Bedside Cot 6 Months Plus
Bedside sleepers allow you to keep your baby in the same room as you without the risk of sharing a bed. They are also a great choice for babies.
Models that have adjustable height settings will fit perfectly on the majority of bed frames. Also, look for breathable fabrics that are easy to clean.
Safety
A bedside cot can be described as a bassinet-style cot that fixes to the side of your bed to ensure secure co-sleeping. It can be used to pull your baby towards you to provide comfort, feed or to help soothe them at night. It's also an excellent alternative if you've have had a c section. It differs from a Moses Basket or Cot as it has walls that are high so your baby cannot be pushed out. Some have a tilt function which can help babies suffering from reflux and colic. They are also slightly bigger than Moses baskets, making them easier to move from room to room.
The NHS and The Lullaby Trust, a safe sleep charity, recommend that newborns be kept in a bassinet or cot 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 give you the best of both worlds by permitting your child to sleep close to you during the night, but in their own private and secure sleeping space.
Make sure the crib is compliant with the latest safety standards. It must be BS EN1130:2019. Also, ensure that there aren't any gaps or parts where your baby could get 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 for your child.
Look for bedding that is fitted and without pillows or blankets that are sloppy. Duvets and pillows can suffocate your baby, while pillows can stick to their face. Use a fitted sheet, but ensure that it is properly fitted.
Our MFM mom testers have discovered that the SnuzPod4 is an excellent option for a bedside crib, being shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in the best Cot, Crib, or Moses Basket category. It is secured to the bed and features an adjustable height to ensure an ideal fit. It features a rocking feature and can be adjusted to an inclined position for reflux. It is a great choice for those who have small or narrow 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 place where your baby will spend the majority of their time. There are many cribs available in a choice of colours to complement your decor. They also include features such as mesh windows that keep your baby in view, or side panels that drop down that allow for easier access. Some cribs also have incline features to help with reflux.
Most cribs can also be raised and lowered to the same height as your bed, making it simple to get into and out of bed at time of night. You can even find some that are designed to work as travel cots, which are great for those who are traveling or visiting relatives.
Home tester and MFM mother Leya found that the SnuzPod 4's stylish Scandi design complements her bedroom decor, adding that its compact fold was ideal for space-saving. She also loved that one side of the crib drops down and allows her to take her newborn baby to bed without leaving her bed. This is particularly helpful in the event that you've had an Caesarean or are recovering after one. bedside sleeper cot can remain close to your baby for a longer time.
Jasmine is another mom who loved using the SnuzPod 4. She noted that it was easy to move the crib from one room to the next and back again - something she didn't discover with other cribs for bed. However, she did notice that the handle was stiff and required an enormous amount of effort to raise the crib.
Another crib that's easy to fold and move is the Tutti Bambini CoZee Air, which was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Cot Crib, Moses Basket. Its slim frame and neutral colour options can be incorporated into all bedrooms, though some of our testers at home felt the bars were a little too close together, which means they could catch on clothes or baby toys. The distance between each bar should not exceed 6.5cm (2.5 inches) to ensure that your baby's head can't become trapped. This crib is also good for babies with reflux, because the ComfortAir air-flow system helps regulate body temperature.
Comfort
You'll feel more secure if can quickly reach your baby to feed them in the middle of the night. You can do this without having get out of bed by having a crib by your bedside. These cribs make it simple to help babies sleep. If you'd like 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 an excellent option.
Most bedside cribs can be positioned on the side of your bed, allowing you to see and get to your baby easily. Many have mesh windows to allow you to monitor your baby without disturbing the baby. They might also include a setting for reflux to aid in reflux or colic.
This crib comes with a wide range of options, but we're particularly amazed by the ComfortAir air-tight 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 with limited space. However, our mom testers are in agreement that it's a great option for those long sleeps.
The cot is attached securely to the side of the bed using adjustable straps. This minimizes the chance of gaps in which your child may get trapped. It also comes with a firm and flat mattress that meets safety standards and promotes safe sleep habits.
One thing to keep in mind is that your baby can start to get out of the crib when they're tall enough to sit at around six months. It's important that you place your baby in a cot or a different sleeping arrangement after they've outgrown their crib.
A cot that is lightweight and suitable for travel is a further aspect to consider. Some of our mothers enjoy the fact that the crib can be taken apart for easy transport, while others find it a bit tricky to assemble and rebuild. It can be a challenge to clean, so you'll need to wipe it down regularly with an appropriate cleaning product and cloth.
Stores
A bedside cot suitable for 6 months and older is a bassinet shaped bed that can be attached to the side of your mattress to ensure secure co-sleeping. These are great for calming babies to sleep, night feedings and allowing mums who had a csection to keep their baby close.
It's important that you choose cribs that meet the current safety standards. Check that the bars are far enough apart to prevent your child's head from being trapped. Also, make sure that the sides that drop down are secure and don't open abruptly. Avoid placing stickers or other objects on the surface of the cot since they could pose a choking risk.
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, Crib, or Moses Basket. It is a good size and has plenty of storage for the essentials of your baby. 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 more simple, she suggests the Shnuggle Air next to the crib.