Bedside Cot 6 Months Plus
Bedside sleepers allow you to keep your baby in the same space with you without the dangers of sharing a bed. They're also a great option for infants.
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 which is connected to the side of a bed for safe cosleeping. You can use it to lift baby up towards you at night to feed or comforting. it's also a great choice for the need for a C-section. It's different from a Moses basket or cot as it has high sides to ensure your baby isn't able to be pushed out. Some models come with tilting features that aid babies suffering from colic and reflux. bedside cots are also slightly bigger than Moses baskets which makes them easier to move from room to room.
The NHS and safe sleep charity The Lullaby Trust advise that newborns should be kept in their own cot or bassinet in the same room with their parent however, not in your bed. Bed-sharing increases the risks of suffocation or overheating. Bedside cribs allow your child to sleep with you but in a secure and separate space.
When selecting a crib that is bedside make sure it is in compliance with the latest safety standards (it must be BS EN 1130:2019) and has no gaps or parts that could cause 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 in your baby.
Look for bedding that is fitted and without loose blankets or pillowcases. Pillows can cause suffocation and duvets can be a hazard on the baby's face. It is a good idea to use a fitted sheet instead, but make sure it fits properly.
Our MFM mum testers have found that the SnuzPod4 is an excellent option for a crib that is positioned near the bed, selected for 2021's Mother&Baby Awards in the best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket category. It is attached securely to the bed, and is adjustable to ensure an ideal fit. It has a rocking feature and can be set to an inclined angle for reflux. It's a great option for those with small or narrow beds because it does not take up much space.
Design
It is important to consider the design of your bedside crib because this is where you baby will spend the majority of their time. Many cribs come in a variety of colors to suit your decor and have features like mesh windows that keep baby in view, or side panels that drop down that make it easier to reach. Some even have incline functions to help with reflux.
Many cribs can also be lowered and raised to the same height as your bed, making it simple to get out and in to bed at the end of the night. You can even find some that are designed to work as travel cots, which are great if you're travelling or visiting relatives.
Leya Leya, an MFM mother and home tester, discovered that the SnuzPod 4 was a great fit for her bedroom decor. She also liked its compact fold that saved space. She also liked the fact that one side of the crib can be adjusted to lower, letting her to pick up her child without needing to get out of bed. This is particularly helpful for those who have had C-sections or are recovering from the effects of a Caesarean because it allows you to stay close to your baby for a longer period of time.
Jasmine is another mum who enjoyed using the SnuzPod 4. She said it was easy to move the crib from one room to another which she could not discover with other cribs for bed. She did mention that the handle was a bit stiff and required an enormous amount of effort to lift the crib.
The Tutti Bambini CoZee Air is another crib that is easy to fold and move. It was nominated for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in their Best Cot or Crib category. Its slim frame and neutral colors will fit in with the majority of bedrooms, but some of our home testers felt the bars were a little too close together, which means they could get caught on clothing or baby toys. 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 suitable for babies with reflux, as the ComfortAir air-tight system helps regulate their body temperature.
Comfort
You'll feel more secure if can reach your baby quickly to feed them in the middle of the night. You can easily do this without having to get out of bed by having a crib by your bedside. They also make it simple to soothe babies back to sleep. If you want to be able to lay down with your child but don't want the hassle of having to get up every time they need to be fed, a moses-basket can be an excellent option.
Most bedside cribs are connected to the bedside so you are able to easily see and reach your baby. Some have mesh windows, to allow you to monitor your baby without disrupting the baby. You can also find an option to treat reflux that can help with colic and reflux.
This crib comes with a wide range of options, but we're particularly impressed by the ComfortAir mattress that is breathable and regulates your baby's body temperature and increases airflow. It's a bit smaller than other cribs for bedside use, which may be helpful when space is tight. Our mom testers are of the opinion that this is still a great choice for those sleepless nights.
The cot is secured to the bed's side using adjustable straps. This minimizes the chance of gaps where your child could become trapped. It also comes with a sturdy flat mattress that is in line with safety standards and promotes the safest sleeping practices.
It is important to be aware that your baby is likely to leave their crib once they are standing up typically around six months. This is why it's essential to put them in a cot or other sleeping arrangement as they grow out of the crib.
A cot that is lightweight and suitable for travel is another aspect to consider. Some of our mothers are thrilled that this crib can easily be taken apart for transport however, others find it difficult to assemble. It is also difficult to keep clean, so you'll need to regularly wipe it down using a cloth or cleaning product.
Stores
A bedside cot for 6 months plus is a bassinet-style cot which is fixed to the bed's side to ensure safe co-sleeping. These are great for soothing babies to sleep, allowing night feedings, and for mothers who had a csection to keep their baby close.
When you are choosing a crib for your bed it is important to make sure that it complies with current safety standards. Verify that the crib's bars are spaced sufficiently apart to prevent your child's head from getting trapped. Also, make sure that the drop-down side is secured and doesn't open accidentally. Do not place stickers or transfer on the floor of the cot because they may pose the risk of choking.
Emily's bedside cot of choice for her baby is the Next2me Magic. It was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in the categories of Best Crib or Cot and the Best Moses Basket. It's a good size and has lots of storage space to store all the baby necessities. It's also small and light enough to fit in its travel bag, if you're planning to move it around. If you're looking for something less complicated her recommendation is Shnuggle Air in addition to Crib.