Bedside Cot 6 Months Plus
Bedside sleepers let you keep your baby in the same room as you are without the risk of sharing beds, which comes with a higher risk of death from suffocation. They are a great option for babies.
Models that have adjustable height positions will fit perfectly on most bed frames. Find fabrics that are easy to clean and ventilated.
Safety
A bedside cot can be described as a bassinet which is attached to the side of a bed for safe cosleeping. It can be used to lift your baby toward you to provide comfort, feed or to soothe your baby at night. It's also an excellent alternative if you've have had a c section. It differs from a Moses Basket or Cot in that it has walls that are high so your baby cannot escape. Some models come with tilt features that can aid babies suffering from colic and reflux. They are also slightly larger than Moses baskets, making them easier to move from room room.
The NHS and The Lullaby Trust, a safe sleep charity, recommend that newborns be kept in a bassinet or cot in the same room as their parents. They should not be sleeping in your bed. This is because bed-sharing increases the risk of suffocation as well as overheating. Bedside cribs allow your baby to sleep with you however, in a secure and separate space.
When choosing a bedside crib make sure it is in compliance with the most recent safety standards (it must be BS EN 1130:2019) and doesn't have any gaps or parts that could cause your child to be trapped. Also, look for mattresses that are solid and flat. A mattress that is sagging or that is too soft may increase the risk of SIDS for your baby.
Look for bedding that is fitted and without pillows or blankets that are loose. Duvets and pillows could suffocate your baby, and pillows can get stuck to their faces. Use a fitted sheet but ensure that it is properly fitted.
Our MFM mum testers have found that the SnuzPod4 is an excellent option for a bedside crib, selected for 2021's Mother&Baby Awards in the best Cot, Crib, or Moses Basket category. It attaches securely to the bed and features an adjustable height to ensure an ideal fit. It also comes with a rocking function and can be set to an incline for reflux. It is a great option for those with narrow or small beds, as it does not take up much space.
Design
It is important to consider the style of your crib at night since this is the place where your baby will spend the majority of their time. There are many cribs available in a choice of colours to suit your decor and have features like mesh windows that keep baby in view, or sides that drop down that allow for easier access. Some cribs have incline features to help with reflux.
You can raise and lower the majority of cribs to your bed's height which makes it easier to get into and out of the bed. You can also find a few that are designed to function as travel cribs, which are ideal when you're traveling or visiting relatives.
Leya, a MFM mother and home tester, realized that the SnuzPod 4 was a great choice for her bedroom. She also loved its compact fold which saved space. She also liked the fact that one side of crib can be lowered, allowing her to pick up her baby without having to leave the bed. This is particularly helpful when you've been through a Caesarean or are recovering from one. You can remain close to your baby for a longer period of time.
Another mom who loved using the SnuzPod 4 was Jasmine who said that it was easy to move from room room - something she couldn't find with some of the other cribs she looked at for bedside use. However, she said that it required some effort to lift and lower the crib since the handle was stiff.
Another bedside crib that's simple to fold and move is the Tutti Bambini CoZee Air, which was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards as the Best Cot Crib, Moses Basket. The neutral colours and slim frame are perfect for most bedrooms. However, some of our testers felt that the bars were too close to each other. This could cause them to catch on baby toys or clothes. The distance between the 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 who have reflux, due to the ComfortAir air-flow system helps regulate their body temperature.
Comfort
You'll feel more secure when you can quickly reach your baby to feed them in the middle of the night. With a bedside crib you can do this without getting out of bed. They also make it easier to soothe babies back to sleep. If you'd like to be able to sleep with your child, but do not want to hassle with having to get up every time they're fed, a moses's-basket is an excellent option.
Most bedside cribs can be affixed to the side of your bed and allow you to view and access your baby easily. Most have mesh windows which allow you to watch your baby without disrupting the baby. They might also include a reflux setting to aid in reflux or colic.
This crib has a lot of options, but we're particularly amazed by the ComfortAir breathable Mattress that regulates your baby's body temperature and increases airflow. It's smaller than some other cribs for bedside use which can be useful when space is tight. But our mum testers all are in agreement that it's an excellent choice for those long nights.
bedside crib or cot is securely attached to the side of your bed using adjustable straps. This reduces the risk of gaps in which your child may get caught. It has a flat, firm mattress that complies with safety standards and promotes healthy sleeping habits.
One thing to bear in mind is that your baby can begin to get out of the crib once they're able to sit up at around six months. This is why it's important to place them in a cot or other sleeping arrangement as they grow out of the crib.
A cot that is light and suitable for travel is an additional feature to consider. Some of our mothers love that this crib is able to be disassembled to transport it, but others aren't able to put it together. It's also a challenge to keep clean and you'll need regularly clean it with a cloth and a cleaning product.
Storage
A bedside cot for six months and up is a bassinet style cot that attaches to the side of your mattress to ensure secure co-sleeping. These are great for calming babies to sleep, night feedings, and for mothers who had a c-section to keep their baby close.
When choosing a bedside crib it's crucial to ensure that it complies with current safety standards. Verify that the bars are far enough apart to avoid your child's head from getting stuck, and make sure any sides that drop down are secured and don't open unexpectedly. Also, avoid any stickers or transfers on the cot's surface since they could be dangerous to choking.
Emily's favorite bedside cot 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 the Best Moses Basket. It is a good size with plenty of storage for the essentials of your baby. It's also small and light enough to fit in its travel bag, if you want to move it around. If you're looking for something a bit easier, she suggests the Shnuggle Air beside crib.