Bedside Cot 6 Months Plus
Bedside sleepers let you keep your baby close to you do without the danger of bed-sharing, which is associated with an increased risk of suffocation. They're also a great option for infants.
Look for models that have an adjustable height that allows for a perfect fit on all bed frames. Also look for breathable fabrics that are easy to clean.
Safety
A bedside cot can be described as an upholstered bassinet that is attached to the side of your bed for safe co-sleeping. It is a great way to lift baby up towards you at night for feeding or comforting. it's a great option for a c-section. It differs from a Moses Basket or Cot because it has walls that are high so your baby cannot escape. Some come with a tilt feature which can help babies with reflux and colic. They're also a bit larger than Moses baskets, which could make them easier to carry from room to room.
The NHS and The Lullaby Trust, a safe sleep charity, suggest that babies be placed in a bassinet or cot in the same room with their parents. They shouldn't be in your bed. Sharing a bed increases the risk of suffocation or overheating. Bedside cribs offer the best of both worlds, giving your baby the opportunity to be close to you throughout the night, but in their own secure and private sleeping space.
Make sure that the crib is in compliance with the most current safety standards. It should be BS EN1130, 2019. Also, ensure there aren't any gaps or places where your baby could get trapped. Choose a mattress that has a firm, flat surface. A sagging or overly soft mattress can increase the risk of SIDS, so opt for a brand new mattress instead of second-hand.
Look for bedding that is well-fitted and does not have pillows or blankets that are loose. Duvets and pillows can choke your baby, while pillows can stick to their face. Use a fitted sheet, but make sure that it is fitted correctly.
Our MFM mum testers have found that the SnuzPod4 is a great option for a bedside crib, shortlisted in 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 an ideal fit. It has a rocking feature and can be adjusted to an inclined angle for reflux. It is also an excellent choice for those who have narrow or small beds because it doesn't take up the entire space.
Design
It is essential to think about the design of your bedside crib since this is the area where your baby will spend the majority of their time. There are a variety of cribs available in a variety of colors that can be matched to your decor. Some come with features like mesh windows to keep the baby visible or drop-down sides to make it easier to access. Some cribs also have incline features to help with reflux.
You can adjust the height of the majority of cribs to match the height of your bed, making it easier to get into and out of bed. Some cribs can also be used as travel cots. This is great for when you travel or visiting family.
Home tester and MFM mom Leya found that the SnuzPod 4's stylish Scandi design was a perfect match for her bedroom, adding that its compact fold was ideal for sizing up space. She also appreciated 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 helpful if you've been through a Caesarean or are recovering from one. You can remain close to your baby for longer.
Another mom who loved using the SnuzPod 4 was Jasmine who said 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 note that the handle was a bit stiff and required a lot of effort to raise the crib.
The Tutti Bambini CoZee Air is another bedside crib which is easy to fold and move. It was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in their Best Cot or Crib category. Its slim frame and neutral color options will work well in the majority of bedrooms, but some of our home testers felt the bars were too close together, meaning they could catch on clothes or baby toys. The distance between the bars should not exceed 6.5cm (2.5 inches) to ensure that your baby's head can't become trapped. This is a great crib for babies with reflux too because its ComfortAir breathable technology helps regulate temperature.
Comfort
A close and secure baby all night will provide peace of mind, however, you must be in a position to be able to get them quickly during the night for feeding. With a bedside crib you can do this without getting out of the bed. They also make it easier to help babies fall asleep. If you want to be able to lay down with your child but do not want to hassle with getting up each time they need to be fed, a moses's-basket is a good option.
Most cribs with a bedside are connected to the bedside which allows you to be able to see and reach your baby. They typically feature a mesh-like window so you can check on your baby without having to disturb them. They might also have a reflux setting to help with reflux or colic.
This crib comes with a wide range of features, but we're most impressed by the ComfortAir air-tight Mattress that regulates your baby's body temperature and maximizes airflow. It's a bit smaller than some other cribs that are bedside which can be useful in areas where space is scarce. But our mum testers all agree that it's a great option for those long nights.
The cot securely attaches to the side of your bed with adjustable straps, which minimizes the chance of gaps where your baby may get caught. It also comes with a firm and flat mattress that meets safety standards and promotes the safest sleeping habits.
It is important to know that your baby will begin to get out of their crib when they're able to sit upright at around six months. This is the reason it's crucial to put them in a cot or other sleeping arrangement once they outgrow the crib.
A cot that is lightweight and suitable for travel is an additional aspect to consider. Many of our mothers appreciate that this crib is able to be taken apart for transport however, others aren't able to put it together. It can also be difficult to keep clean, so you'll need regularly clean it with a cloth and cleaning product.
Storage
A bedside cot that is 6 months old plus is a bassinet-style cot that fixes to the bed's side to ensure safe co-sleeping. bedside crib travel cot are great for feeding at night as well as calming babies back to sleep and allowing mothers who have had a c-section to keep their baby close.
It's crucial to choose cribs that are in line with the latest safety standards. Make sure that the crib's bars are positioned sufficiently apart to ensure that your child's head isn't becoming trapped. Also, ensure that the drop-down sides are secured and doesn't open accidentally. Also, beware of any transfer or stickers that are placed on the cot's surface as they could pose a choking hazard.
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's a decent size, with plenty of space for the essentials of your baby. It's also light and compact enough to fit into its travel bag should you need to move it from room to room. If you're seeking something a bit easier, she suggests the Shnuggle Air on the side of the crib.