Bedside Cot 6 Months Plus
Bedside sleepers allow you to keep your baby in the same room with you are without the risk of sharing a bed, which is associated with a higher risk of suffocation. They are also a great choice for babies.
Models that have 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 an old-fashioned bassinet cot that can be fixed to the side of your bed to ensure secure co-sleeping. It can be used to bring your baby towards you to provide comfort, feed or soothing at the end of the night. It's also an excellent option if you had a c section. It is different from a Moses Basket or Cot in that it has high walls so your baby cannot escape. 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, suggest that babies be placed in a bassinet or cot that is in the 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 during the night, but still in their own private and secure sleeping space.
When choosing a bedside crib ensure that it meets the most recent safety standards (it must be BS EN 1130:2019) and has no gaps or parts that could cause your baby to be trapped. Choose a mattress that has an even, firm surface. A sagging mattress or one that is too soft can increase the risk of SIDS in your baby.
Look for bedding that is fitted and without pillows or blankets that are sloppy. Pillows can cause suffocation and duvets can be a hazard on the baby's face. Use a fitted sheet however, make sure it is properly fitted.
The SnuzPod4 was highly rated by our MFM mom test participants as a crib that is suitable 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 securely attached to the bed, and is adjustable to ensure an ideal fit. It also has a rocking feature and can be adjusted to incline for reflux. It's a great option for people with narrow or small beds because it doesn't take up too much room.
Design
It is crucial to think about the design of your bedside crib since this is where you baby will spend the majority of their time. Many cribs come in a choice of colours to complement your decor. They also have features like mesh windows that keep your baby in view, or side panels that drop down that make it easier to reach. Some even have incline functions to aid in reflux.
You can raise and lower the majority of cribs to your bed's height, making it easier to get into and out of bed. You can even find some that are made to work as travel cribs, which are ideal for those who are traveling or visiting relatives.
Leya, a MFM mom and home tester, realized that the SnuzPod 4 was a great choice for her bedroom. She also loved its compact fold, which helped save space. She also appreciated the fact that one side of the crib can be raised, letting her pick up her baby without needing to get out of bed. This is especially beneficial if you have had C-sections or are recovering from the effects of a Caesarean because it means you can sleep near your newborn for longer.
Jasmine is another mum who liked using the SnuzPod 4. funny post noted that it was easy for her to move the crib from one room to the next which she could not see with other cribs. She did mention that the handle was a bit stiff and it took quite a bit of effort to move the crib.
The Tutti Bambini CoZee Air is another crib for bed that 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 color options can be incorporated into all bedrooms, though some of our home testers thought the bars were too close, which means they could catch on clothes or baby toys. The distance between the bars should be no more than 6.5cm (2.5 inches) to ensure your baby's head doesn't get caught in. This crib is also good for babies who have reflux, because the ComfortAir breathable system assists in regulating their body temperature.
Comfort
You will feel more secure when you can reach your baby quickly to feed them in the middle of the night. You can do this without having leave your bed, with a crib right at your bedside. They also make it easy to help babies fall asleep. If you want to to sleep with your child but do not wish to be a burden of getting up every time they're fed, a moses's-basket is a good alternative.
Most bedside cribs are attached to the bedside, so you are able to easily access and touch your baby. They often come with a mesh window, to allow you to check on your baby without disrupting them. They might also have a reflux setting to help with colic or reflux.
We're amazed by the amount of features on this crib, including the ComfortAir mattress, which is breathable and works to regulate your baby's temperature as well as increase airflow. It's smaller than some other bedside cribs which can be useful where space is limited. Our mom testers agree that this is an excellent choice for those sleepless nights.
The cot securely attaches to the side of your bed by means of adjustable straps. This reduces the risk of gaps where your baby could get trapped. It also comes with a firm, flat mattress that meets safety standards and promotes the safest sleeping practices.
You should be aware that your baby is likely to climb out of their crib when they're capable of sitting upright typically around six months. This is why it's essential to put them in a cot or another sleeping arrangement when they've outgrown the crib.
A cot that is lightweight and suitable for travel is a further option to think about. Some of our mums really enjoy the fact that the crib can be dismantled to make it easy to transport, whereas others find it a bit difficult to assemble and rebuild. It isn't easy to clean, so you'll have to clean it frequently using an appropriate cleaning product and cloth.
Storage
A bedside cot for six months and up is a bassinet shaped bed that can be attached to the side of your mattress for secure co-sleeping. They're great for night feeds and calming babies back to sleep and enabling mums who have had C-sections to keep their baby close.
It's crucial to choose a crib that meets current safety standards. Check that the crib's bars are positioned sufficiently apart to ensure that your child's head isn't being trapped. Also, make sure that the drop-down side is secure and doesn't open unintentionally. Do not place stickers or transfer onto the surface of the cot since they could be an choking risk.
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 the Best Moses Basket. It is a good size and has plenty of storage for all your baby's essentials. It's also compact and lightweight enough to fit into a travel bag, if you need to move it around. If you're seeking something a bit simpler, she recommends the Shnuggle Air on the side of the crib.