Bedside Cot 6 Months Plus
Bedside sleepers let you have your baby in the same space with you, without the risks of sharing a bed. They're a great choice for newborns.
Models with adjustable height positions will fit perfectly on the majority of bed frames. Also, look for breathable fabrics that are easy to clean.
Safety
A bedside cot is basically a bassinet-style cot that fixes to the side of your bed to allow secure co-sleeping. It can be used to pull your baby to you for comfort, feeding or soothing at the end of the night. It's also an excellent option if you have had a c section. It's different from a Moses basket or cot due to the fact that it has high sides to ensure your baby isn't able to fall out. Some models come with tilting features that help babies with colic or reflux. They are also slightly larger than Moses baskets which makes them easier to move from room room.
The NHS and The Lullaby Trust, a safe sleep charity, recommend that infants be placed in a bassinet or cot in same room as their parents. They shouldn't be sleeping in your bed. Sharing beds increases the risk of suffocation or overheating. Bedside cribs offer the best of both worlds by allowing your baby to be close to you at night, but in their own safe and separate sleeping space.
When selecting a crib that is bedside ensure that it meets the latest safety standards (it should be BS EN 1130:2019) and has no gaps or parts that could cause your child to become trapped. Also, look for mattresses that are firm and flat. A sagging mattress or one that is too soft could 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 can cause suffocation and duvets can get stuck to baby's face. It is a good idea to opt for a fitted sheet, but make sure it's sized correctly.
The SnuzPod4 was highly rated by our MFM mother testers as a crib for use at bedtime. It was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards under the category of Best Cot, Moses Basket or Crib. It is secured to the bed, and can be adjusted to ensure an ideal fit. It also has a rocking function and can be adjusted to incline for reflux. It is a great choice for those who have bed sizes that are small or narrow as it doesn't take up much space.
Design
The design of a bedside crib is important as it is where your baby will spend most of their time. There are a variety of cribs available in a variety of colours that match your decor. Some cribs have features such as mesh windows to keep the baby's eyes open or drop-down sides to allow easier access. Some cribs even have incline functions to aid in reflux.
The majority of cribs can be adjusted to fit the height of your bed, making it easy to get in and out of your bed at the end of the night. Some cribs can also be used as travel cots. This is great for when you're traveling or visiting family.
Home tester and MFM mum Leya discovered that the SnuzPod 4's sleek Scandi styling complements her bedroom decor, adding that its compact fold was ideal to save space. She also appreciated that the crib's one side can be lowered, allowing her to pick up her sleeping baby without leaving her bed. This is particularly helpful in the event that you've been through a Caesarean or are recovering after one. You can stay near your baby for a longer time.
Another mom who loved using the SnuzPod 4 was Jasmine who said that it was easy to move from room room, something she didn't discover with other cribs for bedside that she tried. She did mention that the handle was a bit stiff and required quite a bit 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. Its slim frame and neutral colors will fit in with all bedrooms, though some of our home testers thought the bars were too close together, which means they could get caught on clothing or baby toys. The bars' distance shouldn't exceed 6.5cm (2 inches) to avoid your baby's head from getting stuck. This is a great crib for babies with reflux too, as its ComfortAir breathable technology helps regulate temperature.
Comfort
You will feel more secure when you can quickly reach your baby to feed them during the middle of the night. You can accomplish this without having to get out of bed with a crib at your bedside. They also make it easier to soothe babies back to sleep. If you want to to lay down with your child but don't wish to be a burden of getting up every time they're fed, a moses-basket is an excellent option.
Most bedside cribs are connected to the bedside so you are able to easily be able to see and reach your baby. They typically come with a mesh window, so you can check on your baby without disrupting them. They might also have a reflux setting to aid in reflux or colic.
The crib is loaded with a variety of features, but we're most amazed by the ComfortAir breathable Mattress that regulates the temperature of your baby's body and maximizes airflow. It's smaller than other bedside cribs which could be useful in areas that are limited in space. However, our mum testers agree that it's an excellent option for those long nights.
The cot is securely attached to the side of your bed by means of adjustable straps. This reduces the possibility of gaps where your baby may get caught. It also comes with a sturdy flat mattress that is in line with safety standards and encourages the safest sleeping practices.
It is important to know that your baby will begin to climb out of their crib when they're able to sit upright at around six months. It's crucial to put your baby in a cot or in a different arrangement for sleeping when they've outgrown their crib.
Another aspect to think about is how light the crib is and if it's suitable for traveling. Many of our mothers appreciate the fact that this crib can be disassembled to transport it however, others aren't able to put it together. It can be difficult to clean, so you'll need to wipe it down regularly with an appropriate cleaning product and cloth.
Stores
A bedside cot 6 months plus is a bassinet-style cot that fixes to the bed's side for safe co-sleeping. They are great for feeding at night as well as calming babies to sleep and enabling mums who have had C-sections to keep their baby close.
When choosing a bedside crib it's crucial to ensure that it complies with current safety standards. Verify that the bars on the crib are sufficiently far apart to keep your child's head from getting trapped. Also, ensure that cot bedside -down side is secure and doesn't open unintentionally. Also, beware of any transfer or stickers that are placed on the cot's surface as they can be an choking hazard.
Emily's top pick for a bedside cot is the Next2me Magic, which was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Cot Crib, Crib or Moses Basket. It is a good size and has plenty of storage for your baby's necessities. It's also compact and light enough to fit in its travel bag if you have to transport it from room to room. If you're seeking something a bit more simple, she suggests the Shnuggle Air next to the crib.