Bedside Cot 6 Months Plus
Bedside sleepers allow you to keep your baby in the same room with you without the risk associated with sharing a bed. They are also a great choice for newborns.
Models with adjustable height positions will fit perfectly on the majority of bed frames. Choose fabrics that are easy to clean and ventilated.
Safety
A bedside cot is described as a bassinet which is attached to the side of a bed for safe cosleeping. You can use it to pull baby closer to you at night to feed, soothing or comforting and it's also a great choice in the event of an c-section. It's different from a Moses basket or cot because it has high sides to ensure your baby can't fall out. Some models come with a tilt feature that can help babies with colic or reflux. They're also a bit larger than Moses baskets, which may make them easier to transport from room to room.
The NHS and safe sleep charity The Lullaby Trust advise that newborns should be in their own cot or bassinet in the same room as their parents but not in your bed. This is because bed-sharing increases the risk of suffocation and overheating. Bedside cribs give you the best of both worlds, permitting your child to sleep close to you during the night, but in their own safe and separate sleeping space.
Check that the crib meets the most recent safety standards. It must be BS EN1130:2019. Also, make sure there aren't any gaps or areas that could allow your child to get trapped. Find a mattress with a firm, flat surface. A mattress that is too sagging or that is too soft could increase the risk of SIDS for your baby.
Look for bedding that is well-fitted and does not have pillows or blankets that are loose. Duvets and pillows could suffocate your baby, while pillows can get stuck to their faces. It is a good idea to make use of a fitted sheet instead but ensure it's fitted correctly.
The SnuzPod4 was highly rated by our MFM mom testers as a crib suitable for bedside use. It has been shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards under the category of the Best Cot, Moses Basket or Crib. It attaches securely to the bed and comes with an adjustable height setting for an ideal fit. It features a rocking feature and can be set to an inclined position to prevent reflux. It is also a great choice for those who have narrow or small beds, as it does not take up the entire space.
Design
The layout of a bedside crib is important because it will be where your baby will spend most of their time. Many cribs are available in a range of colors that can be matched to your decor. Some have features such as mesh windows to keep the baby visible or drop-down sides that facilitate access. Some cribs come with incline features to help with reflux.
You can raise and lower most cribs to match your bed's height which makes it easier to get in and out of the bed. You can also find a few that are designed to function as travel cots, which is great for those who are traveling or visiting relatives.
Leya, a MFM mother and home tester, found that the SnuzPod 4 was a great fit for her bedroom decor. She also liked its compact fold that saved space. She also loved that the crib's one side drops down and allows her to pick up her sleeping baby without having to leave her bed. This is particularly beneficial when you've been through an Caesarean or are recovering from one. You can stay close to your baby for a longer time.
Another mom who loved using the SnuzPod 4 is Jasmine who said that it was simple to move from room to room, something she didn't find with some of the other cribs she looked at for bedside use. However, she did note that it required some effort to raise and lower the crib, because the handle was stiff.
Another crib for bedside that is easy to fold and move is the Tutti Bambini CoZee Air, which was shortlisted in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards to be the best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket. The neutral colours and slim frame will match the majority of bedrooms. However some of our test subjects found that the bars were too close together. This could cause them to get caught on baby toys or clothes. The distance between bars should not exceed 6.5cm (2.5 inches) to ensure your baby's head isn't entangled. This crib is also ideal for babies with reflux, as the ComfortAir air-flow system helps regulate body temperature.
Comfort
A close and secure baby all night will provide peace of mind, but you should be capable of reaching them quickly during the night for feeding. You can easily accomplish this without having to leave your bed, with a crib right at your bedside. They make it simple to soothe babies into sleep. If, however, you'd like to sleep with your baby but don't like the idea of having to get out of bed for every feed A moses basket is a better choice.
Most bedside cribs are connected to the bedside so you are able to easily see and reach your baby. They usually come with a mesh window, so you can check on your baby without having to disturb them. There is also a reflux setting that helps with colic and reflux.
We're impressed with the number of features included in this crib, including the ComfortAir air-tight mattress that helps to regulate your baby's temperature as well as increase airflow. It's smaller than other cribs for bedside use which can be beneficial in areas that are limited in space. However, our mum testers agree that it's an excellent option for those long sleeps.
The cot securely attaches to the bed's side by means of adjustable straps. This minimizes the chance of gaps that your child could get trapped. It comes with an even, firm mattress that meets safety regulations and encourages good sleeping habits.
One thing to bear in mind is that your baby may start to leave the crib when they're tall enough to sit typically around six months. It's crucial to put your child in a cot, or a different sleeping arrangement when they've outgrown their crib.
A lightweight cot that is suitable for travel is another aspect to consider. Some of our mothers love that this crib can easily be disassembled to transport it however, others find it difficult to assemble. Read the Full Content isn't easy to clean so you will have to wipe it clean often using an appropriate cleaning product and cloth.
Stores
A bedside cot suitable for 6 months and older is a bassinet style cot that attaches to the mattress's side to ensure secure co-sleeping. They're ideal for feeding your baby at night and calming babies back to sleep and allowing mothers who have had an e-csection to keep their baby close.
When you are choosing a crib for your bed, it's important to ensure that it complies with current safety standards. Make sure that the crib's bars are spaced sufficiently apart to prevent your child's head from getting trapped. Also, ensure that the drop-down sides are safe and doesn't fall open accidentally. Avoid placing stickers or transfers on the surface of the cot because they could pose an 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 Best Moses Basket. It's a good size and has plenty of storage space to store everything your baby needs. It is also compact and lightweight enough to fit in a travel bag, if you need to move it around. If you're looking for something a bit more simple, she suggests the Shnuggle Air on the side of the crib.