Bedside Cot 6 Months Plus
Bedside sleepers let you keep your baby in the same room as you without the risk of bed-sharing, which is associated with a higher chance of being suffocated. They're a great choice for infants.
Look for models that have an adjustable height that gives a perfect fit on the majority of bed frames. Also look for breathable fabrics that are easy to clean.
Safety
A bedside cot can be described as a bassinet that is attached to the side of a bed for safe cosleeping. travel cot bedside crib can use it to lift baby up towards you in the evening for feeding, soothing or comforting and it's also a great choice for an c-section. It differs from a Moses Basket or Cot because it has high walls, so your baby cannot escape. Some models have a tilt function which can help babies with reflux and colic. They are also slightly bigger than Moses baskets, which may make them easier to transport from room to room.
The NHS and The Lullaby Trust, a safe sleep charity, suggest that infants be placed in a bassinet or cot in the same room as their parents. They should not be sleeping in your bed. Sharing beds increases the risk of suffocation or overheating. Bedside cribs provide the best of both worlds, allowing your baby to be close to you throughout the night, but in their own safe and separate sleeping space.
When selecting a crib that is bedside, check 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 baby to become trapped. Find bedside cot used with a firm, flat surface. A sagging mattress or one that is too soft can increase the risk of SIDS for your baby.
Finally, you should look for bedding that's fitted and free from any loose blankets or pillows. Duvets and pillows can choke your baby, while pillows can get stuck to their face. Use a fitted sheet, but make sure that it is fitted correctly.
Our MFM mother testers have discovered that the SnuzPod4 is a great choice for a bedside crib, being shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in the best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket category. It is secured to the bed and has an adjustable height for the perfect fit. It also has a rocking feature and can be set to an incline for reflux. It is also a great option for those with small or narrow beds because it doesn't take up much space.
Design
The layout of a bedside crib is crucial as it is the area where your baby will spend the majority of their time. There are many cribs available in a variety of colors to suit your decor and feature features such as mesh windows that keep baby in view, or side panels that drop down that allow you to reach it. Some cribs come with incline features to aid in reflux.
You can raise and lower the majority of cribs to your bed height which makes it easier to get into and out of bed. You can also find a few that are made to work as travel cots, which are great when you're traveling or visiting relatives.
Home tester and MFM mum Leya found the SnuzPod 4's stylish Scandi design complemented her bedroom decor, adding that its compact fold was ideal to save space. She also appreciated that one side of the crib is lowered and allows her to pick up her sleeping baby without leaving her bed. This is particularly beneficial in the event that you've been through an Caesarean or are recovering after one. You can stay near your baby for a longer time.
Another mum who enjoyed using the SnuzPod 4 is Jasmine, who commented that it was easy to move from room room - something she couldn't get with other cribs for bedside that she tried. However, she noted that it took some effort to raise and lower the crib, since the handle was stiff.
The Tutti Bambini CoZee Air is another crib that is easy to fold and move. It was nominated for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, in the Best Cot or Crib category. The neutral colours and slim frame will match the majority of bedrooms. However, some of our testers felt that the bars were too close together. 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 doesn't get caught in. This crib is also suitable for babies with reflux, because the ComfortAir air-flow system helps regulate their body temperature.
Comfort
You will feel more secure when you can reach your baby quickly to feed them in the middle of the night. With a crib at your bedside you can do this easily without getting out of your bed. They make it simple to soothe babies into sleep. If, however, you'd like to sleep with your baby but aren't keen on the idea of getting out of bed for every feed, a moses basket is an ideal choice.
Most cribs that are bedside can be positioned on the side of your bed that allows you to see and access your baby easily. They often come with a mesh window, so you can check on your baby without disrupting them. They may also include a setting for reflux to help with reflux or colic.
We're impressed with the number of features included in this crib, including the ComfortAir breathable mattress that works to regulate your baby's temperature as well as increase airflow. It's a bit smaller than some other cribs that are bedside, which may be helpful when space is tight. Our mom testers agree that this is still an excellent choice for sleepless, long nights.
The cot is securely attached to the side of the bed with adjustable straps. This eliminates the risk of gaps where your child may get trapped. It has a flat, firm mattress that is safe and encourages good sleeping habits.
It is important to know that your baby will begin to climb out of their crib when they are able to sit upright, which is usually about six months old. It's important that you place your baby in a cot or another sleeping arrangement when they've outgrown their crib.
A lightweight cot that is suitable for travel is another aspect to consider. Many of our moms love the fact that this crib is able to be dismantled for easy transport, while others find it tricky to assemble and reassemble. It can be a challenge to clean so you will need to wipe it down frequently using a cleaning product and a cloth.
Storage
A bedside cot suitable for 6 months and up is a bassinet style bed that can be attached to the side of your mattress to allow secure co-sleeping. These are great for soothing babies to sleep, for night feedings and also allowing 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 is in line with current safety standards. Make sure that the bars are spaced enough apart to prevent your child's head from getting trapped. Also, make sure that any sides that drop down are secured and don't open abruptly. Also, stay clear of any transfer or stickers on the cot's surface as 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 Cot or Crib, and Best Moses Basket. It's a good size and has plenty of storage space for everything your baby needs. It's also small and lightweight enough to fit into a travel bag if you want to move it around. If you're looking for something less complicated, she recommends Shnuggle Air alongside Crib.