Bedside Cot 6 Months Plus
Bedside sleepers let you keep your baby in the same room with you without the dangers associated with sharing a bed. They're an excellent choice for babies.
Models with adjustable height positions will fit perfectly on most bed frames. Choose fabrics that are easy-to-clean and breathable.
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 bring your baby toward you for comfort, feeding or to soothe your baby at night. It's also an excellent option if you had a c section. It differs from a Moses Basket or Cot because it has walls that are high so your baby isn't able to fall out. Some models come with a tilt feature that can aid babies suffering from colic and 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 infants be placed in a bassinet or cot in same room as their parents. They shouldn't be sleeping in your bed. Sharing a bed increases the risk of suffocation or overheating. Bedside cribs allow your baby to rest close to you but in a secure and separate space.
When selecting a crib that is bedside make sure it is in compliance with the latest safety standards (it should be BS EN 1130:2019) and doesn't have any gaps or parts that could cause your child to be trapped. Choose a mattress that has a firm, flat surface. A mattress that is sagging or that is too soft could increase the risk of SIDS for your baby.
Make sure co sleeper bedside cot is well-fitted and does not have pillows or blankets that are loose. Duvets and pillows could suffocate your baby, and pillows can get stuck to their face. Use a fitted sheet but make sure that it fits properly.
Our MFM mother testers have discovered that the SnuzPod4 is a great option for a crib that is positioned near the bed, shortlisted in 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 that allows for a perfect fit. It features a rocking feature and can be set to an inclined angle for reflux. It's also a great choice for those with small or narrow beds because it doesn't take up too much room.
Design
It is crucial to think about the style of your crib at night because this is where you baby will spend the majority of their time. There are many cribs available in a variety of colors to complement your decor. They also feature features such as mesh windows that keep your baby in view, or side panels that drop down that make it easier to reach. Some cribs are equipped with incline options to aid with reflux.
You can raise and lower most cribs to match your bed height, making it easier to get in and out of bed. You can also find a few that are designed to work as travel cribs, which are ideal 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 liked its compact fold that saved space. Leya also appreciated that one side of crib can be raised, letting her to pick up her child without having to leave the bed. This is especially helpful for those who have had a C-section or are recovering from a Caesarean because it allows you to stay close to your baby for a longer period of time.
Another mom who loved using the SnuzPod 4 was Jasmine, who commented 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 noted that it took some effort to lift and lower the crib, as the handle was quite stiff.
Another crib for bedside that is easy to fold and move is the Tutti Bambini CoZee Air, which was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for The Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket. The neutral colours and slim frame will fit in with the majority of bedrooms. However some of our test subjects thought that the bars were too close together. 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 that your baby's head isn't entangled. This crib is also ideal for babies with reflux, because the ComfortAir air-flow system helps regulate body temperature.
Comfort
You will feel more secure if you can quickly reach your baby to feed them during the middle of the night. It is easy to accomplish this without having to get up from bed with a crib at your bedside. They also make it easier to soothe babies back to sleep. If, however, you'd like to lay down with your baby but aren't keen on the idea of having to get out of bed for every feed A moses basket is a better choice.
Most bedside cribs are connected to the bedside so you are able to easily see and reach your baby. They typically come with a mesh window, so you can check on your baby without disrupting them. They might also include a setting for reflux to help with colic or reflux.
We're impressed with the number of features on this crib, particularly the ComfortAir mattress, which is breathable and works to regulate your baby's temperature as well as increase airflow. It's smaller than other cribs for bedside use that could be useful in areas that are limited in space. But our mum testers all agree that it's an excellent option for those long nights.
The cot is securely attached to the bed's side with adjustable straps. This minimizes the chance of gaps in which your child can get trapped. It also comes with a sturdy flat mattress that is in line with safety standards and encourages healthy sleeping habits.
You should be aware that your baby is likely to get out of their crib when they're standing up at around six months. It is essential to place your baby in a cot or a different sleeping arrangement, once they outgrow their crib.
Another aspect to think about is how light the cot is and whether it's suitable for traveling. Many of our moms enjoy the fact that the crib can be dismantled for easy transport, while others find it difficult to assemble and then reassemble. It is also difficult to keep clean, so you'll need to clean it regularly with a cloth and cleaning product.
Storage
A bedside cot for 6 months and over is a bassinet shaped cot that attaches to the mattress's side for secure co-sleeping. They are ideal for calming babies to sleep, night feedings, and for mothers who had a c-section to keep their baby close.
It's crucial to choose cribs that meet the latest safety standards. Make sure that the bars are spaced enough apart to prevent your baby's head becoming trapped and check that any sides that drop down are secured and don't open unexpectedly. Also, beware of any transfer or stickers on the cot's surface as they can be dangerous to choking.
Emily's top pick for a bedside crib is the Next2me Magic, which was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Cot Crib, Crib, or Moses Basket. It's a good size and has plenty of storage space for all the baby necessities. It's also light and compact enough to fit into its travel bag should you have to transport it from room to room. If travel bedside crib looking for something a bit easier, she suggests the Shnuggle Air next to the crib.