Bedside Cot 6 Months Plus
Bedside sleepers allow you to keep your baby in the same space with you, without the risks associated with sharing a bed. They're an excellent choice for newborns.
Models with adjustable height positions can be placed perfectly on all bed frames. Also look for breathable fabrics that are easy to clean.
Safety
A bedside cot can be described as an upholstered bassinet that is attached to the bed's side to ensure secure co-sleeping. It can be used to lift your baby towards you to comfort them, feed them or to help soothe them at the end of the night. It's also an excellent option if you had a c section. It's different from a Moses basket or cot because it has high sides to ensure your baby isn't able to fall out. Some have a tilt function which can help babies with reflux and colic. They're also a bit bigger than Moses baskets, which may make them easier to transport from room to room.
The NHS and The Lullaby Trust, a safe sleep charity, suggest that newborns be kept in a bassinet or cot that is in the same room with their parents. They shouldn't be in your bed. This is due to bed sharing increasing the chance of suffocation and overheating. Bedside cribs provide the best of both worlds, permitting your child to sleep close to you during the night, but in their own private and secure sleeping space.
When you are choosing a crib for your bed, check that it meets the most recent safety standards (it should be BS EN 1130:2019) and does not have any gaps or parts that could cause your baby to get trapped. Find a mattress with a firm, flat surface. A sagging or overly soft mattress can increase your baby's risk of SIDS, so opt for a brand new mattress instead of second-hand.
Make sure your bedding is fitted and without pillows or blankets that are loose. Pillows are a suffocation risk and duvets can be a hazard to baby's face. It is a good idea to make use of a fitted sheet instead, but make sure it's fitted correctly.
Our MFM mom testers have discovered that the SnuzPod4 is an excellent option 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 it can be adjusted to ensure an ideal fit. It also comes with a rocking function and can be set to an incline for reflux. It is a great option for those with small or narrow beds, as it does not take up the entire space.
Design
The design of a bedside crib is crucial as it will be where your baby will spend most of their time. Many cribs are available in a variety of colors that match your decor. Some come with features like mesh windows to keep the baby's eyes open or drop-down sides that make it easier to access. Some cribs are equipped with incline options to aid with reflux.
The majority of cribs can be adjusted to the same height as your bed, making it simple to get out and in to your bed at night. You can even find some that are designed to function as travel cots, which is great when you're traveling or visiting relatives.
Home tester and MFM mother Leya found the SnuzPod 4's stylish Scandi design was a perfect match for her bedroom and said that its compact fold was perfect to save space. She also appreciated that one side of the crib is lowered so that she can pick up her sleeping newborn without having to leave her bed. This is especially beneficial in the event that you've had an emergency C-section or are recovering from an Caesarean which allows you to sleep close to your baby for longer.
Another mum who enjoyed using the SnuzPod 4 was Jasmine who noted that it was simple to move from room room, something she didn't find with some of the other cribs she looked at for bedside use. However, she did notice that the handle was stiff and required quite a bit of effort to lift the crib.
Another crib that's easy to fold and move is the Tutti Bambini CoZee Air, which was shortlisted in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards as the The Best Cot Crib, Moses Basket. The neutral colors and slim frame will match most bedrooms. However some of our testers thought that the bars were too close together. This could cause them to catch on baby toys or clothing. The bars' distance should not exceed 6.5cm (2 inches) in order to keep your baby's head from becoming stuck. This crib is also suitable for babies with reflux, as the ComfortAir air-tight system assists in regulating their body temperature.
Comfort
Keeping your baby close all night will give you peace of mind, however, you need to be able to reach them quickly during the night for feeding. It is easy to do this without having get up from bed with a crib at your bedside. These cribs make it easy to soothe babies to sleep. However, if you want to sleep with your baby, but don't like the idea of getting out of bed for every feed A moses basket is an ideal choice.
The majority of cribs for bedside use can be positioned on the side of your bed, allowing you to see and access your baby easily. They usually feature a mesh-like window to allow you to check on your baby without disturbing them. They might also include a reflux setting to aid in reflux or colic.
We're impressed with the number of features that are included on this crib, including the ComfortAir mattress, which is breathable and works to regulate your baby's temperature and maximize airflow. It's a bit smaller than other bedside cribs, which may be helpful where space is limited. However, our mom testers agree that it's an excellent choice for those long nights.
bedside crib travel cot is attached securely to the bed's side by means of adjustable straps. This minimizes the chance of gaps where your child may get trapped. It has an even, firm mattress that meets safety regulations and promotes good sleeping habits.
One thing to bear in mind is that your baby can start to leave the crib once they're tall enough to sit typically around six months. It is essential to place your child in a cot, or a different sleeping arrangement, once they outgrow their crib.
A cot that is lightweight and suitable for travel is another aspect to consider. Some of our mothers love that this crib is able to be disassembled for transport, but others find it difficult to assemble. It can be a challenge to clean, so you'll have to wipe it clean regularly with the aid of a cleaner and a cloth.
Storage
A bedside cot for six months and over is a bassinet-style bed that can be attached to the side of your mattress to ensure secure co-sleeping. They're great for night feeds as well as calming babies to sleep, and enabling mums who have had a c-section to keep their baby close.
When you are choosing a crib for your bed, it's important to make sure that it is in line with current safety standards. Make sure that the bars are far enough apart to prevent your child's head from being stuck, and make sure the sides that drop down are secure and don't open unexpectedly. Also, beware of any transfer or stickers on the cot surface as they could be a choking hazard.
Emily's bedside cot of choice for her baby is the Next2me Magic. It was selected for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in the categories of Best Cot or Crib and the Best Moses Basket. It's a good size and has plenty of storage space for all your baby essentials. It's also small and lightweight enough to fit in a travel bag if you're planning to move it around. If you're looking for something simpler, she recommends Shnuggle Air alongside Crib.