Bedside Cot 6 Months Plus
Bedside sleepers let you keep your baby in the same space with you without the risk associated with sharing a bed. They are also a great choice for newborns.
Look for models with an adjustable height which allows for a perfect fit on all bed frames. Look for fabrics that are easy-to-clean and ventilated.
Safety
A bedside cot is an upholstered bassinet that is attached to the side of your bed to ensure safe co-sleeping. It can be used to bring your baby toward you to provide comfort, feed or soothing at the end of the night. It's also an excellent alternative if you've had a c-section. It's different from a Moses basket or cot because it has high sides so your baby isn't able to fall out. Some models have a tilt feature that can help babies with colic or reflux. They're also a bit bigger than Moses baskets, which could make 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 in same room with their parents. They shouldn't be sleeping in your bed. This is because sharing a bed increases the chance of suffocation and overheating. Bedside cribs offer the best of both worlds, giving your baby the opportunity to be close to you throughout the night, but still in their own private and secure sleeping space.
Make sure the crib is compliant with the most current safety standards. It should be BS EN1130, 2019. Also, ensure there aren't any gaps or places where your child could become trapped. Also, look for a mattress that's solid and flat. A mattress that is too sagging or that is too soft may increase the risk of SIDS for your baby.
Also, make sure you choose bedding that is fitted and free of loose blankets or pillows. Duvets and pillows can suffocate your baby, and pillows can stick to their face. Use a fitted sheet however, make sure it fits properly.
Our MFM mother testers have discovered that the SnuzPod4 is a great option for a bedside crib, selected for 2021's Mother&Baby Awards in the Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket category. It is securely attached to the bed, and can be adjusted to ensure the perfect fit. It has a rocking feature and can be set to an inclined angle for reflux. It's a great option for those with narrow or small beds as it doesn't take up too much space.
Design
It is important to consider the design of your bedside crib, as this will be the place where your baby will spend the majority of their time. There are a variety of cribs available in a variety of colors that match your decor. Some cribs have features like mesh windows to keep the baby visible or drop-down sides that make it easier to access. Some cribs come with incline features to aid in reflux.
The majority of cribs can be adjusted to match the height of your bed, making it easy to get into and out of your bed at time of night. Some cribs can be used as travel cots. This is a great option when you're traveling or visiting relatives.
Leya, a MFM mom and home tester, realized that the SnuzPod 4 was a great fit for her bedroom decor. She also loved its compact fold, which helped save space. She also appreciated that one side of the crib is lowered so that she can take her newborn baby to bed without leaving her bed. This is especially beneficial if you have had a C-section or recovering from an Caesarean because it allows you to sleep close to your newborn for longer.
Jasmine is another mum who liked using the SnuzPod 4. She said it was simple for her to move the crib from one room to the next - something she did not see with other cribs. She did mention that the handle was a bit stiff and required an enormous amount of effort to lift 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 to be the Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket. Its slim frame and neutral colour options can be incorporated into the majority of bedrooms, but some of our testers at home felt the bars were too close, which means they could catch on clothes or baby toys. The bars' distance should not exceed 6.5cm (2 inches) to avoid your baby's head from becoming trapped. This crib is also ideal for babies who have reflux, because the ComfortAir breathable system assists in regulating their body temperature.
Comfort
You'll feel more secure when you are able to reach your baby quickly to feed them in the middle of the night. You can accomplish this without having to leave your bed, with a crib right at your bedside. They also make it simple to soothe babies back to sleep. However, if you want to snuggle with your baby, but aren't keen on the idea of having to get out of bed to feed your baby A moses basket is a better choice.
The majority of cribs for bedside are attached to the bedside, so you can easily be able to see and reach your baby. Many have mesh windows so you can monitor your baby without disturbing him. They might also include a reflux setting to help with reflux or colic.
We're awestruck by the variety of features that are included 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 that could be useful in areas that are limited in space. However, our mom testers agree that it's still an excellent option for those long nights.
The cot is attached securely to the bed's side using adjustable straps. This reduces the possibility of gaps where your child may get trapped. It also comes with a sturdy, flat mattress that meets safety standards and promotes healthy sleeping practices.
wooden bedside cot to keep in mind is that your baby could begin to get out of the crib when they're tall enough to sit, usually around six months. It's important that you place your child in a cot or in a different arrangement for sleeping after they've outgrown their crib.
Another aspect to consider is how lightweight the crib is and if it's suitable for travelling. Many of our mothers appreciate the fact that this crib can be taken apart for transport, but others find it difficult to assemble. It isn't easy to clean so you will need to wipe it down regularly with an appropriate cleaning product and cloth.
Storage
A bedside cot suitable for 6 months and older is a bassinet-style crib that is attached to the side of your mattress to ensure safe co-sleeping. They're great for night feeds and calming babies to sleep, and allowing mothers who've had C-sections to keep their baby close.
It's important that you choose cribs that are in line with current safety standards. Make sure that the bars are spaced enough apart to prevent your child's head from being stuck, and make sure the sides that drop down are secure and don't open abruptly. Also, avoid any transfer or stickers that are placed on the cot's surface as they could be a choking hazard.
Emily's bedside cot of choice for her baby is the Next2me Magic. It was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in the categories of Best Cot or Crib, and Best Moses Basket. It's a great size and offers plenty of storage space to store everything your baby needs. It's also compact and light enough to fit into its travel bag in case you have to transport it from room to room. If you're looking for something simpler her recommendation is Shnuggle Air alongside Crib.