Bedside Cot 6 Months Plus
Bedside sleepers let you have your baby in the same space with you without the dangers of sharing a bed. They're an excellent choice for infants.
Models with adjustable height positions can be placed perfectly on most bed frames. Look for fabrics that are easy to clean and comfortable to breathe.
bedside crib or cot can be described as a bassinet which is attached to the side of a bed for safe sleeping. It can be used to bring your baby towards you to comfort them, feed them or to soothe your baby 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 due to the fact that it has high sides to ensure your baby won't fall out. Some 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 with their parents but not in your bed. Bed-sharing increases the risks of suffocation or overheating. Bedside cribs give you the best of both worlds, giving your baby the opportunity to be close to you throughout the night, but still in their own secure and private sleeping space.
Make sure that the crib is in compliance with the most recent safety standards. It should be BS EN1130:2019. Also, ensure that there aren't any gaps or places that could allow your child to get trapped. Also make sure you choose a mattress that's firm and flat. A mattress that is sagging or that is too soft may increase the risk of SIDS in your baby.
Look for bedding that is well-fitted and does not have loose blankets or pillowcases. Pillows pose a risk of suffocation and duvets could get stuck to baby's face. Use a fitted sheet however, make sure it is fitted correctly.
The SnuzPod4 was rated highly by our MFM mother test participants as a crib that is suitable for bedside use. It has been shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards under the category of the Best Cot, Moses Basket or Crib. It is secured to the bed, and it is adjustable to ensure the perfect fit. It comes with a rocking function and can be set to an inclined angle for reflux. It is also an excellent option for those with bed sizes that are small or narrow, as it does not take up much space.
Design
The design of a crib for the bed is crucial as it will be the place where your child will spend most of their time. A lot of cribs are available with 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 allow for easier access. Some cribs are equipped with incline options to aid in reflux.
Many cribs can also be lowered and raised to fit the height of your bed, making it easier to get out and in to your bed at the end of the night. There are even some that are designed to work as travel cots, which is great for those who are traveling or visiting relatives.
Leya is an MFM mom and home tester, realized that the SnuzPod 4 was a great fit for her bedroom decor. She also appreciated its compact fold, which helped save space. She also liked that the crib's one side can be lowered so that she can pick up her sleeping newborn without leaving her bed. This is especially beneficial if you have had a C-section or recovering from a Caesarean which means you can sleep near your newborn for longer.
Jasmine is another mum who enjoyed using the SnuzPod 4. She noted that it was easy to move the crib from one room to another - something she did not see with other cribs. However, she noted that it took some effort to raise and lower the crib, since the handle was rigid.
Another crib that's easy to fold and move is the Tutti Bambini CoZee Air, which was shortlisted in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards to be the Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket. Its slim frame and neutral colors can be incorporated into most bedrooms, although some of our home testers felt the bars were too close together, meaning they could catch on clothes or baby toys. The bars' distance shouldn't exceed 6.5cm (2 inches) to avoid your baby's head from getting stuck. This crib is ideal for babies who have reflux, as its ComfortAir breathability technology helps regulate their temperature.
Comfort
You'll feel more secure when you can quickly reach your baby to feed them in the middle of the night. You can accomplish this without having to get up from bed with a crib at your bedside. They also make it simple to calm babies back to sleep. If you'd like to to sleep with your child but don't want the hassle of getting up every time they need to be fed, a moses-basket can be an ideal alternative.
The majority of cribs for bedside are attached to the bedside, so you can easily access and touch your baby. Some have mesh windows, to allow you to monitor your baby without disrupting the baby. They may also have a reflux setting to help with reflux or colic.
We're amazed by the amount of features on this crib, especially the ComfortAir air-tight mattress that helps to regulate your baby's temperature and maximize airflow. It's a bit smaller than other cribs that are bedside and can be useful in areas where space is scarce. However, our mum testers are in agreement that it's an excellent choice for those long sleeps.
The cot securely attaches to the side of your bed with adjustable straps, which reduces the possibility of gaps that your child could get trapped. It also comes with a firm, flat mattress that meets safety standards and promotes the safest sleeping practices.
One thing to keep in mind is that your baby may start to leave the crib when they're able to sit up at around six months. It's important that you place your child in a cot, or a different sleeping arrangement after they've outgrown their crib.
A cot that is lightweight and suitable for travel is an additional aspect to consider. Some of our mums really love the fact that this crib can be taken apart for easy transport, but others find it a bit difficult to assemble and rebuild. It is also difficult to keep clean, so you'll need to clean it regularly with a cloth and a cleaning product.
Stores
A bedside cot 6 months plus is an upholstered bassinet cot that can be fixed to the side of your bed to ensure safe co-sleeping. These are great for calming babies to sleep, allowing night feedings and allowing mums who had a c section to keep their baby close.
When choosing a bedside crib it is important to make sure that it meets current safety standards. Make sure that the crib's bars are positioned sufficiently apart to keep your child's head from getting trapped. Also, ensure that the drop-down sides are safe and doesn't fall open accidentally. Do not place stickers or transfer on the floor of the cot because they could pose a choking risk.
Emily's top pick 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's a decent size with plenty of storage for the essentials of your baby. It's also small and light enough to fit in a bag for travel, should you need to move it around. If you want something simpler she suggests Shnuggle Air in addition to Crib.