Bedside Cot 6 Months Plus
Bedside sleepers let you have your baby in the same room with you without the risk associated with sharing a bed. bedside crib or cot are also a great choice for infants.
Look for models that have an adjustable height which allows for a perfect fit on all bed frames. Choose fabrics that are easy-to-clean and breathable.
Safety
A bedside cot could be described as a bassinet which is attached to the bed's side for safe sleeping. It can be used to pull baby closer to you at night for feeding or soothing. it's also a great option in the event of the need for a c-section. It is different from a Moses Basket or Cot as it has high walls so your baby isn't able to fall out. Some come with a tilt feature which can help babies with reflux and colic. They are also a bit larger than Moses baskets, making them easier to move 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 same room with their parents. They shouldn't be sleeping in your bed. This is because sharing a bed increases the risk of suffocation and overheating. Bedside cribs offer the best of both worlds, allowing your baby to be close to you at night, but in their own private and secure sleeping space.
When selecting a crib that is bedside make sure it is in compliance with the latest safety standards (it must be BS EN 1130:2019) and has no gaps or parts that could cause your child to be trapped. Also, look for a mattress that's firm and flat. A mattress that is sagging or that is too soft can increase the risk of SIDS for your child.
Find bedding that is fitted and without pillows or blankets that are sloppy. Pillows can cause suffocation and duvets could get stuck to the baby's face. Use a fitted sheet, but make sure that it is properly fitted.
The SnuzPod4 was highly rated by our MFM mom test participants as a crib that is suitable for bedside use. It was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards under the category of the Best Cot, Moses Basket or Crib. It is secured to the bed, and is adjustable to ensure an ideal fit. It features a rocking feature and can be adjusted to an inclined position for reflux. It is a great choice for those who have narrow or small beds as it doesn't take up much space.
Design
The layout of a bedside crib is crucial as it will be the area where your baby will spend most of their time. A lot of cribs are available in a variety of colors to match your decor and feature features such as mesh windows that keep baby in view, or sides that drop down that allow for easier access. Some cribs come with incline features to help with reflux.
You can raise and lower the majority of cribs to match your bed height making it easier for you to get into and out of bed. You can also find a few that are made to work as travel cots, which is great if you're travelling or visiting relatives.
Leya is an MFM mum and home tester, realized that the SnuzPod 4 was a great design for her bedroom. She also liked its compact fold that saved space. She also appreciated that one side of the crib is lowered, allowing her to pick up her sleeping baby without having to leave her bed. This is particularly beneficial if you've been through a Caesarean or are recovering from one. You can stay close to your baby for longer.
Another mum who enjoyed using the SnuzPod 4 was Jasmine, who commented that it was easy to move from room room - something she couldn't discover with other cribs she looked at for bedside use. She did note that the handle was a bit 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 in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards to be the Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket. The neutral colours and slim frame will fit in with most 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 clothes. The bars' distance should not exceed 6.5cm (2 inches) to avoid your baby's head from becoming stuck. This crib is also suitable for babies suffering from reflux because the ComfortAir air-tight system helps regulate body temperature.
Comfort
You will feel more secure when you can reach your baby quickly to feed them in the middle of the night. You can accomplish this without having to leave your bed, with a crib at your bedside. These cribs make it simple to soothe babies to sleep. If, however, you'd like to sleep with your baby but don't like the idea of waking up for every feeding moses baskets are an ideal choice.
Most cribs with a bedside are attached to the bedside, so you are able to easily access and touch your baby. They often have a mesh window so you can check on your baby without disrupting them. You can also find a reflux setting that helps with colic and reflux.
We're amazed by the amount of features on this crib, particularly the ComfortAir breathable mattress that works to regulate your baby's temperature and maximise airflow. It's a little smaller than other cribs that are bedside, which may be helpful where space is limited. Our mom testers are of the opinion that this is still a great choice for those sleepless nights.
The cot is securely attached to the side of the bed using adjustable straps. This reduces the possibility of gaps where your child could become trapped. It also comes with a firm, flat mattress that meets safety standards and encourages the safest sleeping habits.
You should be aware that your baby will begin to get out of their crib when they are standing up, which is usually around six months. This is why it's essential to place them in a cot or another sleeping arrangement as they grow out of the crib.
Another feature to think about is how light the crib is and if it's suitable for travelling. Many of our mothers appreciate that this crib can easily be disassembled for transport, but others aren't able to put it together. It's also a challenge to keep clean and therefore you'll have to clean it regularly with a cloth and cleaning product.
Stores
A bedside cot for 6 months plus is a bassinet-style cot that fixes to the side of your bed to ensure safe co-sleeping. These are great for calming babies to sleep, allowing night feedings and allowing mums who 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. Make sure that the crib's bars are positioned sufficiently apart to prevent your child's head from being trapped. Also, ensure that any drop-down side is safe and doesn't fall open accidentally. Also, beware of any stickers or transfers on the cot's surface since they could pose an choking hazard.
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 good size and has plenty of storage space for all your baby essentials. It's also compact and light enough to be able to fit in a travel bag if you're planning to move it around. If you want something simpler she suggests Shnuggle Air in addition to Crib.