feeding or comforting without the threat of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome associated with traditional bed-sharing. They're also a great option for breastfeeding mothers or mothers recovering from a caesarean section.
They're often slightly smaller than a regular cot, but offer plenty of space for your baby to sleep. You can pick from various styles and features based on your preferences. A majority of cribs for bedside use the option of a drop-down or removable side that makes it easier to reach your baby for feeding at night. They are available in a variety of heights to suit the size of your bed.
Some cribs for bedside use an adjustable riser that allows you to add an incline to the sleep area. This can aid in reducing reflux. They also come with a zip off side for easy cleaning. Other cribs have manual rocking functions that can provide a relaxing distraction for your baby. You'll also require a breathable mattress to go with your new crib, which should be a minimum of 30cm in depth to ensure that your newborn has enough headroom.
A bedside crib is an investment but you can rest assured that your baby will be peaceful and safe night's sleep. With stars like Kate Hudson, Serena Williams and Gigi Hadid all being fans of the SNOO bedside crib, it's definitely worth considering this fashionable alternative to a moses basket.
Safety
Official guidelines for safe sleep from the Lullaby Trust and NHS advises that newborns be in the same room as you during 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 bedside crib allows you to keep your infant close to you so that you can calm them down and night feed them without leaving your bed. It is also a great option if you are recovering from an operation or C-section and are unable to move.
Silver Cross Slumber Carbon 3 in 1 travel cot bedside crib is our top choice for a crib that can be used as a bedside. It's compact and folds flat to fit into a bag for travel, making it perfect for holidays or nights away from home. It's the lightest option for a bedside crib and features a comfortable deep foam mattress with mesh panels which allow air to flow. It also has an incline option that can be added. It also 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 was awarded Bronze in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It has a built-in changing mat and storage solutions and weighs only 10kg. It is light at 10kg, and comes with an adjustable side that slides down for easy access.
Style
A bedside crib travel cot crib is a blessing for many mums, especially those recovering from C-sections. They are attached to your bed so you can reach your baby easily without having to get out of bed and letting you feed them and comfort them quickly. They're an excellent choice for mothers who are breastfeeding as their close proximity will help boost their milk supply.
These bassinets are not only practical, but also fashionable. This is the reason they are so popular. They're usually more spacious than Moses baskets and come in lots of different styles, with some even having extra features like a gentle tilt to the reflux. They are designed to fit close to your bed and can be moved around the house as baby grows. Some are portable, so they're great for travelling parents.
It is essential to select a bedside cot that is easy to use drop-sides. This lets you lower your child into the bassinet, without lifting them up into your arms. This can be difficult for mothers who have limited mobility. Chicco Next2Me Magic is one of these 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&Baby Awards.
Some models also have a translucent side, which allows you to see your baby. This is especially useful when you are tired and sleepy, when a quick glance can make all the difference. As noted by Emily our MFM home test participant Sleepiest BassiNest is an excellent choice. It is easy to lower.
Budget
A bedside crib is a fantastic alternative if you're not ready to move to a bigger crib. The bassinet-style crib is attached to the bed's side so you can easily reach your baby's feedings at night and soothe them without disrupting your sleep. It's also a great option for those suffering from limited movement after a C-section and is a favorite choice with celeb mums including Stacey Solomon and Binky Felstead.
Our Parents Testers loved the new version of the popular Chicco crib, which was awarded the 2021 Mother&baby bedside sleeper Awards for the 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. Additionally, it comes with an easy-to-store storage bag.
It can be difficult to move a bedside cot around your home However, our Parents Testers said that the Shnuggle Air next to the cot was easy to move. It is among the lighter options and can be packed into its own travel bag.
The SnuzPod bedside cots cot is a highly rated product that's easy to fold and assemble, with many features for an unwinding night's sleep. It comes with a bassinet with a lift-off that can fit more beds than any other cot, and its breathable fabric can help your baby to regulate their temperature. It features a soft rocking feature and an incline for reflux. It is also lightweight enough to be used as a crib for travel when you're traveling. It's more expensive than other cots for bed but our Parent Testers believe it's worth the extra cash.
