Bedside Cot 6 Months Plus
Bedside sleepers let you have your baby in the same room as you, without the risks associated with bed-sharing. They're a great choice for babies.
Look for models that have an adjustable height position that gives a perfect fit on most bed frames. Also, look for fabrics with breathable fabric that are easy to clean.
Safety
A bedside cot is basically an upholstered bassinet that is attached to the bed's side for secure co-sleeping. It can be used to pull your baby to you to provide comfort, feed or to help soothe them at the end of the night. It's also an excellent alternative if you've had a c-section. It is different from a Moses Basket or Cot as it has high walls, so your baby isn't able to be pushed out. Some models have a tilt function which can help babies with reflux and colic. They are also slightly bigger than Moses baskets, which makes them easier to move from room room.
The NHS and safe sleep charity The Lullaby Trust advise that newborns should be in their own cot or bassinet in the same room as their parent however, not in your bed. Bed-sharing increases the risks of overheating or suffocation. Bedside cribs allow your baby to rest close to you however, in a secure and distinct space.
When selecting a crib that is bedside make sure it is in compliance with the latest safety standards (it should be BS EN 1130:2019) and has no gaps or parts that could cause your baby to get trapped. Look for a mattress with an even, firm surface. A sagging or overly soft mattress could increase the risk of SIDS, so choose for a new one instead of a second-hand.
Find bedding that is well-fitted and does not have pillows or blankets that are sloppy. baby bedside sleeper and pillows could suffocate your baby, and pillows can stick to their face. Use a fitted sheet, but make sure that it is properly fitted.
Our MFM mother testers have discovered that the SnuzPod4 is a great option for a crib that is positioned near the bed, shortlisted in 2021's Mother&Baby Awards in the best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket category. It is attached securely to the bed and has an adjustable height for the perfect fit. It features a rocking feature and can be set to an inclined position to prevent reflux. It's a good choice for those with narrow or small beds since it does not take up a lot of room.
Design
The design of a bedside crib is important as it will be where your baby will spend the majority of their time. Many cribs are available in a variety of colors that match your decor. Some have features like mesh windows to keep your baby's eyes open or drop-down sides that allow easier access. Some cribs also have incline features to aid in reflux.
Most cribs can also be raised and lowered to fit the height of your bed, making it easier to get out and in to bed at the end of the night. There are even some that are designed to work as travel cots, which are great for those who are traveling or visiting relatives.
Home tester and MFM mother Leya found the SnuzPod 4's sleek, Scandi style complements her bedroom decor and said that its compact fold was perfect for space-saving. She also liked that one side of the crib is lowered and allows her to pick up her sleeping baby without having to leave her bed. This is particularly helpful in the event that you've had a C-section or recovering from a Caesarean, as it allows you to sleep close to your baby for longer.
Jasmine is another mom who enjoyed using the SnuzPod 4. She said it was simple for her to move the crib from one room to another which she could not find with other bedside cribs. However, she noted that it required some effort to raise and lower the crib as the handle was quite stiff.
Another crib that's easy to fold and move is the Tutti Bambini CoZee Air, which was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Cot Crib, Moses Basket. The neutral colours and slim frame will fit in with the majority of bedrooms. However some of our test subjects found that the bars were too close to each other. This could cause them to catch on baby toys or clothes. The bars' distance shouldn't exceed 6.5cm (2 inches) in order to prevent your baby's head from getting stuck. This crib is ideal for babies with reflux too, as its ComfortAir breathability technology helps regulate their temperature.
Comfort
You'll feel more secure if can quickly reach your baby to feed them during the middle of the night. With a crib that is placed near the bed it is possible to do this without getting out of bed. These cribs make it easy to soothe babies to sleep. If you'd like to to sleep with your child but do not want to hassle with getting up each time they're fed, a moses's-basket is a good alternative.
Most cribs with a bedside are attached to the bedside, so you are able to easily see and reach your baby. They often feature a mesh-like window to allow you to check on your baby without disturbing them. You can also find a reflux setting that helps with colic and reflux.
This crib has a lot of options, but we're particularly impressed by the ComfortAir air-tight Mattress that regulates your baby's body temperature and increases airflow. It's smaller than other cribs that are bedside, which may be helpful in areas where space is scarce. However, our mum testers agree that it's an excellent choice for those long nights.
The cot is securely attached to the bed's side by means of adjustable straps. This reduces the risk of gaps that your child might get trapped. It also comes with a sturdy, flat mattress that meets safety standards and encourages safe sleep habits.
You should be aware that your baby will begin to leave their crib when they're capable of sitting upright, which is usually around six months. This is why it's important to place them in a cot or other sleeping arrangement once they outgrow the crib.
A lightweight cot that is suitable for travel is a further option to think about. Many of our mothers appreciate the fact that this crib can be disassembled for transport however, others find it difficult to assemble. It can be difficult to clean so you will have to wipe it clean regularly with the aid of a cleaner and a cloth.
Storage
A bedside cot suitable for 6 months and up is a bassinet shaped cot that attaches to the mattress's side to ensure secure co-sleeping. They are great for feeding at night as well as calming babies back to sleep and allowing mothers who have had a c-section to keep their baby close.
When selecting a crib that is bedside it's crucial to ensure that it is in line with current safety standards. Make sure that the bars on the crib are positioned sufficiently apart to ensure that your child's head isn't becoming trapped. Also, ensure that the drop-down side is secured and doesn't open accidentally. Also, stay clear of any stickers or transfers on the cot's surface as they could pose dangerous to choking.
Emily's preferred bedside cot for her baby is the Next2me Magic. It was selected for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in the categories of Best Crib or Cot and Best Moses Basket. It's a great size with plenty of storage for the essentials of your baby. It's also light and compact enough to fit in a travel bag in case you need to move it from room to room. If you're looking for something a little easier, she suggests the Shnuggle Air beside crib.