Bedside Cot 6 Months Plus
Bedside sleepers allow you to keep your baby in the same room with you without the risk of sharing beds, which comes with an increased risk of death from suffocation. They're an excellent choice for newborns.
Find models with an adjustable height position that will fit perfectly on the majority of bed frames. Find fabrics that are easy-to-clean and comfortable to breathe.
Safety
A bedside cot is described as a bassinet which is connected to the side of a bed to ensure safe cosleeping. It is a great way to pull baby closer to you in the evening for feeding or soothing. it's also a great choice in the event of an c-section. It is different from a Moses Basket or Cot as it has high walls, so your baby isn't able to escape. Some models have a tilt function which can help babies with reflux and colic. They are also slightly bigger than Moses baskets which makes them easier to move from room room.
The NHS and the safe sleep charity The Lullaby Trust advise that newborns should be kept in their own cot or bassinet in the same room as their parents however, not in your bed. Bed-sharing increases the risks of suffocation or overheating. Bedside cribs offer the best of both worlds, allowing your baby to be close to you at night, but in their own safe and separate sleeping space.
When selecting a crib that is bedside make sure it is in compliance with the most recent safety standards (it must be BS EN 1130:2019) and does not have any gaps or parts that could cause your child to get trapped. Find a mattress with an even, firm surface. A mattress that is too sagging or that is too soft may increase the risk of SIDS for your child.
Make sure your bedding is fitted and without pillows or blankets that are sloppy. Pillows can cause suffocation and duvets could get stuck on the baby's face. It's a good idea to use a fitted sheet instead however, make sure it's fitted correctly.
Our MFM mother testers have discovered that the SnuzPod4 is a great 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 it is adjustable to ensure a perfect fit. It features a rocking feature and can be set to an inclined position to prevent reflux. It is also an excellent choice for those who have narrow or small beds, 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 place where your baby will spend the majority of their time. large bedside cot of cribs are available in a choice of colours to match your decor and feature features such as mesh windows that keep your baby in view, or drop-down sides that make it easier to reach. Some cribs have incline features to aid with reflux.
The majority of cribs can be lowered and raised to fit the height of your bed, making it simple to get in and out of bed at night. Some cribs can serve as travel cots. This is a great feature when you travel or visiting family.
Leya is an MFM mum and home tester, found that the SnuzPod 4 was a great fit for her bedroom decor. She also liked its compact fold, which helped save space. She also loved that one side of the crib drops down and allows her to pick up her sleeping newborn without having to leave her bed. This is particularly beneficial in the event that you've been through an Caesarean or are recovering from one. You can stay close to your baby for a longer time.
Jasmine is another mum who loved using the SnuzPod 4. She commented that it was easy to move the crib from one room to the next and back again - something she didn't find with other bedside cribs. However, she noted that it took some effort to lift and lower the crib since the handle was rigid.
The Tutti Bambini CoZee Air is another bedside crib which is easy to fold and move. It was nominated for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, in the Best Cot or Crib category. The neutral colors and slim frame will fit in with most bedrooms. However, some of our testers found that the bars were too close together. This could cause them to catch on baby toys or clothes. The distance between bars should not exceed 6.5cm (2 inches) in order to keep your baby's head from getting trapped. This crib is ideal for babies with reflux too because its ComfortAir breathability technology helps regulate their temperature.
Comfort
Staying close to your baby throughout the night will give you peace of mind, but you should be able to reach them quickly for middle-of-the-night feeding. With a crib at your bedside it is possible to do this easily without getting out of bed. They also make it easy to help babies fall asleep. However, if you want to sleep with your baby, but aren't keen on the idea of getting out of bed for every feed moses baskets are the better option.
Most cribs that are bedside can be affixed to the sides of your bed and allow you to view and get to your baby easily. They usually have a mesh window to allow you to check on your baby without disrupting them. You can also find an option to treat reflux that can help with colic and reflux.
This crib comes with a wide range of features, but we're amazed by the ComfortAir breathable Mattress that regulates your baby's body temperature and increases airflow. It's smaller than other cribs for bedside use which can be beneficial in areas that are limited in space. However, our mom 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 where your baby may get caught. It also comes with a firm, flat mattress that meets safety standards and encourages healthy sleeping practices.
It is important to be aware that your baby is likely to get out of their crib once they are standing up at around six months. This is why it's important to put them in a cot or other sleeping arrangement when they've outgrown the crib.
A lightweight cot that is suitable for travel is a further aspect to consider. Some of our mothers appreciate the fact that this crib can be taken apart for easy transport, but others find it tricky to assemble and put back together. It isn't easy to clean, so you'll need to wipe it down frequently using an appropriate cleaning product and cloth.
Storage
A bedside cot that is 6 months old plus is an upholstered bassinet cot that can be fixed to the side of your bed for a safe and secure co-sleeping. These are great for calming babies to sleep, allowing night feedings and also allowing mothers who had a c-section to keep their baby close.
When choosing a bedside crib it's crucial to ensure that it meets current safety standards. Make sure that the bars are enough apart to prevent your child's head from being stuck, and make sure the sides that drop down are secure and don't open abruptly. Do not place stickers or transfer on the surface of the cot as 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 decent size and has plenty of storage for your baby's necessities. It's also compact and lightweight enough to fit in a bag for travel, should you want to move it around. If foldable bedside crib seeking something a bit more simple, she suggests the Shnuggle Air on the side of the crib.