Bedside Cot 6 Months Plus
Bedside sleepers allow you to keep your baby in the same room with you, without the risks associated with sharing a bed. They're also a great option for infants.
Look for models with an adjustable height position that allows for a perfect fit on all bed frames. Also, look for fabrics with breathable fabric 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 is a great way to pull baby closer to you in the evening for feeding or soothing. it's also a great option if you have a C-section. It's different from a Moses basket or cot because it has high sides to ensure your baby won't be pushed out. Some have a tilt function which can help babies with reflux and colic. They're also a bit larger 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 in the same room with their parents. They shouldn't be sleeping in your bed. This is because bed-sharing increases the chance of suffocation and overheating. Bedside cribs provide the best of both worlds, allowing your baby to be close to you throughout the night, but in their own safe and separate sleeping space.
When choosing a bedside crib, check 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 baby to become trapped. Also, look for a mattress that is solid and flat. A mattress that is sagging or that is too soft may increase the risk of SIDS for your baby.
Make sure your bedding is well-fitted and does not have pillows or blankets that are sloppy. Pillows pose a risk of suffocation and duvets can get stuck on the baby's face. Use a fitted sheet but ensure that it is fitted correctly.
Our MFM mum testers have found 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 secure to the bed and features an adjustable height that allows for the perfect fit. It has a rocking feature and can be adjusted to an inclined position to prevent reflux. It is a great option for those with small or narrow beds because it doesn't take up any 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 variety of colors that can be matched to your decor. Some cribs have features like mesh windows to keep your baby's view or drop-down sides that allow easier access. Some cribs have incline features to aid in reflux.
Most cribs can also be raised and lowered to match the height of your bed, making it easy to get in and out of bed at night. Some cribs can serve as travel cots. This is great for when you're traveling or visiting relatives.
Leya Leya, an MFM mother and home tester, found that the SnuzPod 4 was a great design for her bedroom. She also liked its compact fold, which helped save space. She also loved that one side of the crib is lowered, allowing her to pick up her sleeping newborn without leaving her bed. This is especially helpful in the event that you've been through a Caesarean or are recovering after one. You can stay close to your baby for a longer time.
Jasmine is a mother who also liked using the SnuzPod 4. She noted 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. She did mention that the handle was a bit stiff and required a lot of effort to raise the crib.
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 the Best Cot or Crib category. The neutral colours and slim frame will match the majority of bedrooms. However, some of our testers found that the bars were too close to each other. This could result in them getting caught on baby toys or clothes. The distance between the bars should be no more than 6.5cm (2.5 inches) to ensure your baby's head doesn't get caught in. This crib is also suitable for babies with reflux, due to the ComfortAir air-tight system assists in regulating their body temperature.
Comfort
A close and secure baby all night will give you peace of mind, but you should be in a position to be able to get them quickly to feed them in the middle of the night. You can do this without having to get out of bed by having a crib by your bedside. cots4tots make it simple to calm babies back to sleep. However, if you want to snuggle with your baby, but aren't keen on the idea of getting out of bed to feed your baby A moses basket is the better option.
Most bedside cribs can be attached to the side of your bed, allowing you to see and reach your baby easily. Some have mesh windows, so you can monitor your baby without disrupting him. They might also have a reflux setting to help with colic or reflux.
This crib comes with a wide range of options, but we're particularly amazed by the ComfortAir breathable Mattress that regulates your baby's body temperature and increases airflow. It's smaller than other cribs for bedside use that could be useful in areas with limited space. Our mom testers agree that this is still a great choice for those long, sleepless nights.
The cot is secured to the bed's side using adjustable straps. This reduces the possibility of gaps where your baby could get trapped. It also comes with a firm and flat mattress that meets safety standards and promotes safe sleep practices.
One thing to bear in mind is that your baby can start to get out of the crib once they're able to sit up at around six months. It's important that you place your baby in a cot or another sleeping arrangement, once they outgrow their crib.
Another thing to take into consideration is how light the crib is and if it's suitable for travelling. Many of our moms love the fact that this crib is able to be dismantled for easy transport, while others find it a bit difficult to assemble and then reassemble. It is also difficult to keep clean, so you'll need regularly clean it using a cloth or cleaning product.
Storage
A bedside cot suitable for 6 months and older is a bassinet-style crib that is attached to the mattress's side to ensure safe co-sleeping. These are great for soothing babies to sleep, for night feedings, and for mothers who had a c section to keep their baby close.
It is essential to select cribs that are in line with the latest safety standards. Make sure that the bars are spaced enough apart to prevent your baby's head becoming trapped. Also, make sure that any drop-down sides are secure and won't pop open suddenly. Avoid placing stickers or transfers on the floor of the cot because they may pose a choking risk.
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 the Best Moses Basket. It's a great size and has lots of storage space for all your baby essentials. It's also small and light enough to be able to fit in its bag for travel, should you're planning to move it around. If you're looking for something simpler, she recommends Shnuggle Air beside Crib.