Bedside Cot 6 Months Plus
Bedside sleepers allow you to keep your baby in the same room with you without the risk associated with bed-sharing. They are also a great choice for newborns.
Look for models with an adjustable height that gives a perfect fit on all bed frames. Choose fabrics that are easy to clean and ventilated.
Safety
A bedside cot can be described as a bassinet that is attached to the side of a bed for safe cosleeping. You can use it to pull baby closer to you in the evening for feeding or soothing. it's also a great choice for the need for a c-section. It differs from a Moses Basket or Cot as it has high walls, so your baby isn't able to escape. Some models come with tilt features that can help babies with colic and reflux. They're also a bit larger than Moses baskets, which could make them easier to transport from room to room.
The NHS and the safe sleep charity The Lullaby Trust advise that newborns should be in their own cot or bassinet in the same room with their parents, but not in your bed. This is because bed-sharing increases the risk of suffocation as well as overheating. Bedside cribs allow your child to sleep close to you, but in a safe and private space.
Make sure the crib is compliant with the latest safety standards. It must be BS EN1130:2019. Also, ensure that there aren't any gaps or places where your child could become trapped. Look for a mattress with a firm, flat surface. A sagging or overly soft mattress can increase your baby's risk of SIDS, so go for a new one instead of a second-hand.
Lastly, look for rocking bedside crib that is fitted and free of loose blankets or pillows. Pillows can cause suffocation and duvets can get stuck to baby's face. Use a fitted sheet, but make sure that it is fitted correctly.
Our MFM mum testers have found that the SnuzPod4 is a great choice for a bedside crib, selected for 2021's Mother&Baby Awards in the best Cot, Crib, or Moses Basket category. It is secured to the bed and has an adjustable height for an ideal fit. It comes with a rocking function and can be set to an inclined position to prevent reflux. It is a great choice for those who have narrow or small beds because it doesn't take up any space.
Design
It is crucial to think about the style of your crib at night because this is the place where your baby will spend the majority of their time. There are many cribs available in a variety of colours that match your decor. Some cribs have features such as mesh windows to keep your baby's eyes open or drop-down sides to make it easier to access. Some cribs also have incline features to aid in reflux.
The majority of cribs can be lowered and raised to the same height as your bed, making it easier to get into and out of 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.
Home tester and MFM mother Leya discovered that the SnuzPod 4's stylish Scandi design complemented her bedroom decor and added that its compact fold was perfect to save space. Leya also appreciated that the crib's one side can be adjusted to lower, letting her to pick up her baby without having to get out of bed. This is particularly beneficial when you've been through a Caesarean or are recovering from one. You can stay near your baby for a longer time.
Another mom who was happy using the SnuzPod 4 was Jasmine who said that it was simple to move from room to room - something she couldn't discover with other cribs for bedside that she tried. She did note that the handle was a bit stiff and it took quite a bit of effort to lift the crib.
The Tutti Bambini CoZee Air is another bedside crib which is easy to fold and move. It was nominated for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in their Best Cot or Crib category. Its slim frame and neutral colors can be incorporated into all bedrooms, though some of our home testers thought the bars were a little too close together, which means they could get caught on clothing or toys for babies. The bars' distance should not exceed 6.5cm (2 inches) in order to prevent your baby's head from getting trapped. This is a good crib for babies with reflux too because its ComfortAir breathability technology helps regulate temperature.
Comfort
Staying close to your baby all night will provide peace of mind, but you need to be able to reach them quickly for middle-of-the-night feeding. It is easy to accomplish this without having to leave your bed, with a crib at your bedside. They make it simple to soothe babies to sleep. However, if you want to sleep with your baby but aren't keen on the idea of waking up to feed your baby, a moses basket is a better choice.
Most cribs with a bedside are attached to the bedside, so you are able to easily be able to see and reach your baby. Some have mesh windows, to allow you to monitor your baby without disturbing him. They might also include a reflux setting to aid in reflux or colic.
We're awestruck by the variety of features that are included on this crib, including the ComfortAir breathable mattress that works to regulate your baby's temperature as well as increase airflow. It's a little smaller than other cribs that are bedside and can be useful when space is tight. However, our mom testers are in agreement that it's an excellent choice for those long nights.
bedside cot mattress attaches to the bed's side with adjustable straps, which reduces the risk of gaps that your child could get trapped. It also comes with a sturdy and flat mattress that meets safety standards and promotes the safest sleeping habits.
One thing to bear in mind is that your baby could start to get out of the crib once they're tall enough to sit typically around six months. This is why it's important to place them in a cot or another sleeping arrangement as they grow out of the crib.
A lightweight cot that is suitable for travel is another aspect to consider. Many of our mothers appreciate that this crib can easily be disassembled for transport however, others aren't able to put it together. It can be difficult to clean so you will have to clean it frequently using an appropriate cleaning product and cloth.
Storage
A bedside cot suitable for 6 months and up is a bassinet style cot that attaches to the mattress's side to ensure secure co-sleeping. They are ideal for calming babies to sleep, allowing night feedings, and for mothers who had a c-section to keep their baby close.
When you are choosing a crib for your bed it is important to ensure that it complies with current safety standards. Verify that the crib's bars are sufficiently far apart to ensure that your child's head isn't being trapped. Also, ensure that the drop-down side is secure and doesn't open unintentionally. Avoid placing stickers or other objects onto the surface of the cot because they could be a choking risk.
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 the Best Moses Basket. It is a good size, with plenty of space for your baby's necessities. It's also small and lightweight enough to fit into a bag for travel, should you're planning to move it around. If you're looking for something less complicated her recommendation is Shnuggle Air alongside Crib.