Bedside Cot 6 Months Plus
Bedside sleepers allow you to keep your baby in the same room with you 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.
Look for models that have an adjustable height that gives a perfect fit on all bed frames. Choose fabrics that are easy-to-clean and ventilated.
Safety
A bedside cot can be described as a bassinet which is connected to the side of a bed for safe cosleeping. You can use it to raise your baby towards you at night for feeding or comforting. it's also a great choice if you have the need for a c-section. It differs from a Moses Basket or Cot because it has high walls, so your baby won't escape. Some models have tilting features that aid babies suffering from colic and reflux. They are also a bit larger than Moses baskets, which makes them easier to move from room to room.
The NHS and The Lullaby Trust, a safe sleep charity, recommend that newborns be kept in a bassinet or cot in same room with their parents. They should not be in your bed. Sharing a bed increases the risk of overheating or suffocation. Bedside cribs allow your baby to rest close to you however, in a secure and separate space.
Check that the crib meets the most current safety standards. It should be BS EN1130, 2019. Also, make sure that there are no gaps or areas where your child could become trapped. Also consider mattresses that are firm and flat. A soft or sagging mattress can increase the risk of SIDS, so go for a new one instead of a second-hand.
Lastly, look for a bedding that is affixed and free of any loose blankets or pillows. Duvets and pillows can choke your baby, while pillows can get stuck to their face. Use a fitted sheet but make sure that it is fitted correctly.
Our MFM mom testers have discovered that the SnuzPod4 is a great choice for a bedside crib, being shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in the best Cot, Crib, or Moses Basket category. It is secured to the bed and comes with an adjustable height to ensure the perfect fit. It features a rocking feature and can be set to an inclined position for reflux. It's also a great choice for those with narrow or small beds as it does not take up a lot of space.
Design
The design of a bedside crib is crucial as it will be the area where your baby will spend the majority of their time. Many cribs come in a choice of colours to match your decor and feature features such as mesh windows that keep your baby in view, or sides that drop down that make it easier to reach. Some even have incline functions to help with reflux.
Most cribs can also be adjusted to the same height as your bed, making it easier to get in and out of bed at night. Some cribs can also be used as travel cots. This is great for when you travel or visiting relatives.
Leya is an MFM mum and home tester, discovered that the SnuzPod 4 was a great fit for her bedroom decor. She also loved its compact fold which saved space. bedside crib with wheels appreciated that the crib's one side can be lowered, allowing her pick up her baby without having to leave the bed. This is particularly helpful in the event that you've had an Caesarean or are recovering after one. You can stay close to your baby for a longer period of time.
Jasmine is another mom who liked using the SnuzPod 4. She noted that it was simple for her to move the crib from one room to another - something she did not discover with other cribs for bed. However, she said that it required some effort to raise and lower the crib because the handle was rigid.
Another bedside crib that's simple 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 or Moses Basket. Its slim frame and neutral colors can be incorporated into the majority of bedrooms, but some of our home testers felt the bars were a little too close together, which means they could get caught on clothing or toys for babies. The distance between bars should be no more than 6.5cm (2.5 inches) to ensure that your baby's head isn't entangled. This crib is also good for babies who have reflux, because the ComfortAir air-flow system helps regulate body temperature.
Comfort
Keeping your baby close throughout the night will give you peace of mind, but you need to be in a position to be able to get them quickly during the night for feeding. With a crib at your bedside, you can do this without having to get out of bed. These cribs make it easy to help babies sleep. If you'd like to snuggle with your baby but aren't keen on the idea of waking up for every feeding, a moses basket is an ideal choice.
The majority of cribs for bedside are attached to the bedside, which allows you to see and reach your baby. They typically feature a mesh-like window so you can check on your baby without disrupting them. They may also include a setting for reflux to help with colic or reflux.
We're impressed with the number of features on this crib, including the ComfortAir air-tight mattress that helps to regulate your baby's temperature and maximize airflow. It's a bit smaller than other bedside cribs, which may be helpful in areas where space is scarce. But our mum testers all agree that it's still an excellent choice for those long sleeps.
The cot is attached securely to the side of the bed by means of adjustable straps. This eliminates the risk of gaps where your child could become trapped. It also comes with a sturdy flat mattress that is in line with safety standards and promotes the safest sleeping habits.
One thing to keep in mind is that your baby may begin to leave the crib once they're tall enough to sit 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 feature to consider is how lightweight the cot is and whether it's suitable for travel. Some of our mums really enjoy the fact that the crib is able to be dismantled for easy transport, while others find it a bit tricky to assemble and reassemble. It isn't easy to clean so you will need to wipe it down often using an appropriate cleaning product and cloth.
Stores
A bedside cot suitable for 6 months and up is a bassinet style crib that is attached to the side of your mattress to allow secure co-sleeping. They're ideal for feeding your baby at night as well as calming babies to sleep and allowing mothers who have had an e-csection to keep their baby close.
When choosing a bedside crib it's crucial to make sure that it complies with current safety standards. Check 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 don't open abruptly. Also, beware of any stickers or transfers on the cot surface as they can be a choking hazard.
Emily's top choice for a bedside crib is the Next2me Magic, which was shortlisted in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Cot Crib, Crib or Moses Basket. It is a good size, with plenty of space for all your baby's essentials. It's also small and lightweight enough to fit in its bag for travel, should you're planning to move it around. If you're looking for something a bit more simple, she suggests the Shnuggle Air next to the crib.