Bedside Cot 6 Months Plus
Bedside sleepers allow you to keep your baby close to you are without the risk of sharing a bed, which is associated with a higher risk of being suffocated. They're also a great option for newborns.
Look for models that have an adjustable height that gives a perfect fit on most bed frames. Find fabrics that are easy-to-clean and breathable.
Safety
A bedside cot could be described as a bassinet that is attached to the bed's side for safe cosleeping. It can be used to bring your baby towards you to comfort them, feed them or to help soothe them at the end of the night. It's also an excellent option if you have had a c section. It differs from a Moses Basket or Cot in that it has walls that are high so your baby isn't able to be pushed out. Some models come with tilting features that aid babies suffering from colic and reflux. They're also a bit bigger than Moses baskets, which can make them easier to carry from room to room.
The NHS and The Lullaby Trust, a safe sleep charity, recommend that babies be placed in a bassinet or cot that is in the same room with their parents. They should not be sleeping in your bed. Bed-sharing increases the risks of overheating or suffocation. Bedside cribs give you the best of both worlds by giving your baby the opportunity to be close to you during the night, but still in their own secure and private sleeping space.
Check that the crib meets the most current safety standards. It must be BS EN1130:2019. Also, make sure that there aren't any gaps or areas where your baby could get trapped. Look for a mattress with a flat, firm surface. A soft or sagging mattress can increase the risk of SIDS, so opt for a brand new mattress instead of a second-hand.
Find bedding that is well-fitted and free of pillows or blankets that are sloppy. Pillows are a suffocation risk and duvets can be a hazard to the baby's face. Use a fitted sheet, but make sure that it fits properly.
The SnuzPod4 was highly rated by our MFM mum testers as a crib suitable for bedside use. It was 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 features an adjustable height that allows for the perfect fit. It also comes with a rocking function and can be set to an incline to prevent reflux. It is also a great option for those with narrow or small beds, as it does not take up the entire space.
Design
It is essential to think about the design of your bedside crib since this is the area where your baby will spend the majority of their time. There are a variety of cribs available in a range of colors that will match your decor. Some come with features such as mesh windows to keep the baby's eyes open or drop-down sides that allow easier access. Some cribs have incline features to help with reflux.
The majority of cribs can be adjusted to match the height of your bed, making it simple to get in and out of bed at time of night. Some cribs can be used as travel cots. This is a great feature when you travel or visiting family.
Home tester and MFM mum Leya found the SnuzPod 4's sleek, Scandi style was a perfect match for her bedroom and added that its compact fold was perfect for space-saving. She also loved that one side of the crib can be lowered so that she can take her newborn baby to bed without having to leave her bed. This is especially helpful if you have had an emergency C-section or recovering from an Caesarean, as it allows you to sleep close to your baby for a longer period of time.
Jasmine is a mother who also enjoyed using the SnuzPod 4. She said it was easy to move the crib from one room to the next which she could not discover with other cribs for bed. However, she did notice that the handle was a bit stiff and it took a lot of effort to lift the crib.
The Tutti Bambini CoZee Air is another bedside crib which is easy to fold and move. It was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in their Best Cot or Crib category. The neutral colors and slim frame are perfect for most bedrooms. However some of our test subjects found that the bars were too close together. This could result in them getting caught on baby toys or clothing. bedside cot wooden between bars should not exceed 6.5cm (2.5 inches) to ensure your baby's head doesn't get caught in. This crib is ideal for babies who have reflux, as its ComfortAir breathable technology helps regulate temperature.
Comfort
Staying close to your baby all night will give you peace of mind, however, you need to be in a position to be able to get them quickly during the night for feeding. With a bedside crib it is possible to do this easily without getting out of your bed. They also make it easier to calm babies back to sleep. If you'd like to sleep with your baby but don't want the hassle of waking up for every feed A moses basket is the better option.
Most cribs that are bedside can be attached to the side of your bed that allows you to see and access your baby easily. They usually have a mesh window to allow you to check on your baby without having to disturb them. They might also include a setting for reflux to aid in reflux or colic.
We're amazed by the amount of features on this crib, particularly the ComfortAir mattress, which is breathable and works to regulate your baby's temperature and maximize airflow. It's smaller than other bedside cribs which can be beneficial in areas that are limited in space. However, our mum testers agree that it's a great option for those long nights.
The cot is securely attached to the bed's side using adjustable straps. This minimizes the chance of gaps that your child could get trapped. It also comes with a firm flat mattress that is in line with safety standards and encourages safe sleep habits.
One thing to keep in mind is that your baby can start to climb out of the crib when they're able to sit up at around six months. It's important that you place your child in a cot, or another sleeping arrangement when they've outgrown their crib.
Another thing to consider is how lightweight the crib is, and if it's suitable for traveling. Some of our mothers are thrilled that this crib can easily be disassembled to transport it, but others find it difficult to assemble. It can be a challenge to clean, so you'll need to wipe it down often using a cleaning product and a cloth.
Storage
A bedside cot that is 6 months old plus is a bassinet-style cot that fixes to the bed's side for safe co-sleeping. They are ideal for calming babies to sleep, for night feedings and also allowing mothers who had a csection to keep their baby close.
It's important that you choose a crib that meets current safety standards. Make sure that the bars are enough apart to avoid your child's head from being trapped and check that any drop-down sides are secure and don't open abruptly. Also, stay clear of any stickers or transfers on the cot's surface since they could pose an choking hazard.
Emily's top choice for a bedside cot is the Next2me Magic, which was shortlisted in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket. It's a decent size and has plenty of storage for your baby's necessities. It is also compact and lightweight enough to fit in a bag for travel, should you need to move it around. If you're looking for something a bit easier, she suggests the Shnuggle Air on the side of the crib.