Bedside Cot 6 Months Plus
Bedside sleepers let you keep your baby in the same room with you, without the risks associated with bed-sharing. They're a great choice for infants.
Look for models with an adjustable height which gives a perfect fit on most bed frames. Also, look for breathable fabrics that are easy to clean.
Safety
A bedside cot is a bassinet-style cot that fixes to the side of your bed to ensure secure co-sleeping. It can be used to bring your baby toward you to provide comfort, feed or to soothe your baby at night. It's also a great alternative if you've had a c-section. It differs from a Moses Basket or Cot in that it has high walls, so your baby isn't able to be pushed out. Some models come with a tilt feature that can help babies with colic or reflux. They are also a bit larger than Moses baskets which makes them easier to move from room to room.
The NHS and The Lullaby Trust, a safe sleep charity, recommend that babies be placed in a bassinet or cot that is in the same room as their parents. They shouldn't be sleeping in your bed. This is due to bed sharing increasing the risk of suffocation as well as overheating. Bedside cribs allow your child to sleep with you however, in a secure and separate space.
Check that the crib meets the most recent safety standards. It should be BS EN1130, 2019. Also, ensure that there are bedside crib and travel cot or parts where your child could become trapped. Also make sure you choose a mattress that's firm and flat. A sagging or overly soft mattress could increase the risk of SIDS, so opt for a brand new mattress, instead of second-hand.
Finally, you should look for bedding that is affixed and free of loose blankets or pillows. Duvets and pillows can suffocate your baby, while pillows can stick to their face. Use a fitted sheet however, make sure it fits properly.
Our MFM mom testers have discovered that the SnuzPod4 is an excellent 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 attached securely to the bed, and it is adjustable to ensure a perfect fit. It features a rocking feature and can be set to an inclined angle for reflux. It is also an excellent option for those with narrow or small beds as it doesn't take up the entire space.
Design
It is important to consider the design of your bedside crib because this is the area where your baby will spend the majority of their time. A lot of cribs are available in a choice of colours to suit your decor and feature features such as mesh windows that keep your baby in view, or sides that drop down that make it easier to reach. Some cribs are equipped with incline options to aid in reflux.
The majority of cribs can be raised and lowered to the same height as your bed, making it simple to get in and out of bed at night. There are even some that are made to work as travel cots, which are great for those who are traveling or visiting relatives.
Home tester and MFM mum Leya discovered that the SnuzPod 4's sleek, Scandi style was a perfect match for her bedroom, adding that its compact fold was perfect to save space. Leya also appreciated that one side of the crib can be raised, letting her to pick up her baby without needing to get out of bed. This is particularly helpful when you've had an Caesarean or are recovering from one. You can remain close to your baby for longer.
Another mom who loved using the SnuzPod 4 is Jasmine, who commented that it was easy to move from room to room - something she couldn't get with other cribs for bedside that she tried. She did mention that the handle was stiff and required quite a bit of effort to lift the crib.
The Tutti Bambini CoZee Air is another crib that is easy to fold and move. It was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in the Best Cot or Crib category. The neutral colors and slim frame will fit in with most bedrooms. However some of our test subjects found that the bars were too close together. This could cause them to get caught on baby toys or clothing. The distance between bars should not exceed 6.5cm (2 inches) in order to prevent your baby's head from getting stuck. This is a great crib for reflux babies too, as its ComfortAir breathing technology helps regulate their temperature.
Comfort
You will feel more secure if can quickly reach your baby to feed them in the middle of the night. With a crib at your bedside it is possible to do this without having to get out of bed. They also make it easy to soothe babies back to sleep. If you want to be able to sleep with your child, but do not want to hassle with getting up each time they're fed, a moses-basket can be an ideal option.
Most cribs with a bedside are attached to the bedside, so you can easily be able to see and reach your baby. Many have mesh windows which allow you to watch your baby without disturbing the baby. They might also include a reflux setting to aid in reflux or colic.
This crib has a lot of options, but we're particularly amazed by the ComfortAir air-tight Mattress that regulates the temperature of your baby's body and increases airflow. It's smaller than other bedside cribs which could be useful in areas that are limited in space. But our mum testers all are in agreement that it's a great option for those long sleeps.
The cot is secured to the side of the bed by means of adjustable straps. This minimizes the chance of gaps in which your child may get trapped. It also comes with a sturdy and flat mattress that meets safety standards and promotes safe sleep practices.
It is important to know that your baby will start to climb out of their crib when they're able to sit upright, which is usually 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 lightweight cot that is suitable for travel is another aspect to consider. Some of our mothers enjoy the fact that the crib is able to be dismantled for easy transport, while others find it a bit tricky to assemble and rebuild. It isn't easy to clean so you will have to wipe it clean frequently using the aid of a cleaner and a cloth.
Storage
A bedside cot suitable for 6 months and up is a bassinet shaped crib that is attached to the side of your mattress to allow secure co-sleeping. They are ideal for calming babies to sleep, allowing night feedings and allowing mums who had a c section to keep their baby close.
When you are choosing a crib for your bed, it's important to ensure that it meets current safety standards. Check that the bars are far enough apart to prevent your baby's head becoming trapped. Also, make sure that any drop-down sides are secure and won't pop open suddenly. Do not place stickers or transfer onto the surface of the cot since they may pose the risk of choking.
Emily's bedside cot of choice 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 great size with plenty of storage for the essentials of your baby. It's also compact and light enough to fit into its travel bag if you need to move it from room to room. If you're looking for something a little simpler, she recommends the Shnuggle Air next to the crib.