Bedside Cot 6 Months Plus
Bedside sleepers allow you to keep your baby in the same room as you without the risk associated with sharing a bed. They are also a great choice for infants.
Models that have adjustable height positions can be placed perfectly on all bed frames. Look for fabrics that are easy-to-clean and ventilated.
Safety
A bedside cot can be described as a bassinet that is connected to the bed's side to ensure safe cosleeping. It is a great way to raise your baby towards you in the evening for feeding, soothing or comforting and it's a great option in the event of the need for a C-section. It's different from a Moses basket or cot as it has high sides, so your baby can't be pushed out. Some models have tilting features that help babies with colic and reflux. They are also slightly larger than Moses baskets, which makes 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 should not be in your bed. This is because sharing a bed increases the risk of suffocation as well as overheating. Bedside cribs permit your baby to rest close to you, but in a safe and private space.
Make sure the crib is compliant with the latest safety standards. It should be BS EN1130:2019. Also, make sure that there aren't any gaps or parts that could allow your child to get trapped. Find a mattress with a firm, flat surface. A mattress that is sagging or that is too soft can increase the risk of SIDS for your baby.
Lastly, look for a bedding that's fitted and free from any loose blankets or pillows. Duvets and pillows can suffocate your baby, while pillows can stick to their face. Use a fitted sheet however, make sure it is properly fitted.
Our MFM mum testers have found that the SnuzPod4 is an excellent option for a bedside crib, shortlisted in 2021's Mother&Baby Awards in the Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket category. It is secure to the bed and has an adjustable height to ensure an ideal fit. It also has a rocking feature and can be adjusted to incline for reflux. It's also a great choice for people with narrow or small beds because it does not take up much room.
Design
The design of a crib for the bed is crucial as it is where your baby will spend most of their time. A lot of cribs are available in a choice of colours to match your decor and feature features such as mesh windows that keep baby in view, or drop-down sides that allow you to reach it. Some cribs have incline features to aid in reflux.
Most cribs can also be lowered and raised to the same height as your bed, making it easy to get into and out of your bed at night. Some cribs can serve as travel cots. This is a great feature when you are travelling or visiting family.
Leya Leya, an MFM mom and home tester, discovered that the SnuzPod 4 was a great design for her bedroom. She also liked its compact fold that saved space. She also loved that one side of the crib drops down and allows her to pick up her sleeping newborn without leaving her bed. This is especially helpful for those who have had C-sections or are recovering from the effects of a Caesarean which allows you to sleep close to your newborn for longer.
Jasmine is another mom who enjoyed using the SnuzPod 4. She noted that it was simple for her to move the crib from one room to another - something she did not find with other bedside cribs. However, she did notice that the handle was a bit stiff and required 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 shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in the Best Cot or Crib category. Its slim frame and neutral colors will fit in with most bedrooms, although some of our home testers thought the bars were too close together, meaning they could get caught on clothing or baby toys. The bars' distance should not exceed 6.5cm (2 inches) to avoid your baby's head from getting trapped. This crib is also suitable for babies who have reflux, because the ComfortAir breathable system helps regulate body temperature.
Comfort
baby bedside crib and secure baby throughout the night will give you peace of mind, but you should be in a position to be able to get them quickly for middle-of-the-night feeding. You can do this without having to get out of bed by having a crib by your bedside. These cribs make it easy to soothe babies into sleep. If you'd like to to sleep with your child but do not wish to be a burden of getting up every time they need to be fed, a moses-basket can be an ideal option.
Most cribs that are bedside can be affixed to the sides of your bed and allow you to view and reach your baby easily. They often feature a mesh-like window to allow you to check on your baby without disrupting them. You may also find an option for reflux that aids with colic and reflux.
We're amazed by the amount of features on this crib, especially the ComfortAir breathable mattress that works to regulate your baby's temperature and maximize airflow. It's smaller than other cribs which could be useful in areas with limited space. However, our mum testers agree that it's an excellent choice for those long sleeps.
The cot is securely attached to the side of your bed by means of adjustable straps. This minimizes the chance of gaps in which your child may get caught. It is equipped with a flat, firm mattress that complies with safety standards and promotes good sleep habits.
One thing to keep in mind is that your baby may start to get out of the crib once they're able to sit up typically around six months. This is the reason it's crucial to put them in a cot or another sleeping arrangement as they grow out of the crib.
A cot that is lightweight and suitable for travel is a further option to think about. Many of our mothers appreciate that this crib is able to be disassembled for transport, but others find it difficult to assemble. It can be difficult to clean, so you'll have to clean it often using an appropriate cleaning product and cloth.
Stores
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 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 a crib that meets current safety standards. Verify that the bars are far enough apart to avoid your child's head from being trapped and check that any sides that drop down are secured and don't open unexpectedly. Do not place stickers or transfer on the surface of the cot as they could pose a choking risk.
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 offers plenty of storage space for everything your baby needs. It's also lightweight and compact enough to fit in its travel bag in case you need to transport it from room to room. If you're looking for something a bit simpler, she recommends the Shnuggle Air beside crib.