Bedside Cot 6 Months Plus
Bedside sleepers let you have your baby in the same room as you without the risk of bed-sharing. They are also a great choice for newborns.
Models that have adjustable height settings will fit perfectly on most bed frames. Look for fabrics that are easy-to-clean and ventilated.
Safety
A bedside cot is an old-fashioned bassinet cot that can be fixed to the side of your bed for secure co-sleeping. It can be used to pull your baby towards you to provide comfort, feed or soothing at night. It's also a great option if you had a c section. It is different from a Moses Basket or Cot as it has high walls so your baby won't fall out. Some models have tilt features that can help babies with colic or reflux. They're also a bit bigger than Moses baskets, which can make them easier to move from room to room.
The NHS and The Lullaby Trust, a safe sleep charity, suggest that newborns be kept in a bassinet or cot in the same room with their parents. They should not be sleeping in your bed. This is because sharing a bed increases the chance of suffocation and overheating. Bedside cribs permit your baby to sleep close to you however, in a secure and separate space.
When selecting a crib that is bedside ensure that it meets the latest safety standards (it must be BS EN 1130:2019) and does not have any gaps or parts that could cause your child to get trapped. Also make sure you choose a mattress that's solid and flat. A sagging or too soft mattress can increase the risk of SIDS, so choose for a new one instead of a second-hand.
Make sure your bedding is well-fitted and does not have pillows or blankets that are sloppy. Pillows pose a risk of suffocation and duvets can get stuck to baby's face. It's best to use a fitted sheet instead but ensure it's sized correctly.
The SnuzPod4 was rated highly by our MFM mom testers as a crib suitable for use in bed. 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 can be adjusted to ensure an ideal fit. It also has a rocking function and can be set to an incline to prevent reflux. It is also an excellent choice for those who have small or narrow beds because it doesn't take up any space.
Design
It is crucial to think about the style of your crib at night since this is the area where your baby will spend the majority of their time. There are many cribs available in a variety of colors that can be matched to your decor. Some have features such as mesh windows to keep your baby's eyes open or drop-down sides to facilitate access. Some cribs come with incline features to help with reflux.
You can adjust the height of the majority of cribs to match your bed height which makes it easier to get in and out of the bed. There are even some that are designed to function as travel cots, which is great for those who are traveling or visiting relatives.
Leya Leya, an MFM mother and home tester, found that the SnuzPod 4 was a great fit for her bedroom decor. She also liked its compact fold, which helped save space. She also liked the fact that one side of the crib can be lowered, allowing her to pick up her baby without having to leave the bed. This is particularly helpful in the event that you've been through an Caesarean or are recovering from one. You can stay near your baby for longer.
Another mom who loved using the SnuzPod 4 was Jasmine who said that it was simple to move from room to room, something she didn't get with other cribs for bedside that she tried. However, she did note that it took some effort to lift and lower the crib, since the handle was stiff.
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 color options will work well in the majority of bedrooms, but some of our testers at home felt the bars were a little too close together, meaning they could get caught on clothing or baby toys. The bars' distance shouldn't exceed 6.5cm (2 inches) in order to prevent your baby's head from getting trapped. This crib is also good for babies suffering from reflux due to the ComfortAir air-flow system assists in regulating their body temperature.
Comfort
A close and secure baby throughout the night will give you peace of mind, but you must be in a position to be able to get them quickly during the night for feeding. It is easy to do this without having to get out of bed with a crib at your bedside. bedside crib travel cot make it simple to help babies fall asleep. If you want to to sleep with your child, but do not want the hassle of getting up each time they're fed, a moses's-basket is an ideal option.
Most bedside cribs can be affixed to the sides of your bed and allow you to view and access your baby easily. They typically feature a mesh-like window which allows you to observe your baby without disrupting them. There is also an option to treat reflux that can help with reflux and colic.
This crib has a lot of options, but we're particularly amazed by the ComfortAir breathable Mattress that regulates your baby's body temperature and increases airflow. It's a bit smaller than other cribs for bedside use and can be useful in areas where space is scarce. Our mom testers are of the opinion that this is still an excellent option for those sleepless nights.
The cot securely attaches to the bed's side using adjustable straps. This reduces the risk of gaps in which your child could get trapped. It comes with a firm, flat mattress that complies with safety standards and promotes good sleep habits.
One thing to bear in mind is that your baby can begin to climb out of the crib once they're able to sit up, usually around six months. It is essential to place your baby in a cot or a different sleeping arrangement after they've outgrown their crib.
Another feature to think about is how light the crib is, and if it's suitable for traveling. Many of our moms enjoy the fact that the crib can be taken apart to make it easy to transport, whereas others find it difficult to assemble and reassemble. It is also difficult to keep clean and therefore you'll have to clean it regularly with a cloth and cleaning product.
Storage
A bedside cot 6 months plus is a bassinet-style cot that fixes to the side of your bed for a safe and secure co-sleeping. They're great for night feeds as well as calming babies back to sleep and enabling mums who have had a c-section to keep their baby close.
When choosing a bedside crib it is important to ensure that it meets current safety standards. Check that the bars are enough apart to avoid your child's head from being stuck, and make sure the sides that drop down are secure and don't open unexpectedly. Also, avoid any stickers or transfers on the cot's surface since they could be dangerous to 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 the Best Moses Basket. It's a decent size and has plenty of storage space to store everything your baby needs. It's also compact and light enough to fit in its travel bag should you have to transport it from room to room. If you're looking for something simpler, she recommends Shnuggle Air alongside Crib.