Bedside Cot 6 Months Plus
Bedside sleepers let you have your baby in the same room with you, without the risks associated with sharing a bed. They are also a great choice for infants.
Find models with an adjustable height position that gives a perfect fit on the majority of bed frames. Also, look for fabrics with breathable fabric that are easy to clean.
Safety
A bedside cot is described as a bassinet that is connected to the side of a bed for safe cosleeping. It is a great way to pull baby closer to you at night for feeding, soothing or comforting and it's a great option in the event of an C-section. It's different from a Moses basket or cot because it has high sides so your baby isn't able to be pushed out. Some models have tilting features that aid babies suffering from colic and reflux. They are also slightly bigger than Moses baskets, which can make them easier to transport from room to room.
The NHS and The Lullaby Trust, a safe sleep charity, recommend that infants be placed in a bassinet or cot in the same room as their parents. They shouldn't be sleeping in your bed. This is because sharing a bed increases the chance of suffocation and overheating. Bedside cribs allow your baby to rest close to you, but in a safe and separate space.
Check that the crib meets the most current safety standards. It must be BS EN1130:2019. Also, ensure that there aren't any gaps or parts where your child could become trapped. Also, look for a mattress that's sturdy and flat. A sagging or overly soft mattress could increase the risk of SIDS, so choose for a new one instead of second-hand.
Make sure your bedding is well-fitted and does not have pillows or blankets that are sloppy. Duvets and pillows could suffocate your baby, while pillows can get stuck to their face. It is a good idea to use a fitted sheet instead but ensure it fits properly.
The SnuzPod4 was rated highly by our MFM mom testers as a crib for use in bed. It was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in the category of the Best Cot, Moses Basket or Crib. It is secured to the bed and features an adjustable height that allows for the perfect fit. It also has a rocking feature and can be adjusted to incline for reflux. It's a good choice for people with narrow or small beds because it doesn't take up too much room.
Design
The layout of a bedside crib is important because it is the area where your baby will spend the majority of their time. Many cribs come in a variety of colors to complement your decor. They also include features such as mesh windows that keep baby in view, or drop-down sides that allow for easier access. Some cribs also have incline features to ease reflux.
You can adjust the height of the majority of cribs to your bed height which makes it easier to get into and out of bed. Some cribs can also be used as travel cots. This is great for when you're traveling or visiting family.
Leya Leya, an MFM mum and home tester, found that the SnuzPod 4 was a great design for her bedroom. She also appreciated its compact fold, which helped save space. She also liked that the crib's one side drops down, allowing her to take her newborn baby to bed without leaving her bed. This is especially helpful for those who have had an emergency C-section or are recovering from a Caesarean because it allows you to sleep close to your baby for a longer period of time.
Jasmine is another mom who enjoyed using the SnuzPod 4. bedside cots said it was simple for her to move the crib from one room to the next - something she did not discover with other cribs for bed. However, she noted that it required some effort to raise and lower the crib because the handle was rigid.
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 for best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket. Its slim frame and neutral colour options will work well in the majority of bedrooms, but some of our home testers felt the bars were too close together, which means they could catch on clothes 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 is a great crib for babies with reflux too, as its ComfortAir breathability technology helps regulate their temperature.
Comfort
You'll feel more secure if are able to reach your baby quickly to feed them during the middle of the night. You can do this without having to get out of bed with a crib at your bedside. These cribs make it easy to help babies sleep. If you want to to sleep with your child but don't want the hassle of getting up each time they're fed, a moses's-basket is a good option.
Most bedside cribs are attached to the bedside, which allows you to be able to see and reach your baby. Some have mesh windows, so you can monitor your baby without disturbing the baby. They may also include a setting for reflux to aid in reflux or colic.
We're amazed by the amount of features on this crib, including the ComfortAir air-tight mattress that helps to regulate your baby's temperature and maximize airflow. It's smaller than other cribs which could be useful in areas with limited space. Our mum testers agree that this is a great choice for those long, sleepless nights.
The cot is secured to the side of your bed by means of adjustable straps. This reduces the possibility of gaps that your child might get trapped. It also comes with a firm and flat mattress that meets safety standards and encourages safe sleep practices.
You should be aware that your baby will begin to climb out of their crib when they're able to sit upright at about six months old. This is why it's essential to place them in a cot or another sleeping arrangement when they've outgrown the crib.
Another thing to consider is how lightweight the crib is and if it's suitable for traveling. Some of our mums really enjoy the fact that the crib can be dismantled for easy transport, but others find it difficult to assemble and put back together. It isn't easy to clean, so you'll have to clean it regularly with a cleaning product and a cloth.
Stores
A bedside cot for six months and older is a bassinet-style crib that is attached to the side of your mattress for secure co-sleeping. These are great for calming babies to sleep, night feedings and also allowing mothers who had a c-section to keep their baby close.
When selecting a crib that is bedside it's crucial to make sure that it complies with current safety standards. Verify that the crib's bars are spaced sufficiently apart to ensure that your child's head isn't getting trapped. Also, ensure that the drop-down side is secured and doesn't open accidentally. Avoid placing stickers or other objects on the floor of the cot because they could be the risk of choking.
Emily's bedside cot of choice for her baby is the Next2me Magic. It was selected for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in the categories of Best Cot or Crib and Best Moses Basket. It's a decent size and has lots of storage space for everything your baby needs. It's also light and compact enough to fit in a travel bag if you need to transport it from room to room. If you're looking for something a bit easier, she suggests the Shnuggle Air on the side of the crib.