Bedside Cot 6 Months Plus
Bedside sleepers allow you to keep your baby in the same room as you without the risk of sharing a bed, which is associated with a higher chance of suffocation. They're an excellent choice for infants.
Models that have adjustable height positions can be placed perfectly on most bed frames. Also, look for breathable fabrics that are easy to clean.
Safety
A bedside cot is basically an old-fashioned bassinet cot that can be fixed to the bed's side for safe co-sleeping. It is a great way to raise your baby towards you at night for feeding or soothing. it's also a great choice if you have the need for a C-section. It's different from a Moses basket or cot because it has high sides to ensure your baby isn't able to 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 can make them easier to carry from room to room.
The NHS and safe sleep charity The Lullaby Trust advise that newborns should be in their own bassinet or cot in the same room as their parent but not in your bed. This is because sharing a bed increases the risk of suffocation as well as overheating. Bedside cribs provide the best of both worlds, giving your baby the opportunity to be close to you during the night, but in their own safe and separate sleeping space.
When selecting a crib that is bedside, check that it meets the latest safety standards (it must be BS EN 1130:2019) and doesn't have any gaps or parts that could cause your baby to be trapped. Look for a mattress with a flat, firm surface. A mattress that is too sagging or that is too soft could increase the risk of SIDS for your baby.
Look for bedding that is fitted and without pillows or blankets that are loose. bedside crib and travel cot can cause suffocation and duvets can be a hazard to baby's face. Use a fitted sheet but ensure that it is properly fitted.
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 attaches securely to the bed and comes with an adjustable height to ensure the perfect fit. It features a rocking feature and can be adjusted to an inclined position for reflux. It's a great option for those with narrow or small beds since it does not take up a lot of room.
Design
The design of a crib for the bed is crucial as it is the area where your baby will spend the majority of their time. There are a variety of cribs available in a variety of colours that can be matched to your decor. Some cribs have features such as mesh windows to keep the baby's eyes open or drop-down sides to make it easier to access. Some cribs even have incline functions to aid in reflux.
Most cribs can also be raised and lowered to match the height of your bed, making it easy to get out and in to the bed at time of night. Some cribs can serve as travel cots. This is a great option when you are travelling or visiting family.
Leya, a MFM mom and home tester, discovered that the SnuzPod 4 was a great design for her bedroom. She also liked its compact fold that saved space. She also liked the fact that the crib's one side can be raised, letting her to pick up her child without needing to get out of bed. This is particularly beneficial when you've had an Caesarean or are recovering from one. You can remain close to your baby for a longer time.
Jasmine is a mother who also enjoyed using the SnuzPod 4. She commented that it was easy to move the crib from one room to another - something she did not discover with other cribs for bed. However, she said that it required some effort to lift 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 for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards as the Best Cot Crib, Moses Basket. Its slim frame and neutral colors will work well in all bedrooms, though some of our home testers thought the bars were too close together, meaning they could get caught on clothing or baby toys. The distance between the bars should be no more than 6.5cm (2.5 inches) to ensure that your baby's head can't become trapped. This is a good crib for babies who have reflux because its ComfortAir breathing technology helps regulate temperature.
Comfort
Keeping your baby close throughout the night will give you peace of mind, but you must be able to reach them quickly during the night for feeding. You can do this without having to get up from bed with a crib right at your bedside. They also make it simple to soothe babies back to sleep. If, however, you'd like to sleep with your baby but aren't keen on the idea of waking up for every feed, a moses basket is an ideal choice.
Most cribs with a bedside are attached to the bedside, so you are able to easily see and reach your baby. Some have mesh windows, to allow you to monitor your baby without disturbing the baby. You may also find an option for reflux that aids with reflux and colic.
This crib has a lot 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 other bedside cribs which can be useful where space is limited. However, our mom testers are in agreement that it's a great option for those long sleeps.
The cot is securely attached to the bed's side by means of adjustable straps. This reduces the possibility of gaps where your child could become trapped. It also comes with a firm and flat mattress that meets safety standards and encourages healthy sleeping practices.
One thing to keep in mind is that your baby may begin to climb out of the crib when they're able to sit up typically around six months. It is essential to place your child in a cot or another sleeping arrangement, once they outgrow their crib.
Another aspect to consider is how lightweight the crib is and if it's suitable for traveling. Some of our mothers love the fact that this crib can be taken apart for easy transport, but others find it a bit tricky to assemble and rebuild. It's also a challenge to keep clean, so you'll need regularly clean it with a cloth and a cleaning product.
Stores
A bedside cot that is 6 months old plus is a bassinet-style cot which is fixed to the side of your bed for safe co-sleeping. They're great for night feeds as well as calming babies to sleep, and allowing mothers who've had a c-section to keep their baby close.
When choosing a bedside crib it's crucial to make sure that it complies with current safety standards. Make sure that the crib's bars are positioned sufficiently apart to prevent your child's head from becoming trapped. Also, make sure that the drop-down sides are secured and doesn't open accidentally. Avoid placing bedside crib travel cot or other objects on the surface of the cot since they could pose a choking risk.
Emily's top pick for a bedside cot is the Next2me Magic, which was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket. It's a decent size with plenty of storage for the essentials of your baby. It is also compact and light enough to be able to fit in a bag for travel, should you want to move it around. If you're looking for something a bit easier, she suggests the Shnuggle Air next to the crib.