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, which is associated with a higher chance of being suffocated. They're also a great option for newborns.
Models that have adjustable height positions will fit perfectly on the majority of bed frames. Also, look for fabrics with breathable fabric that are easy to clean.
Safety
A bedside cot is basically a bassinet-style cot that fixes to the side of your bed to ensure secure co-sleeping. It can be used to bring your baby toward you to provide comfort, feed or to help soothe them at 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 isn't able to be pushed out. Some models come with tilting features that help babies with colic and reflux. They're also a bit bigger than Moses baskets, which may make them easier to carry from room to room.
The NHS and safe sleep charity The Lullaby Trust advise that newborns should be in their own bassinet or cot in the same room as their parents however, not in your bed. Sharing a bed increases the risk of overheating or suffocation. cot for bedside allow your child to rest close to you however, in a secure and private space.
When choosing a bedside crib ensure that it meets the latest safety standards (it must be BS EN 1130:2019) and has no gaps or parts that could cause your baby to get trapped. Find a mattress with a flat, firm surface. A sagging or overly soft mattress can increase your baby's risk of SIDS, so go for a brand new mattress, rather than second-hand.
Look for bedding that 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. It's a good idea to use a fitted sheet instead however, make sure it's fitted correctly.
The SnuzPod4 was rated highly by our MFM mother testers as a crib suitable for bedside use. It has been shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in the category of Best Cot, Moses Basket or Crib. It attaches securely to the bed and has an adjustable height to ensure an ideal fit. It comes with a rocking function and can be adjusted to an inclined position to prevent reflux. It's a great option for those with narrow or small beds because it does not take up much space.
Design
It is crucial to think about the design of your bedside crib since this is where you baby will spend the majority of their time. There are many cribs available in a range of colors that will match your decor. Some have features like mesh windows to keep the baby's eyes open or drop-down sides that allow easier access. Some even have incline functions to ease reflux.
You can raise and lower most cribs to match your bed's height which makes it easier to get in and out of bed. You can even find some that are designed to work as travel cots, which are great if you're travelling or visiting relatives.
Home tester and MFM mum Leya found that the SnuzPod 4's sleek Scandi styling was a perfect match for her bedroom and added that its compact fold was perfect for sizing up space. She also liked the fact that one side of the crib can be lowered, allowing her pick up her baby without needing to get out of bed. This is particularly helpful when you've had a Caesarean or are recovering after one. You can stay near your baby for longer.
Another mom who was happy using the SnuzPod 4 was Jasmine who noted that it was easy to move from room room - something she couldn't find with some of the other bedside cribs she tested. She did mention that the handle was stiff and it took quite a bit of effort to lift the crib.
Another crib that's easy 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 fit in with most bedrooms. However some of our test subjects found that the bars were too close to each other. This could result in them getting caught on baby toys or clothing. The distance between bars should be no more than 6.5cm (2.5 inches) to ensure that your baby's head can't become trapped. This crib is also good for babies with reflux, because the ComfortAir air-tight system helps regulate body temperature.
Comfort
You'll feel more secure if are able to reach your baby quickly to feed them in the middle of the night. With a bedside crib it is possible to do this without getting out of bed. They also make it simple to soothe babies back to sleep. If you want to to lay down with your child but do not wish to be a burden of getting up each time they need to be fed, a moses's-basket is an excellent alternative.
Most cribs with a bedside are connected to the bedside so you are able to easily access and touch your baby. They often feature a mesh-like window to allow you to check on your baby without having to disturb them. You may also find a reflux setting that helps with reflux and colic.
The crib is loaded with a variety of features, but we're amazed by the ComfortAir air-tight Mattress that regulates your baby's body temperature and maximizes airflow. It's smaller than other cribs for bedside use that could be useful in areas with limited space. However, our mum testers are in agreement that it's a great option for those long sleeps.
The cot is secured to the bed's side by means of adjustable straps. This minimizes the chance of gaps where your child could become trapped. It also comes with a sturdy flat mattress that is in line with safety standards and encourages safe sleep habits.
You should be aware that your baby will start to get out of their crib once they are able to sit upright typically around six months. This is why it's essential to put them in a cot or another sleeping arrangement when they've outgrown the crib.
Another thing to consider is how lightweight the crib is and if it's suitable for travel. Some of our mothers enjoy the fact that the crib can be dismantled for easy transport, while others find it tricky to assemble and rebuild. It's also a challenge to keep clean and therefore you'll have to clean it regularly with a cloth and a cleaning product.
Stores
A bedside cot 6 months plus is a bassinet-style cot that fixes to the bed's side to ensure safe co-sleeping. They are ideal for calming babies to sleep, for night feedings and allowing mums who had a c-section to keep their baby close.
When you are choosing a crib for your bed it's crucial to ensure that it is in line with current safety standards. Make sure that the crib's bars are sufficiently far apart to keep your child's head from becoming trapped. Also, make sure that the drop-down sides are secure and doesn't open unintentionally. Also, beware of any transfer or stickers on the cot's surface since they could be an choking hazard.
Emily's bedside cot of choice for her baby is the Next2me Magic. It was selected for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in the categories of Best Crib or Cot, and Best Moses Basket. It's a great size, with plenty of space for all your baby's essentials. It's also lightweight and compact enough to fit in its travel bag should you need to move it from room to room. If you want something simpler, she recommends Shnuggle Air in addition to Crib.