Bedside Cot 6 Months Plus
Bedside sleepers allow you to keep your baby close in the same room with you without the risk of bed-sharing, which is associated with an increased risk of being suffocated. They're a great choice for infants.
Look for models with an adjustable height that allows for a perfect fit on most bed frames. Also look for breathable fabrics that are easy to clean.
Safety
A bedside cot could be described as a bassinet which is connected to the bed's side to ensure safe cosleeping. It can be used to pull your baby towards you to comfort them, feed them or soothing at night. It's also a great alternative if you've have had a c section. It's different from a Moses basket or cot because it has high sides to ensure your baby isn't able to fall out. Some have a tilt function which can help babies suffering from reflux and colic. They 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 in their own bassinet or cot in the same room as their parents however, not in your bed. This is because bed-sharing increases the risk of suffocation and overheating. Bedside cribs allow your baby to sleep close to you, but in a safe 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 doesn't have any gaps or parts that could cause your child to get trapped. Also, look for mattresses that are firm and flat. A mattress that is sagging or that is too soft may increase the risk of SIDS for your baby.
Also, make sure you choose bedding that's fitted and free from any loose blankets or pillows. Pillows can cause suffocation and duvets can be a hazard on the baby's face. Use a fitted sheet but ensure that it is fitted correctly.
Our MFM mum testers have found that the SnuzPod4 is an excellent option for a bedside crib, selected for 2021's Mother&Baby Awards in the best Cot, Crib, or Moses Basket category. It is secure to the bed and has an adjustable height to ensure the perfect fit. bedside cots comes with a rocking function and can be set to an inclined angle for reflux. It's a good choice for those with narrow or small beds as it does not take up a lot of room.
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. There are many cribs available in a variety of colors to suit your decor and include features such as mesh windows that keep baby in view, or drop-down sides that allow for easier access. Some cribs have incline features to aid in reflux.
The majority of cribs can be adjusted to fit the height of your bed, making it easy to get into and out of bed at the end of the night. You can even find some that are designed to function as travel cribs, which are ideal for those who are traveling or visiting relatives.
Leya is an MFM mother and home tester, realized that the SnuzPod 4 was a great choice for her bedroom. She also loved its compact fold, which helped save space. She also appreciated that one side of the crib is lowered and allows her to pick up her sleeping baby without having to leave her bed. This is especially helpful if you have had a C-section or recovering from an Caesarean because it allows you to sleep close to your baby for longer.
Another mom who was happy using the SnuzPod 4 was Jasmine, who commented that it was easy to move from room room, something she didn't find with some of the other cribs she looked at for bedside use. She did mention that the handle was stiff and required an enormous amount of effort to move 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 to be the The Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket. Its slim frame and neutral colour options can be incorporated into the majority of bedrooms, but some of our home testers thought the bars were a little too close, which means they could get caught on clothing or toys for babies. The distance between bars should not exceed 6.5cm (2 inches) to avoid your baby's head from getting trapped. This crib is ideal for babies who have reflux, as its ComfortAir breathing technology helps regulate temperature.
Comfort
Staying close to your baby throughout the night will give you peace of mind, however, you should be in a position to be able to get them quickly for middle-of-the-night feeding. It is easy to accomplish this without having to get out of bed with a crib at your bedside. They also make it simple to soothe babies back to sleep. If you'd like to sleep with your baby, but don't want the hassle of having to get out of bed for every feed moses baskets are an ideal choice.
Most cribs that are bedside can be positioned on the bed's side and allow you to view and reach your baby easily. They often feature a mesh-like window so you can check on your baby without disrupting them. There is also an option for reflux that aids with colic and reflux.
This crib comes with a wide range of features, but we're most impressed by the ComfortAir breathable Mattress that regulates the temperature of your baby's body and maximizes airflow. It's smaller than other bedside cribs which can be beneficial in areas that are limited in space. However, her comment is here agree that it's an excellent choice for those long nights.
The cot is secured to the side of the bed using adjustable straps. This reduces the possibility of gaps where your child can get trapped. It comes with a flat, firm mattress that meets safety regulations and encourages good sleeping 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 typically around six months. It's important that you place your child in a cot or in a different arrangement for sleeping, once they outgrow their crib.
A cot that is light and suitable for travel is an additional feature to consider. Some of our mums really love the fact that this crib can be dismantled for easy transport, but others find it a bit tricky to assemble and rebuild. It's also a challenge to keep clean and therefore you'll have to clean it regularly with a cloth and cleaning product.
Storage
A bedside cot for six months and over is a bassinet shaped cot that attaches to the side of your mattress for safe co-sleeping. They're ideal for feeding your baby at night, soothing babies back to sleep and allowing mothers who have had a c-section to keep their baby close.
It's important that you choose cribs that are in line with current safety standards. Verify that the crib's bars are spaced sufficiently apart to ensure that your child's head isn't getting trapped. Also, make sure that any drop-down side is secure and doesn't open unintentionally. Do not place stickers or transfer onto the surface of the cot since they could pose the risk of choking.
Emily's favorite bedside cot for her baby is the Next2me Magic. It was selected for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in the categories of Best Cot or Crib, and Best Moses Basket. It's a great size and has plenty of storage space to store all the baby necessities. It's also lightweight and compact enough to fit in its travel bag in case you need to transport it from room to room. If you're seeking something a bit more simple, she suggests the Shnuggle Air next to the crib.