Bedside Cot 6 Months Plus
Bedside sleepers let you have your baby in the same space with you, without the risks of bed-sharing. They're a great choice for newborns.
Find models with an adjustable height which allows for a perfect fit on the majority of bed frames. Find fabrics that are easy to clean and breathable.
Safety
A bedside cot can be described as an upholstered bassinet that is attached to the side of your bed to ensure secure co-sleeping. It can be used to bring your baby toward you to comfort them, feed them or to help soothe them at the end of the night. It's also an excellent alternative if you've had a c-section. It differs from a Moses Basket or Cot as it has high walls, so your baby won't be pushed out. Some models come with tilting features that help babies with colic and reflux. They are also slightly larger than Moses baskets, which makes them easier to move from room room.
The NHS and The Lullaby Trust, a safe sleep charity, recommend that babies be placed in a bassinet or cot in same room as their parents. They should not be in your bed. This is due to bed sharing increasing the chance of suffocation and overheating. Bedside cribs provide the best of both worlds, permitting your child to sleep close to you during the night, but in their own safe and separate sleeping space.
When you are choosing a crib for your bed, check that it meets the most recent 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. Also make sure you choose a mattress that's sturdy and flat. A soft or sagging mattress could increase the risk of SIDS, so opt for a new one rather than second-hand.
Make sure your bedding is well-fitted and does not have loose blankets or pillowcases. Pillows are a suffocation risk and duvets can be a hazard to baby's face. Use a fitted sheet, however, make sure it fits properly.
The SnuzPod4 was highly rated by our MFM mother test participants as a crib that is suitable for bedside use. It has been nominated for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards under the category of the Best Cot, Moses Basket or Crib. It is secured to the bed and it is adjustable to ensure the perfect fit. It also has a rocking feature and can be set to an incline to prevent reflux. It is also a great option for those with bed sizes that are small or narrow because it doesn't take up the entire space.
Design
The design of a bedside crib is crucial as it will be the area where your baby will spend most of their time. There are a variety of cribs available in a variety of colours that can be matched to your decor. Some come with features such as mesh windows to keep the baby's eyes open or drop-down sides that make it easier to access. Some cribs are equipped with incline options to aid in reflux.
The majority of cribs can be raised and lowered to match the height of your bed, making it easy to get in and out of bed at night. You can also find a few that are designed to work as travel cots, which are great for those who are traveling or visiting relatives.
Home tester and MFM mum Leya found that the SnuzPod 4's stylish Scandi design was a perfect match for her bedroom, adding that its compact fold was perfect to save space. She also appreciated that one side of the crib is lowered, allowing her to pick up her sleeping newborn without leaving her bed. bedside crib travel cot is especially helpful if you have had a C-section or are recovering from the effects of a Caesarean, as it allows you to sleep close to your baby for longer.
Jasmine is another mom who enjoyed using the SnuzPod 4. She noted that it was easy for her to move the crib from one room to the next which she could not see with other cribs. She did note that the handle was stiff and it took an enormous amount of effort to lift the crib.
Another crib that's easy to fold and move is the Tutti Bambini CoZee Air, which was shortlisted in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards to be the The Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket. The neutral colors and slim frame are perfect for most bedrooms. However, some of our testers found that the bars were too close to each other. This could result in them getting caught on baby toys or clothes. The distance between each bar 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 good for babies who have reflux, due to the ComfortAir air-tight system helps regulate body temperature.
Comfort
A close and secure baby all night will give you peace of mind, but you should be capable of reaching them quickly to feed them in the middle of the night. With a bedside crib, you can do this without having to get out of your bed. bedside crib that turns into cot make it simple to soothe babies to sleep. If you want to to lay down with your child but don't wish to be a burden of having to get up every time they need to be fed, a moses-basket can be an ideal option.
Most cribs with a bedside are connected to the bedside so you are able to easily see and reach your baby. Some have mesh windows, which allow you to watch your baby without disrupting the baby. They might also include a reflux setting to help with colic or reflux.
This crib comes with a wide range of features, but we're amazed by the ComfortAir air-tight Mattress that regulates the temperature of your baby's body and maximizes airflow. It's smaller than other bedside cribs which can be beneficial in areas with limited space. However, our mom testers are in agreement that it's a great option for those long nights.
The cot is securely attached to the side of the bed by means of adjustable straps. This reduces the possibility of gaps where your child could become trapped. It has a flat, firm mattress that is safe and promotes healthy sleep habits.
One thing to keep in mind is that your baby could start to leave the crib once they're able to sit up typically around six months. This is the reason it's crucial to place them in a cot or other sleeping arrangement once they outgrow the crib.
A cot that is light and suitable for travel is a further option to think about. Many of our mothers appreciate that this crib is able to be disassembled to transport it However, some find it difficult to assemble. It can be difficult to clean, so you'll have to clean it often using the aid of a cleaner and a cloth.
Stores
A bedside cot for six months and over is a bassinet-style bed that can be attached to the mattress's side for safe co-sleeping. They're ideal for feeding your baby at night, soothing babies back to sleep and allowing mothers who have had C-sections to keep their baby close.
It's important that you choose a crib that meets current safety standards. Make sure that the bars are far enough apart to prevent your child's head from getting stuck, and make sure any drop-down sides are secure and don't open abruptly. Do not place stickers or transfer on the surface of the cot since they may pose the risk of choking.
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 small and lightweight enough to fit in its travel bag if you need to move it around. If you want something simpler she suggests Shnuggle Air in addition to Crib.