Bedside Cot 6 Months Plus
Bedside sleepers allow you to keep your baby in the same space with you without the risk of bed-sharing. They are also a great choice for babies.
Models with adjustable height positions will fit perfectly on all bed frames. Find fabrics that are easy-to-clean and comfortable to breathe.
Safety
A bedside cot is described as a bassinet that is connected to the side of a bed for safe cosleeping. It can be used to bring your baby towards you to provide comfort, feed or to help soothe them at the night. It's also a great option if you have had a c section. It is different from a Moses Basket or Cot as it has walls that are high so your baby cannot be pushed out. Some models have a tilt function which can help babies suffering from reflux and colic. They are also a bit larger than Moses baskets, making them easier to move from room room.
The NHS and The Lullaby Trust, a safe sleep charity, suggest that babies be placed in a bassinet or cot that is in the same room with their parents. They should not be sleeping in your bed. Bed-sharing increases the risks of overheating or suffocation. Bedside cribs permit your baby to rest close to you however, in a secure and separate space.
When you are choosing a crib for your bed ensure that it meets the most recent safety standards (it must be BS EN 1130:2019) and does not have any gaps or parts that could cause your baby to be trapped. Choose a mattress that has an even, firm surface. A mattress that is sagging or that is too soft could increase the risk of SIDS for your baby.
Make sure your bedding is well-fitted and free of pillows or blankets that are sloppy. Duvets and pillows can suffocate your baby, and pillows can stick to their face. It's a good idea to make use of a fitted sheet instead, but make sure it's sized correctly.
Our MFM mum testers have found that the SnuzPod4 is a great option for a crib that is positioned near the bed, being shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in the best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket category. It is securely attached to the bed, and it can be adjusted to ensure an ideal fit. It has a rocking feature and can be set to an inclined position to prevent reflux. It is a great choice for those who have narrow or small beds as it doesn't take up any space.
Design
It is important to consider the style of your crib at night because this is the area where your baby will spend the majority of their time. Many cribs are available in a variety of colours that match your decor. Some come with features such as mesh windows to keep the baby's view or drop-down sides that facilitate access. Some even have incline functions to aid in reflux.
bedside cot crib can raise and lower the majority of cribs to your bed's height which makes it easier to get into and out of the bed. You can even find some that are designed to work as travel cribs, which are ideal if you're travelling or visiting relatives.
Home tester and MFM mum Leya discovered that the SnuzPod 4's sleek Scandi styling complements her bedroom decor, adding that its compact fold was ideal for space-saving. She also liked the fact that one side of the crib can be adjusted to lower, letting her pick up her baby without having to get out of bed. This is particularly helpful if you have had a C-section or are recovering from an Caesarean because it means you can sleep near your baby for longer.
Jasmine is another mom who loved using the SnuzPod 4. She noted that it was easy to move the crib from one room to another which she could not find with other bedside cribs. However, she said that it took some effort to raise 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 for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards to be the Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket. The neutral colours and slim frame will fit in with the majority of bedrooms. However, some of our testers thought that the bars were too close to each other. This could result in them getting caught on baby toys or clothing. The distance between the bars should be no more than 6.5cm (2.5 inches) to ensure that your baby's head isn't entangled. This crib is also good for babies with reflux, due to the ComfortAir air-tight system helps regulate their body temperature.
Comfort
A close and secure baby all night will give you peace of mind, but you must be able to reach them quickly for middle-of-the-night feeding. You can easily do this without having to get out of bed with a crib right at your bedside. They also make it easier to help babies fall asleep. If you'd like to be able to lay down with your child but don't want the hassle of getting up every time they're fed, a moses-basket is an ideal alternative.
Most cribs that are bedside can be positioned on the sides of your bed, allowing you to see and reach your baby easily. They often have a mesh window which allows you to observe your baby without disturbing 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 impressed by the ComfortAir breathable Mattress that regulates your baby's body temperature and increases airflow. It's smaller than some other cribs for bedside use and can be useful in areas where space is scarce. Our mum testers agree that this crib is an excellent choice for sleepless, long nights.
The cot securely attaches to the side of your bed by means of adjustable straps. This reduces the risk of gaps in which your child could get trapped. It also comes with a sturdy and flat mattress that meets safety standards and promotes the safest sleeping habits.
It is important to be aware that your baby will start to climb out of their crib once they are capable of sitting upright typically around six months. It's crucial to put your child in a cot, or another sleeping arrangement after they've outgrown their crib.
Another feature to take into consideration is how light the crib is, and if it's suitable for traveling. Some of our mothers are thrilled that this crib can easily be disassembled to transport it however, others aren't able to put it together. It can also be difficult to keep clean, so you'll need to regularly wipe it down with a cloth and a cleaning product.
Storage
A bedside cot for 6 months plus is a bassinet-style cot that fixes to the bed's side for a safe and secure co-sleeping. They're great for night feeds and calming babies to sleep and enabling mums who have had a c-section to keep their baby close.
When selecting a crib that is bedside it is important to ensure that it complies with current safety standards. Check that the bars on the crib are positioned sufficiently apart to prevent your child's head from getting trapped. Also, make sure that the drop-down side is safe and doesn't fall open accidentally. Do not place stickers or transfer onto the surface of the cot since they could be a choking risk.
Emily's preferred bedside cot 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 Best Moses Basket. It is a good size and has plenty of storage for the essentials of your baby. It's also compact and light enough to be able to fit in its travel bag if you want to move it around. If you're looking for something less complicated she suggests Shnuggle Air in addition to Crib.