Bedside Cot 6 Months Plus
Bedside sleepers allow you to keep your baby close in the same room as you without the risk of bed-sharing, which is associated with a higher chance of death from suffocation. They are also a great choice for babies.
Models with adjustable height positions will fit perfectly on all bed frames. Also look for breathable fabrics that are easy to clean.
Safety
A bedside cot is described as a bassinet which is connected to the side of a bed for safe cosleeping. It can be used to pull baby closer to you at night for feeding or soothing. it's also a great choice for a C-section. It's different from a Moses basket or cot due to the fact that it has high sides to ensure your baby can't fall out. Some models have tilt features that can help babies with colic and reflux. They are also slightly larger than Moses baskets, which makes them easier to move from room room.
The NHS and the safe sleep charity The Lullaby Trust advise that newborns should be in their own bassinet or cot in the same room as their parent, but not in your bed. This is due to bed sharing increasing the risk of suffocation as well as overheating. Bedside cribs offer the best of both worlds by permitting your child to sleep close to you at night, but in their own private and secure sleeping space.
Check that the crib meets the most recent safety standards. It should be BS EN1130:2019. Also, ensure that there are no gaps or parts that could allow your child to get trapped. Look for a mattress with a firm, flat surface. A soft or sagging mattress can increase the risk of SIDS, so opt for a brand new mattress instead of second-hand.
Lastly, look for a bedding that is affixed and free of any loose blankets or pillows. Duvets and pillows could suffocate your baby, while pillows can stick to their face. It's a good idea to opt for a fitted sheet but ensure it's fitted correctly.
The SnuzPod4 was rated highly by our MFM mother testers as a crib for use in bed. It has been shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards under the category of the Best Cot, Moses Basket or Crib. It is secure to the bed and has an adjustable height to ensure a perfect fit. It also has a rocking feature and can be adjusted to incline for reflux. It is also an excellent option for those with bed sizes that are small or narrow as it doesn't take up any space.
Design
It is essential to think about the design of your bedside crib because this is the area where your baby will spend the majority of their time. Many cribs come in a variety of colors to match your decor and have features like mesh windows that keep your baby in view, or side panels that drop down that allow for easier access. Some cribs also have incline features to aid in reflux.
The majority of cribs can be lowered and raised to fit the height of your bed, making it easier to get out and in to bed at the end of the night. Some cribs can be used as travel cots. This is a great feature when you are travelling or visiting family.
Home tester and MFM mum Leya found the SnuzPod 4's sleek, Scandi style was a perfect match for her bedroom, adding that its compact fold was ideal for space-saving. Leya also appreciated that the crib's one side can be adjusted to lower, letting her to pick up her baby without having to get out of bed. This is particularly beneficial if you've had a Caesarean or are recovering after one. You can stay near your baby for a longer time.
Another mom who loved using the SnuzPod 4 was Jasmine who said that it was simple to move from room to room, something she didn't get with other cribs she looked at for bedside use. However, she said that it took some effort to raise and lower the crib, as the handle was quite stiff.
The Tutti Bambini CoZee Air is another bedside crib which is easy to fold and move. It was nominated for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in their Best Cot or Crib category. Its slim frame and neutral colour options will fit in with the majority of bedrooms, but some of our home testers felt the bars were a little too close together, which means they could catch on clothes or baby toys. The distance between bars should not exceed 6.5cm (2 inches) to avoid your baby's head from getting trapped. This crib is also ideal for babies who have reflux, because the ComfortAir breathable system helps regulate their body temperature.
Comfort
Staying close to your baby all night will provide peace of mind, but you must be in a position to be able to get them quickly to feed them in the middle of the night. With a crib at your bedside, you can do this without getting out of bed. They also make it simple to soothe babies back to sleep. If you'd like to snuggle with your baby, but don't like the idea of getting out of bed to feed your baby moses baskets are the better option.
The majority of cribs for bedside are connected to the bedside so you can easily be able to see and reach your baby. Some have mesh windows, so you can monitor your baby without disrupting him. They may also have a reflux setting to aid in reflux or colic.
The crib is loaded with a variety of features, but we're most impressed by the ComfortAir mattress that is breathable and regulates the temperature of your baby's body and maximizes airflow. It's smaller than other bedside cribs which could be useful in areas that are limited in space. However, bedside crib travel cot agree that it's an excellent choice for those long nights.
The cot is securely attached to the bed's side with adjustable straps, which reduces the possibility of gaps where your baby may get caught. It also comes with a sturdy, flat mattress that meets safety standards and encourages the safest sleeping habits.
One thing to keep in mind is that your baby may start to leave the crib once they're able to sit up at around six months. This is the reason it's crucial to put them in a cot or another sleeping arrangement once they outgrow the crib.
Another thing to consider is how lightweight the cot is and whether it's suitable for traveling. Many of our mothers appreciate that this crib is able to be taken apart for transport, but others find it difficult to assemble. It is also difficult to keep clean, so you'll need to regularly wipe it down with a cloth and cleaning product.
Stores
A bedside cot 6 months plus is an upholstered bassinet cot that can be fixed to the bed's side for safe co-sleeping. These are great for calming babies to sleep, night feedings, and for mothers who had a csection to keep their baby close.
It's crucial to choose a crib that meets the latest safety standards. Make sure that the crib's bars are spaced sufficiently apart to prevent your child's head from becoming trapped. Also, make sure that the drop-down sides are secured and doesn't open accidentally. Do not place stickers or transfer on the surface of the cot as they could pose an choking risk.
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 Cot or Crib and Best Moses Basket. It's a decent size and has plenty of storage space for all the baby necessities. It's also compact and lightweight enough to fit in its bag for travel, should you need to move it around. If you're looking for something less complicated, she recommends Shnuggle Air beside Crib.