Bedside Cot 6 Months Plus
Bedside sleepers allow you to keep your baby to you without the risk of sharing beds, which comes with an increased risk of being suffocated. They're a great choice for infants.
Models with adjustable height settings will fit perfectly on most bed frames. Find fabrics that are easy to clean and ventilated.
Safety
A bedside cot can be described as an upholstered bassinet that is attached to the bed's side for safe co-sleeping. It can be used to raise your baby towards you in the evening for feeding or comforting. it's also a great option for the need for a C-section. It's different from a Moses basket or cot as it has high sides so your baby isn't able to be pushed out. Some come with a tilt feature that can aid babies with reflux and colic. They are also slightly bigger than Moses baskets, which may make them easier to move from room to room.
The NHS and The Lullaby Trust, a safe sleep charity, suggest that babies be placed in a bassinet or cot that is in the same room with their parents. They should not be sleeping in your bed. Sharing beds increases the risk of suffocation or overheating. Bedside cribs provide the best of both worlds by allowing your baby to be close to you during the night, but still in their own private and secure sleeping space.
When you are choosing a crib for your bed ensure that it meets the latest safety standards (it should be BS EN 1130:2019) and does not have any gaps or parts that could cause your child to become trapped. Also make sure you choose a mattress that's solid and flat. A soft or sagging mattress can increase your baby's risk of SIDS, so go for a brand new mattress, rather than second-hand.
Find bedding that is well-fitted and does not have loose blankets or pillowcases. Duvets and pillows could suffocate your baby, while pillows can get stuck to their faces. It's best to make use of a fitted sheet instead however, make sure it's sized correctly.
Our MFM mom testers have discovered that the SnuzPod4 is an excellent option for a bedside crib, being shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in the best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket category. It attaches securely to the bed and features an adjustable height that allows for a perfect fit. It also has a rocking function and can be adjusted to incline for reflux. It's a good choice for people with narrow or small beds because it doesn't take up too much space.
Design
It is important to consider the design of your bedside crib since this is the area where your baby will spend the majority of their time. Many cribs are available in a range of colors that match your decor. Some cribs have features such as mesh windows to keep your baby visible or drop-down sides to allow easier access. Some cribs are equipped with incline options to help with reflux.
You can adjust the height of most cribs to match the height of your bed making it easier for you to get in and out of the bed. bedside crib and travel cot can even find some that are made to work as travel cribs, which are ideal for those who are traveling or visiting relatives.
Home tester and MFM mom Leya found the SnuzPod 4's sleek Scandi styling complemented her bedroom decor, adding that its compact fold was perfect for sizing up space. She also appreciated the fact that one side of the crib can be lowered, allowing her to pick up her baby without having to get out of bed. This is especially helpful when you've been through an Caesarean or are recovering from one. You can remain close to your baby for a longer period of time.
Jasmine is another mom who enjoyed using the SnuzPod 4. She commented that it was easy for her to move the crib from one room to the next - something she did not discover with other cribs for bed. However, she noted that it took some effort to raise and lower the crib as the handle was quite rigid.
Another bedside crib that's simple to fold and move is the Tutti Bambini CoZee Air, which was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards as the Best Cot Crib, Moses Basket. Its slim frame and neutral colors will fit in with all bedrooms, though some of our testers at home felt the bars were too close together, which means they could catch on clothes or toys for babies. The distance between the bars should not exceed 6.5cm (2.5 inches) to ensure your baby's head isn't entangled. This is a good crib for babies with reflux too because its ComfortAir breathable technology helps regulate temperature.
Comfort
Keeping your baby close all night will provide peace of mind, however, you must be able to reach them quickly to feed them in the middle of the night. With a crib at your bedside it is possible to do this without getting out of your bed. They make it simple to soothe babies into sleep. However, if you want to lay down with your baby but aren't keen on the idea of having to get out of bed for every feeding moses baskets are a better choice.
Most bedside cribs are attached to the bedside, so you can easily access and touch your baby. They typically feature a mesh-like window which allows you to observe your baby without having to disturb them. They may also have a reflux setting to help with colic or reflux.
We're impressed with the number of features on this crib, especially the ComfortAir breathable mattress that works to regulate your baby's temperature as well as increase airflow. It's a bit smaller than some other cribs for bedside use and can be useful when space is tight. Our mom testers are of the opinion that this is still an excellent choice for those long, sleepless nights.
The cot is secured to the bed's side using adjustable straps. This minimizes the chance of gaps where your baby may get caught. It has an even, firm mattress that complies with safety standards and promotes healthy sleep habits.
One thing to bear in mind is that your baby may start to leave the crib once they're tall enough to sit at around six months. This is why it's important to place them in a cot or another sleeping arrangement once they outgrow the crib.
A cot that is light and suitable for travel is an additional feature to consider. Many of our mothers appreciate the fact that this crib can be taken apart for transport, but others find it difficult to assemble. It can be difficult to clean so you will have to clean it regularly with an appropriate cleaning product and cloth.
Stores
A bedside cot for 6 months plus is a bassinet-style cot which is fixed to the bed's side for safe co-sleeping. They are ideal for calming babies to sleep, allowing night feedings and allowing mums who had a csection to keep their baby close.
It's important that you choose cribs that meet current safety standards. Check that the bars on the crib are positioned sufficiently apart to prevent your child's head from getting trapped. Also, make sure that any drop-down side is secured and doesn't open accidentally. Also, stay clear of any transfer or stickers on the cot's surface as they could be dangerous to choking.
Emily's preferred bedside cot for her baby is the Next2me Magic. It was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in the categories of Best Cot or Crib, and the Best Moses Basket. It is a good size and has plenty of storage for all your baby's essentials. bedside crib that turns into cot is also compact and lightweight enough to fit into a travel bag if you're planning to move it around. If you're seeking something a bit simpler, she recommends the Shnuggle Air next to the crib.