Bedside Cot 6 Months Plus
Bedside sleepers let you keep your baby close in the same room as you without the risk of sharing beds, which comes with an increased risk of being suffocated. They're also a great option for babies.
Look for bedside crib that turns into cot with an adjustable height which gives a perfect fit 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 that is connected to the side of a bed for safe cosleeping. It is a great way to raise your baby towards you at night to feed or comforting. it's also a great option if you have a c-section. It is different from a Moses Basket or Cot as it has walls that are high so your baby isn't able to escape. Some models have a tilt feature that can help babies with colic or reflux. They are also slightly bigger than Moses baskets, which can make them easier to carry from room to room.
The NHS and safe sleep charity The Lullaby Trust advise that newborns should be placed in their own bassinet or cot in the same room as their parent but not in your bed. This is because sharing a bed increases the chance of suffocation and overheating. Bedside cribs permit your baby to sleep close to you however, in a secure and distinct space.
When choosing a bedside crib, check that it meets the most recent safety standards (it should be BS EN 1130:2019) and doesn't have any gaps or parts that could cause your baby to become trapped. Look for a mattress with a flat, firm surface. A sagging or overly soft mattress can increase your baby's risk of SIDS, so choose for a brand new mattress instead of a second-hand.
Make sure your bedding is well-fitted and does not have loose blankets or pillowcases. Duvets and pillows can suffocate your baby, and pillows can get stuck to their face. Use a fitted sheet but make sure that it is fitted correctly.
Our MFM mother 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 secured to the bed and has an adjustable height setting for an ideal fit. It has a rocking feature and can be set to an inclined angle for reflux. It's a good choice for those with small or narrow beds because it does not take up a lot of space.
Design
It is important to consider the design of your bedside crib since this is the place where your baby will spend the majority of their time. There are a variety of cribs available in a variety of colors that match your decor. Some cribs have features like mesh windows to keep the baby visible or drop-down sides to make it easier to access. Some even have incline functions to aid in reflux.
Many cribs can also be lowered and raised to the same height as your bed, making it easier to get into and out of the bed at night. You can also find a few that are made to work as travel cribs, which are ideal if you're travelling or visiting relatives.
Home tester and MFM mother Leya discovered that the SnuzPod 4's stylish Scandi design complemented her bedroom decor, adding that its compact fold was ideal for sizing up space. She also loved that one side of the crib can be lowered and allows her to take her newborn baby to bed without having to leave her bed. This is especially helpful in the event that you've had an Caesarean or are recovering after one. You can remain close to your baby for longer.
Jasmine is a mother who also enjoyed using the SnuzPod 4. She said it was simple for her to move the crib from one room to the next - something she did not see with other cribs. However, she noted that it took some effort to lift and lower the crib, because the handle was stiff.
Another crib for bedside that is easy to fold and move is the Tutti Bambini CoZee Air, which was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards as the Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket. The neutral colours 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 get caught on baby toys or clothes. The bars' distance shouldn't exceed 6.5cm (2 inches) in order to keep your baby's head from getting stuck. This is a good crib for reflux babies too, as its ComfortAir breathable technology helps regulate temperature.
Comfort
You'll feel more secure if you are able to reach your baby quickly to feed them in the middle of the night. You can easily do this without having to get out of bed with a crib right at your bedside. They also make it easier to soothe babies back to sleep. If you'd like to be able to sleep with your child, but do not want to hassle with getting up every time they need to be fed, a moses-basket is an excellent option.
The majority of cribs for bedside use can be attached to the side of your bed that allows you to see and reach your baby easily. Some have mesh windows, to allow you to monitor your baby without disrupting him. You can also find a reflux setting that helps with reflux and colic.
We're impressed with the number of features that are included on this crib, especially the ComfortAir breathable mattress that works to regulate your baby's temperature and maximize airflow. It's a little smaller than other bedside cribs, which may be helpful when space is tight. But our mum testers all agree that it's still an excellent choice for those long nights.
The cot is securely attached to the bed's side using adjustable straps. This minimizes the chance of gaps where your child could become trapped. It has a flat, firm mattress that meets safety regulations and promotes healthy sleeping habits.
You should be aware that your baby is likely to get out of their crib when they're standing up at about six months old. It's crucial to put your baby in a cot or a different sleeping arrangement when they've outgrown their crib.
A lightweight cot that is suitable for travel is an additional feature to consider. Some of our mothers are thrilled that this crib is able to be disassembled for transport However, some aren't able to put it together. It isn't easy to clean, so you'll need to wipe it down regularly with the aid of a cleaner and a cloth.
Stores
A bedside cot 6 months plus is an upholstered bassinet cot that can be fixed to the side of your bed for a safe and secure co-sleeping. They are great for feeding at night as well as calming babies to sleep, and allowing mothers who've had C-sections to keep their baby close.
It's important that you choose cribs that meet the current safety standards. Make sure that the bars are far enough apart to prevent your child's head from getting trapped and check that any sides that drop down are secured and won't pop open suddenly. Also, beware of any transfer or stickers on the cot's surface as they could be a choking hazard.
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's a great size and offers plenty of storage space to store all your baby essentials. It's also lightweight and compact enough to fit into its travel bag in case you need to transport it from room to room. If you're seeking something a bit more simple, she suggests the Shnuggle Air beside crib.