How to Choose the Best Bedside Cot uk
Both the NHS and Lullaby Trust have issued official safe sleeping guidelines, which advise that babies sleep in their own Moses basket or cot. A crib that is placed near the bed can be an efficient and space-saving option for parents who live in a room together.
Mumsnetters love this co-sleeper as it's big enough with plenty of space for babies to grow and play, and far more substantial than the typical Moses basket. It's also simple to put together and comes with a travel bag.
What is best bedside cots ?
A bedside cot (also called a bassinet, side sleeper or co-sleeper) is a safe method for your baby to sleep close to you overnight during their first few 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 as a result of traditional bed sharing. They're also a great choice for mothers who are breastfeeding or recovering from a Caesarean section.
They are usually a little smaller than standard cots but they provide plenty of room for your baby to sleep. You can choose between different styles and features based on your preferences. Many bedside cribs have an adjustable or drop down side that allows you to reach your baby's feeding at night. They are also available in different heights to suit the size of your bed.
Some cribs with a bedside have a riser which allows you to create an angle to the sleep area. This can help with reflux. They also come with a zip off side for easy cleaning. Some cribs come with manual rocking options that can be a soothing distraction to your newborn. You'll also require a comfortable mattress for your crib. It must be at least 30cm deep to ensure your newborn has sufficient head room.

You can rest assured that your baby will be comfortable and safe in a bedside cot. Kate Hudson, Serena Williams, and Gigi hadid are all fans of SNOO's crib for babies. It is definitely worth a look as an alternative to the Moses basket.
Safety
The Lullaby Trust, in conjunction with the NHS has issued official guidelines for safe sleep that recommend that newborns stay in the same bedroom as their parents for the first six months. However, they should not 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 allows you to keep your baby close so that you can soothe them to sleep and even feed them at night without having to leave your bed. It's also a great option when you are unable to move following an operation or recovering from C-section.
Silver Cross Slumber Carbon 3 in 1 bedside cot travel cot is our top choice for a crib that can be used as a bedside. It's compact and folds flat to fit into its travel bag, making it perfect for holidays or nights away from home. It's among the lightest options for a bedside crib and has a soft, comfortable foam mattress with mesh panels that let air flow. It also comes with an option for incline. Plus, it won Gold at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for the Best Cot Crib or Moses basket.
Chicco Next2me Magic is another great bedside crib option. It was awarded Bronze at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards. It comes with a built-in changing mat and storage solutions, is lightweight at 10kg, and has an adjustable side that can be lowered down for easy access.
Style
For a lot of moms, especially those who have had a C-section, a bedside crib can prove to an absolute blessing. You can easily reach your baby without having to get out of the bed. This allows you to provide comfort and food to your infant during the night. The close proximity to the baby can also increase the amount of milk produced by mothers who breastfeed.
As well as being incredibly useful, bassinets can look pretty stylish too which is the reason they're so sought-after. Some are more spacious than Moses Baskets and some even have additional features such as a gentle reflux incline. They are designed to be placed near your bed, they are able to be moved around the home when the baby grows older. Additionally, some can be carried with you on the go which makes them ideal for parents who are new to traveling.
It's important to choose an cot with bedside with drop-sides that are easy to use. This allows you to lower your infant into the bassinet without lifting them up into your arms. This can be a challenge for mothers who have limited mobility. One of these models is the Chicco Next2Me Magic which has been highly praised by Mumsnetters and was shortlisted for our 2021 Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot Crib, Moses or Crib Basket category.
Some models also have a transparent side, allowing you to always see your baby. This is particularly useful during bleary-eyed 3am feeds where just a glance can make all the difference. One of these options is the Sleepiest BassiNest which is easy to lower as noted by our MFM home tester Emily.
Budget
A bedside crib is a great option if you are not ready to move to a larger crib. The cot is attached to the side of your bed to allow you to easily reach your baby for evening feeds and also comfort them without disturbing your sleep. It's an excellent choice for those who are unable to move following an operation such as a C-section. Celebrity moms such as Binky Felstead and Stacey Solomon have also chosen it.
Our Parents Testers loved this latest version of the popular Chicco crib, which won 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for the Best Cot or Crib. It is spacious and breathable, and comes with six different height settings for growing babies. There is also a gentle reflux setting. You can also use it as a travel cot and it comes with an excellent storage bag.
It can be difficult to move an upholstered bedside cot throughout the house, but our Parents Testers stated that the Shnuggle Air alongside the cot was simple to move. It's one of the lighter options and can be put in its own travel bag.
The SnuzPod bedside cot is another highly rated item that's easy to assemble and fold, with many features for a restful night's sleep. It comes with a bassinet that lifts off to fit more beds than any other cot and its breathable fabric can help your baby to regulate their temperature. It also has a gentle rocking function and an incline option for reflux, and is lightweight enough to use as a travel cot while you're out and about. It's more expensive than other cots for bed but our Parent Testers say it's well worth the extra money.