Bedside Cot 6 Months Plus
Bedside sleepers allow you to keep your baby in the same space with you, without the risks of bed-sharing. They're also a great option for babies.
Look for models that have an adjustable height which will fit perfectly on most 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 lift baby up towards you at night to feed or soothing. it's a great option for a c-section. It is different from a Moses Basket or Cot in that it has high walls, so your baby cannot fall out. Some models have a tilt function which can help babies with reflux and colic. They're also a bit bigger than Moses baskets, which could make them easier to transport from room to room.
The NHS and The Lullaby Trust, a safe sleep charity, recommend 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 because bed-sharing increases the risk of suffocation as well as overheating. Bedside cribs allow your child to rest close to you but in a secure and separate space.
When selecting a crib that is bedside ensure 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 be trapped. Choose a mattress that has an even, firm surface. A mattress that is too sagging or that is too soft can increase the risk of SIDS in your baby.
Make sure your bedding is fitted and without loose blankets or pillowcases. Pillows can cause suffocation and duvets could get stuck to baby's face. Use a fitted sheet however, make sure it is properly fitted.
The SnuzPod4 was rated highly by our MFM mom test participants as a crib that is suitable for bedside use. It has been nominated for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards under the category of Best Cot, Moses Basket or Crib. It attaches securely 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 is also a great choice for those who have bed sizes that are small or narrow because it doesn't take up any space.
Design
The design of a bedside crib is important as it will be the area where your baby will spend most of their time. Many cribs come in a variety of colors to suit your decor and include features such as mesh windows that keep your baby in view, or side panels that drop down that allow for easier access. Some cribs also have incline features to help with reflux.
The majority of cribs can be raised and lowered to the same height as your bed, making it easy to get in and out of your bed at the end of the night. There are even some that are designed to work as travel cots, which are great if you're travelling or visiting relatives.
Leya Leya, an MFM mum and home tester, realized that the SnuzPod 4 was a great fit for her bedroom decor. She also appreciated its compact fold which saved space. She also appreciated that the crib's one side drops down, allowing her to pick up her sleeping newborn without having to leave her bed. This is especially beneficial for those who have had an emergency C-section or are recovering from an Caesarean, as it allows you to stay close to your newborn for longer.
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 another and back again - something she didn't see with other cribs. However, she said that it required some effort to raise and lower the crib, because the handle was stiff.
The Tutti Bambini CoZee Air is another crib for bed that is easy to fold and move. It was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in their Best Cot or Crib category. Its slim frame and neutral colors will work well in all bedrooms, though some of our home testers thought the bars were a little too close together, which means they could get caught on clothing or baby toys. The distance between bars should not exceed 6.5cm (2 inches) to avoid your baby's head from getting trapped. This is a great crib for babies who have reflux because its ComfortAir breathable technology helps regulate their temperature.
Comfort
You'll feel more secure when 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 leave your bed, with a crib right at your bedside. These cribs make it easy to soothe babies to sleep. However, if you want to sleep with your baby, but aren't keen on the idea of waking up to feed your baby, a moses basket is an ideal choice.
Most cribs with a bedside are attached to the bedside, which allows you to access and touch your baby. Some have mesh windows, so you can monitor your baby without disrupting the baby. 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 impressed by the ComfortAir air-tight Mattress that regulates the temperature of your baby's body and increases airflow. It's a bit smaller than some other cribs for bedside use and can be useful in areas where space is scarce. However, our mum testers agree that it's an excellent option for those long sleeps.
The cot is attached securely to the side of the bed with adjustable straps. This reduces the possibility of gaps in which your child could become trapped. It also comes with a sturdy flat mattress that is in line with safety standards and encourages safe sleep habits.
It is important to be aware that your baby is likely to climb out of their crib when they are able to sit upright, which is usually around six months. It's important that you place your baby in a cot or a different sleeping arrangement after they've outgrown their crib.
Another aspect to think about is how light the crib is and if it's suitable for travelling. Some of our mums really love the fact that this crib can be taken apart for easy transport, but others find it tricky to assemble and reassemble. It isn't easy to clean, so you'll have to clean it often using an appropriate cleaning product and cloth.
Stores
A bedside cot 6 months plus is an upholstered bassinet cot that can be fixed to the bed's side to ensure safe co-sleeping. They're ideal for feeding your baby at night, soothing babies to sleep, and allowing mothers who've had an e-csection to keep their baby close.
It's crucial to choose cribs that meet the current safety standards. Check that the crib's bars are sufficiently far apart to ensure that your child's head isn't becoming trapped. Also, ensure that the drop-down side is safe and doesn't fall open accidentally. Avoid placing stickers or other objects on the floor of the cot as they may pose a choking risk.
Emily's favorite 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 has lots of storage space for everything your baby needs. It is also compact and light enough to fit in its bag for travel, should you want to move it around. If you're looking for something a little simpler, she recommends the Shnuggle Air beside crib.