How to Choose the best bedside cot for newborn bedside crib travel 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 can be practical and space-saving for parents who share a room.

Mumsnetters adore the co-sleeper because it is spacious, with plenty of space for babies to grow and play. It is also much bigger than a Moses Basket. It's also easy to assemble and comes with a carry-on bag.

What is a bedside cot?

A bedside cot (also known as a side sleeper, bassinet or co-sleeper) is a safe method for your baby to rest near you during the first few months of their life. These cribs attach to your bed, allowing you to lift your child towards you for night-feeding or comforting. They're also a great option for Travel Cot Bedside Crib mothers who are breastfeeding or recovering from a Caesarean section.

These cots are often a little smaller than standard cots however, they still provide plenty of space for your baby to rest. You can choose 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, which makes it easier to reach your baby for evening feeds. They are also available in various heights to suit the size of your bed.

Some cribs for bedside use an adjustable riser that allows you to add a slight rise to the sleep space which can help with reflux and a zip-off side for easy cleaning. Some have manual rocking features which can be a relaxing distraction for your infant. You'll need a mattress that is air-conditioned to match your crib. It must be at least 30cm deep to allow your baby plenty of headroom.

You can be confident that your child will be safe and secure in a cot that is positioned at the bedside travel cot. With stars like Kate Hudson, Serena Williams and Gigi Hadid all awed by the SNOO bedside crib, it's definitely worth considering this stylish alternative to moses basket.

Safety

Official safe sleeping guidance from the Lullaby Trust and NHS advises that babies born today should be in the same room as you during the first six months, but not in your bed, to decrease the risk of suffocation and to lower the chance of sudden infant death syndrome. A crib that is placed near your bed is a fantastic option that lets your baby remain close enough to you to feed them during the night and soothe them back to sleep without having to get out of your own bed. It's also great if you have limited mobility after an operation or recovering from C-section.

Our top choice for a bedside baby bed crib, the Silver Cross Slumber Carbon 3-in-1 travel cot bedside crib is small and folds flat in a matter of seconds to fit into a travel bag which makes it perfect for trips to the beach and nights away from home. It's among the lightest options for a bedside crib and comes with a comfy deep foam mattress with mesh panels which allow air to flow. It also comes with an incline option that can be added. Additionally, it was awarded Gold at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Moses Basket or Cot Crib.

Chicco Next2me Magic is another great bedside crib option. It won Bronze at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It comes with an integrated storage unit and changing mat, is lightweight (only 10kg) and comes with an adjustable side that allows for easy access.

Style

A crib for your bed can be a lifesaver for many mothers, particularly those who are 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, allowing you to night feed them and soothe them quickly. They're also a great option for mothers who are breastfeeding as the close proximity can help boost the amount of milk they produce.

Alongside being incredibly practical, these bassinets can also look stylish too which is the reason they're so sought-after. Some are bigger than Moses Baskets, and some have extra features like a gentle reflux and incline. Designed to fit by your bed, they are able to be moved around the home as the baby grows older, and some are portable enough to take with you on the go which makes them ideal for new parents travelling.

When selecting a cot for your bedside It is essential to choose a model that have easy-to-use drop sides. These let you lower your infant into the bassinet without lifting them into your arms, which is difficult for moms with mobility issues. Chicco Next2Me Magic is one of the models 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.

Some models also have a translucent side, allowing you to be able to always view your baby. This is especially useful when you're exhausted at 3am and have to feed your child. A quick glance could make a huge difference. One of these options is the Sleepiest BassiNest that is simple to lower, as outlined by our MFM home tester Emily.

Budget

If you're still not ready to make the leap to a full-sized cot, a bedside crib may 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 disrupting your sleep. It's an excellent choice for those who are unable to move following the C-section. Celebrity moms such as Binky Felstead and Stacey Solomon have also chosen it.

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 or Moses Basket. It's spacious, breathable, and has six different height settings suitable for growing babies. There is also a gentle reflux setting. You can also use it as a travel cot bedside cot. Additionally, it comes with an easy-to-store storage bag.

It can be a challenge to move a bedside cot around your home however our Parents Testers stated that the Shnuggle Air alongside the cot was easy to maneuver. It's one of the lightest alternatives and is small enough to fit in its own travel bag, which means you can take it with you on your travels.

The SnuzPod bedside cot is another highly rated product that's easy to fold and assemble, with many features for the perfect night's rest. It has a removable lift-off bassinet that fits more beds than other cots. The fabric is breathable, and helps to regulate your baby's temperature. It features a soft rocking feature, as well as an incline for reflux. It is also lightweight enough to be used as a travel crib when you are out and about. It's more expensive than other bedside cots but our Parent Testers say it's well worth the extra money.