Bedside Cot 6 Months Plus
Bedside sleepers allow you to keep your baby close in the same room with you are without the risk of sharing a bed, which is associated with a higher chance of being suffocated. They are also a great choice for infants.
Models that have adjustable height positions will fit perfectly on the majority of bed frames. Also, look for breathable fabrics that are easy to clean.
Safety
A bedside cot could be described as a bassinet which is attached to the bed's side for safe sleeping. It can be used to bring your baby towards you to provide comfort, feed or soothing 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 escape. Some models have tilting features that aid babies suffering from colic and reflux. They are also slightly larger than Moses baskets, which makes them easier to move from room room.
The NHS and the safe sleep charity The Lullaby Trust advise that newborns should be in their own bassinet or cot in the same room as their parent, but not in your bed. Sharing beds increases the risk of suffocation or overheating. Bedside cribs allow your child to sleep close to you however, in a secure and separate space.
When you are choosing a crib for your bed, check that it meets the latest safety standards (it should be BS EN 1130:2019) and doesn't have any gaps or parts that could cause your baby to get trapped. Also consider mattresses that are firm and flat. A sagging or too soft mattress could 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. Pillows can cause suffocation and duvets could get stuck on the baby's face. It is a good idea to use a fitted sheet instead, but make sure it's fitted correctly.
Our MFM mother testers have discovered that the SnuzPod4 is an excellent choice for a bedside crib, shortlisted in 2021's Mother&Baby Awards in the best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket category. It is securely attached to the bed, and is adjustable to ensure an ideal fit. It also comes with a rocking function and can be adjusted to incline for reflux. It's a great option for people with narrow or small beds because it does not take up a lot of room.
Design
The layout of a bedside crib is crucial as it is the area where your baby will spend most of their time. There are a variety of cribs available in a variety of colors that can be matched to your decor. Some have features such as mesh windows to keep your baby's view or drop-down sides to make it easier to access. Cots For Tots are equipped with incline options to help with reflux.
You can adjust the height of the majority of cribs to match your bed height making it easier for you to get in and out of the bed. Some cribs can serve as travel cots. This is great for when you're traveling or visiting family.
Home tester and MFM mom Leya discovered that the SnuzPod 4's stylish Scandi design complemented her bedroom decor and added that its compact fold was perfect for space-saving. She also loved that one side of the crib can be lowered, allowing her to take her newborn baby to bed without leaving her bed. This is especially helpful when you've had a Caesarean or are recovering after one. You can remain close to your baby for a longer time.
Jasmine is a mother who also loved using the SnuzPod 4. She noted that it was easy to move the crib from one room to the next which she could not see with other cribs. However, she did note that it required some effort to raise and lower the crib, as the handle was quite stiff.
The Tutti Bambini CoZee Air is another bedside crib which is easy to fold and move. It was nominated for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in their Best Cot or Crib category. The neutral colours and slim frame will fit in with the majority of bedrooms. However, some of our testers found that the bars were too close together. This could result in them getting caught on baby toys or clothing. 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 who have reflux because its ComfortAir breathing technology helps regulate their temperature.
Comfort
You will feel more secure when you can quickly reach your baby to feed them during the middle of the night. You can do this without having to leave your bed, with a crib at your bedside. They also make it simple to help babies fall asleep. If you'd like to lay down with your baby, but don't want the hassle of waking up to feed your baby, a moses basket is a better choice.
Most bedside cribs are attached to the bedside, so you are able to easily access and touch your baby. Many have mesh windows so you can monitor your baby without disrupting him. You can also find a reflux setting that helps with colic and reflux.
We're awestruck by the variety of features on this crib, especially the ComfortAir air-tight mattress that helps to regulate your baby's temperature as well as increase airflow. It's a bit smaller than some other cribs that are bedside, which may be helpful where space is limited. Our mom testers are of the opinion that this crib is an excellent option for those sleepless nights.
The cot securely attaches to the side of your bed by means of adjustable straps. This reduces the possibility of gaps in which your child might get trapped. It also comes with a firm, flat mattress that meets safety standards and promotes safe sleep habits.
One thing to keep in mind is that your baby can begin to leave the crib once they're able to sit up at around six months. This is why it's important to put them in a cot or another sleeping arrangement when they've outgrown the crib.
A lightweight cot that is suitable for travel is an additional aspect to consider. Some of our mums really appreciate the fact that this crib can be dismantled to make it easy to transport, whereas others find it difficult to assemble and rebuild. It isn't easy to clean so you will need to wipe it down frequently using an appropriate cleaning product and cloth.
Storage
A bedside cot 6 months plus is a bassinet-style cot that fixes to the bed's side to ensure safe co-sleeping. These are great for calming babies to sleep, night feedings, and for mothers who had a c-section to keep their baby close.
When selecting a crib that is bedside it's crucial to ensure that it meets current safety standards. Check that the bars on the crib are positioned sufficiently apart to ensure that your child's head isn't becoming trapped. Also, make sure that any drop-down side is secure and doesn't open unintentionally. Avoid placing stickers or other objects on the surface of the cot because they may pose an choking risk.
Emily's bedside cot of choice 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 Best Moses Basket. It's a great size, with plenty of space for the essentials of your baby. It is also compact and light enough to be able to fit in its travel bag if you want to move it around. If you're looking for something less complicated her recommendation is Shnuggle Air beside Crib.