Bedside Cot 6 Months Plus
Bedside sleepers let you keep your baby in the same room with you without the risk of sharing a bed. They are a great option for infants.
Find models with an adjustable height which gives a perfect fit on the majority of bed frames. Look for fabrics that are easy-to-clean and breathable.
Safety
A bedside cot is an upholstered bassinet that is attached to the side of your bed for safe co-sleeping. It can be used to pull your baby toward you to comfort them, feed them or soothing at night. It's also a great option if you 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 fall out. Some have a tilt function which can help babies with reflux and colic. They are also slightly larger than Moses baskets, making them easier to move from room to room.
The NHS and safe sleep charity The Lullaby Trust advise that newborns should be kept in their own bassinet or cot in the same room with their parent, but not in your bed. Bed-sharing increases the risks of overheating or suffocation. Bedside cribs offer the best of both worlds, permitting your child to sleep close to you at night, but still in their own private and secure sleeping space.
When selecting a crib that is bedside ensure that it meets the most recent safety standards (it should be BS EN 1130:2019) and has no gaps or parts that could cause your child to be trapped. Also make sure you choose mattresses that are solid and flat. A mattress that is too sagging or that is too soft can increase the risk of SIDS for your baby.
Also, make sure you choose bedding that's fitted and free of any loose blankets or pillows. Pillows pose a risk of suffocation and duvets could get stuck to the baby's face. It is a good idea to use a fitted sheet instead, but make sure it's sized correctly.
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 can be adjusted to ensure the perfect fit. It comes with a rocking function and can be set to an inclined angle for reflux. It's a good choice for those with small or narrow beds as it doesn't take up too much room.
Design
The design of a bedside crib is crucial as it is 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 have features like mesh windows to keep your baby's eyes open or drop-down sides that allow easier access. Some cribs even have incline functions to ease reflux.
Many cribs can also be lowered and raised to match the height of your bed, making it easier to get out and in to bed at night. Some cribs can also be used as travel cots. This is great for when you are travelling or visiting relatives.
Home tester and MFM mom Leya found that the SnuzPod 4's sleek, Scandi style complements her bedroom decor, adding that its compact fold was ideal to save space. She also liked the fact that one side of crib can be adjusted to lower, letting her to pick up her baby without having to get out of bed. This is especially helpful for those who have had C-sections or recovering from an Caesarean, as it means you can sleep near your baby for a longer period of time.
Jasmine is another mom who liked using the SnuzPod 4. She said it was easy to move the crib from one room to the next which she could not discover with other cribs for bed. She did mention that the handle was a bit stiff and it took quite a bit of effort to raise 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, Moses Basket. The neutral colors and slim frame will match the majority of bedrooms. However some of our test subjects found that the bars were too close together. This could result in them getting caught on baby toys or clothes. The distance between the bars should not exceed 6.5cm (2.5 inches) to ensure that your baby's head isn't entangled. This crib is also good for babies with reflux, as the ComfortAir air-flow system assists in regulating their body temperature.
Comfort
You'll feel more secure when you can quickly reach your baby to feed them in the middle of the night. With a bedside crib it is possible to do this easily without getting out of the bed. These cribs make it simple to help babies sleep. If, however, you'd like to snuggle with your baby but aren't keen on the idea of getting out of bed for every feeding A moses basket is a better choice.
The majority of cribs for bedside use can be attached to the sides of your bed and allow you to view and reach your baby easily. Many have mesh windows so you can monitor your baby without disrupting the baby. There is also an option to treat reflux that can help with reflux and colic.
This crib comes with a wide range of options, but we're particularly impressed by the ComfortAir mattress that is breathable and regulates the temperature of your baby's body and increases airflow. It's a bit smaller than some other bedside cribs and can be useful when space is tight. bedside cots for newborns agree that this crib is a great choice for those sleepless nights.
The cot is secured to the side of your bed by means of adjustable straps. This reduces the risk of gaps where your baby might get trapped. It is equipped with a flat, firm mattress that is safe and promotes good sleeping habits.
It is important to be aware that your baby is likely to get out of their crib when they are capable of sitting upright at around six months. It's crucial to put your baby in a cot or a different sleeping arrangement, once they outgrow their crib.
Another thing to take into consideration is how light the crib is and if it's suitable for traveling. Some of our mums really love the fact that this crib can be taken apart for easy transport, but others find it a bit difficult to assemble and reassemble. It isn't easy to clean, so you'll need to wipe it down often using an appropriate cleaning product and cloth.
Storage
A bedside cot for 6 months plus is a bassinet-style cot that fixes to the side of your bed for safe co-sleeping. They are ideal for calming babies to sleep, night feedings, and for mothers who had a csection to keep their baby close.
It's crucial to choose cribs that are in line with the latest safety standards. Verify that the crib's bars are sufficiently far apart to keep your child's head from being trapped. Also, ensure that the drop-down side is secured and doesn't open accidentally. Also, avoid any transfer or stickers that are placed on the cot's surface since they could pose a choking hazard.
Emily's top choice for a bedside crib is the Next2me Magic, which was shortlisted in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket. It's a decent size and has lots of storage space to store all the baby necessities. It's also compact and light enough to fit in a travel bag if you have to transport it from room to room. If you're looking for something a little easier, she suggests the Shnuggle Air next to the crib.