Bedside Cot 6 Months Plus
Bedside sleepers let you have your baby in the same room with you, without the risks of sharing a bed. They're an excellent choice for babies.
Look for models that have an adjustable height which allows for a perfect fit on the majority of bed frames. Look for fabrics that are easy-to-clean and breathable.
Safety
A bedside cot is an upholstered bassinet that is attached to the side of your bed for secure co-sleeping. It can be used to bring your baby to you for comfort, feeding or to soothe your baby at night. It's also an excellent option if you had a c-section. It differs from a Moses Basket or Cot because it has walls that are high so your baby cannot be pushed out. Some come with a tilt feature that can aid babies with reflux and colic. They're also a bit bigger than Moses baskets, which may make them easier to carry from room to room.
The NHS and the safe sleep charity The Lullaby Trust advise that newborns should be in their own cot or bassinet in the same room as their parents, but not in your bed. This is because bed-sharing increases the risk of suffocation and overheating. Bedside cribs offer the best of both worlds by permitting your child to sleep close to you during the night, but still in their own private and secure sleeping space.
When selecting a crib that is bedside, check that it meets the latest safety standards (it should be BS EN 1130:2019) and does not have any gaps or parts that could cause your child to become trapped. Choose a mattress that has an even, firm surface. A soft or sagging mattress can increase your baby's risk of SIDS, so opt for a brand new mattress, rather than second-hand.
Finally, you should look for bedding that is fitted and free of any loose blankets or pillows. Pillows can cause suffocation and duvets could get stuck to baby's face. Use a fitted sheet but make sure that it is properly fitted.
Our MFM mom 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 has an adjustable height for a perfect fit. It comes with a rocking function and can be set to an inclined angle for reflux. It is a great option for those with narrow or small beds because it doesn't take up the entire space.
Design
It is essential to think about the style of your crib at night, as this will be the area where your baby will spend the majority of their time. There are many cribs available in a variety of colours that match your decor. Some come with features like mesh windows to keep the baby visible or drop-down sides that allow easier access. Some cribs have incline features to aid in reflux.
You can raise and lower the majority of cribs to match the height of your bed which makes it easier to get into and out of bed. You can even find some that are designed to function as travel cots, which is great when you're traveling or visiting relatives.
Home tester and MFM mom Leya found that the SnuzPod 4's stylish Scandi design complemented her bedroom decor and added that its compact fold was ideal for sizing up space. Leya also appreciated that one side of crib can be adjusted to lower, letting her to pick up her child without having to get out of bed. This is particularly helpful in the event that you've had a C-section or recovering from an Caesarean because it allows you to stay close to your baby for a longer period of time.
Another mum who enjoyed using the SnuzPod 4 is Jasmine who said that it was easy to move from room room - something she couldn't discover with other bedside cribs she tested. She did mention that the handle was a bit stiff and it took a lot of effort to move the crib.
Another bedside crib that's simple to fold and move is the Tutti Bambini CoZee Air, which was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards as the The Best Cot Crib, Moses Basket. The neutral colours and slim frame will match 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 be no more than 6.5cm (2.5 inches) to ensure your baby's head doesn't get caught in. This crib is also ideal for babies with reflux, due to the ComfortAir breathable system helps regulate body temperature.
Comfort
Staying close to your baby all night will give you peace of mind, however, you must be able to reach them quickly for middle-of-the-night feeding. You can do this without having to leave your bed, by having a crib by your bedside. These cribs make it simple to soothe babies into sleep. If, however, you'd like to snuggle with your baby, but don't want the hassle of getting out of bed for every feed moses baskets are the better option.
Most bedside cribs can be affixed to the bed's side that allows you to see and get to your baby easily. They typically come with a mesh window, so you can check on your baby without disrupting them. There is also an option for reflux that aids with colic and reflux.
We're awestruck by the variety of features on this crib, particularly the ComfortAir breathable mattress that works to regulate your baby's temperature and maximise airflow. It's smaller than other cribs for bedside use which can be beneficial in areas that are limited in space. But our mum testers all agree that it's still an excellent choice for those long sleeps.
The cot is securely attached to the side of your bed using adjustable straps. This reduces the possibility of gaps where your baby might get trapped. It also comes with a sturdy flat mattress that is in line with safety standards and promotes the safest sleeping habits.
You should be aware that your baby will start to get out of their crib when they're standing up, which is usually about six months old. It is essential to place your child in a cot or in a different arrangement for sleeping after they've outgrown their crib.
A cot that is lightweight and suitable for travel is another aspect to consider. Some of our mums really appreciate the fact that this crib can be dismantled for easy transport, but others find it tricky to assemble and rebuild. It can be difficult to clean, so you'll need to wipe it down frequently using a cleaning product and a cloth.
Storage
A bedside cot that is 6 months old plus is an upholstered bassinet cot that can be fixed to the bed's side to ensure safe co-sleeping. They are great for feeding at night, soothing babies to sleep, and enabling mums who have had a c-section to keep their baby close.
When choosing a bedside crib it is important to make sure that it complies with current safety standards. Make sure that the bars are spaced enough apart to avoid your baby's head becoming trapped. Also, make sure that any drop-down sides are secure and don't open unexpectedly. Also, stay clear of any stickers or transfers on the cot surface as they could be a choking hazard.
Emily's preferred bedside cot for her baby is the Next2me Magic. It was selected for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in the categories of Best Crib or Cot, and the Best Moses Basket. It's a decent size with plenty of storage for all your baby's essentials. bedside crib that turns into cot 's also compact and lightweight enough to fit in its bag for travel, should you're planning to move it around. If you're looking for something a little more simple, she suggests the Shnuggle Air on the side of the crib.