Bedside Cot 6 Months Plus
Bedside sleepers let you keep your baby to you do without the danger of sharing beds, which comes with an increased risk of death from suffocation. They're also a great option for infants.
Models with adjustable height settings will fit perfectly on most bed frames. Look for fabrics that are easy-to-clean and ventilated.
Safety
A bedside cot is described as a bassinet that is attached to the bed's side for safe sleeping. It can be used to pull baby closer to you at night to feed, soothing or comforting and it's a great option if you have the need for a C-section. It's different from a Moses basket or cot as it has high sides, so your baby can't be pushed out. Some models have tilting features that aid babies suffering from colic and reflux. They are also a bit larger than Moses baskets which makes them easier to move from room room.
The NHS and The Lullaby Trust, a safe sleep charity, recommend that newborns be kept in a bassinet or cot that is in the same room with their parents. They shouldn't be in your bed. This is because sharing a bed increases the risk of suffocation and overheating. Bedside cribs allow your child to sleep close to you, but in a safe and separate space.
When choosing a bedside crib make sure it is in compliance with the latest safety standards (it should be BS EN 1130:2019) and has no gaps or parts that could cause your child to get trapped. Also consider a mattress that's solid and flat. A sagging or overly soft mattress can increase the risk of SIDS, so opt for a new one instead of a second-hand.
Look for best bedside cots that is well-fitted and free of pillows or blankets that are loose. Pillows are a suffocation risk and duvets can get stuck to the baby's face. It's best to make use of a fitted sheet instead but ensure it fits properly.
Our MFM mom testers have discovered that the SnuzPod4 is a great choice for a bedside crib, selected for 2021's Mother&Baby Awards in the best Cot, Crib, or Moses Basket category. It is securely attached to the bed, and can be adjusted to ensure a perfect fit. It features a rocking feature and can be set to an inclined position for reflux. It is a great option for those with bed sizes that are small or narrow, as it does not take up the entire space.
Design
It is important to consider the style of your crib at night since this is the area where your baby will spend the majority of their time. Many cribs come in a variety of colors 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 make it easier to reach. Some cribs are equipped with incline options to aid with reflux.
Most cribs can also be adjusted to the same height as your bed, making it simple to get in and out of the bed at the end of the night. You can even find some that are designed to work as travel cribs, which are ideal for those who are traveling or visiting relatives.
Home tester and MFM mother Leya discovered that the SnuzPod 4's sleek, Scandi style complements her bedroom decor and added that its compact fold was perfect to save space. Leya also appreciated that one side of the crib can be lowered, allowing her to pick up her baby without having to leave the bed. This is particularly helpful if you've had an Caesarean or are recovering after one. You can stay near your baby for a longer time.
Another mom who was happy using the SnuzPod 4 was Jasmine, who commented that it was simple to move from room room, something she didn't get with other bedside cribs she tested. However, she did note that it took some effort to lift and lower the crib since 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 for best Cot Crib, Moses Basket. Its slim frame and neutral colour options will fit in with most bedrooms, although some of our home testers thought the bars were too close together, which means they could catch on clothes or toys for babies. The bars' distance should not exceed 6.5cm (2 inches) in order to keep your baby's head from getting stuck. This is a good crib for reflux babies too, as its ComfortAir breathability technology helps regulate their 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. You can easily accomplish this without having to get out of bed with a crib right at your bedside. They also make it easier to soothe babies back to sleep. If you want to be able to sleep with your child, but do not want to hassle with getting up every time they need to be fed, a moses-basket can be an excellent alternative.
The majority of cribs for bedside are attached to the bedside, so you are able to easily access and touch your baby. They usually feature a mesh-like window to allow you to check on your baby without disturbing them. You can also find a reflux setting that helps with reflux and colic.
We're impressed with the number of features on this crib, particularly the ComfortAir air-tight mattress that helps to regulate your baby's temperature and maximise airflow. It's a little smaller than some other bedside cribs and can be useful where space is limited. However, our mom testers agree that it's still an excellent choice for those long sleeps.
The cot is secured to the bed's side by means of adjustable straps. This reduces the risk of gaps in which your child may get caught. It is equipped with a flat, firm mattress that complies with safety standards and promotes good sleep habits.
It is important to know that your baby will begin to get out of their crib when they're able to sit upright at about six months old. It's important that you place your baby in a cot or a different sleeping arrangement, once they outgrow their crib.
Another thing to take into consideration is how light the crib is, and if it's suitable for traveling. Some of our mums really enjoy the fact that the crib is able to be dismantled for easy transport, but others find it a bit difficult to assemble and reassemble. It 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 6 months plus is a bassinet-style cot that fixes to the side of your bed for a safe and secure co-sleeping. They're ideal for feeding your baby at night as well as calming babies back to sleep and allowing mothers who've had C-sections to keep their baby close.
It is essential to select cribs that meet current safety standards. Verify that the crib's bars are spaced sufficiently apart to prevent your child's head from getting trapped. Also, ensure that any drop-down side is secure and doesn't open unintentionally. Avoid placing stickers or transfers onto the surface of the cot because they could be the risk of choking.
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 great size and has plenty of storage space to store everything your baby needs. It's also compact and light enough to fit in its bag for travel, should you need to move it around. If you're looking for something a little more simple, she suggests the Shnuggle Air next to the crib.