Bedside Cot 6 Months Plus
Bedside sleepers let you have your baby in the same room with you without the risk associated with bed-sharing. They are also a great choice for babies.
Look for models with an adjustable height that gives a perfect fit on all bed frames. Also look for breathable fabrics that are easy to clean.
Safety
A bedside cot is basically an upholstered bassinet that is attached to the side of your bed to allow safe co-sleeping. It can be used to lift your baby to you to comfort them, feed them or to soothe your baby at the night. It's also a great alternative if you've have had a c section. It is different from a Moses Basket or Cot because it has high walls, so your baby cannot escape. Some models have tilting features that 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 babies be placed in a bassinet or cot in same room with their parents. They should not be in your bed. Bed-sharing increases the risks of suffocation or overheating. Bedside cribs allow your baby to sleep with you, but in a safe and separate space.
Check that the crib meets the most recent safety standards. It must be BS EN1130:2019. Also, make sure that there aren't any gaps or parts where your baby could get trapped. Look for a mattress with a firm, flat surface. A sagging or overly soft mattress can increase the risk of SIDS, so opt for a brand new mattress, rather than second-hand.
Lastly, look for a bedding that is affixed and free from any loose blankets or pillows. Duvets and pillows can suffocate your baby, and pillows can stick to their face. Use a fitted sheet, but make sure that it fits properly.
Our MFM mum testers have found that the SnuzPod4 is an excellent option for a bedside crib, being shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in the Best Cot, Crib, or Moses Basket category. It attaches securely to the bed and has an adjustable height to ensure a perfect fit. It also has a rocking function and can be set to an incline to prevent reflux. It is also an excellent choice for those who have small or narrow beds as it doesn't take up much space.
Design
It is crucial to think about the design of your bedside crib because this is the area where your baby will spend the majority of their time. There are many cribs available in a choice of colours to match your decor and have features like mesh windows that keep baby in view, or side panels that drop down that allow you to reach it. Some cribs even have incline functions to aid in reflux.
Many cribs can also be lowered and raised to the same height as your bed, making it easier to get into and out of bed at time of night. Some cribs can serve as travel cots. This is a great option when you travel or visiting relatives.
Home tester and MFM mother Leya found that the SnuzPod 4's sleek, Scandi style complements her bedroom decor and added that its compact fold was ideal for sizing up space. She also appreciated the fact that the crib's one side can be raised, letting her to pick up her baby without having to leave the 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 longer.
Another mom who loved using the SnuzPod 4 is Jasmine who said that it was easy to move from room to room - something she couldn't discover with other bedside cribs she tested. However, she said that it took some effort to raise and lower the crib, since the handle was rigid.
Another crib that's easy to fold and move is the Tutti Bambini CoZee Air, which was shortlisted in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards as the best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket. The neutral colours and slim frame will match the majority of bedrooms. However some of our test subjects felt that the bars were too close together. This could cause them to get caught on baby toys or clothes. The distance between the bars should not exceed 6.5cm (2.5 inches) to ensure that your baby's head doesn't get caught in. This crib is also ideal for babies with reflux, because the ComfortAir air-flow system assists in regulating their body temperature.
Comfort
You'll feel more secure if you can reach your baby quickly to feed them during the middle of the night. You can easily do this without having to get out of bed by having a crib by your bedside. They make it simple to help babies sleep. If you want to be able to sleep with your child, but don't wish to be a burden of having to get up every time they need to be fed, a moses-basket is an excellent option.
The majority of cribs for bedside are connected to the bedside so you can easily see and reach your baby. Many have mesh windows which allow you to watch your baby without disrupting the baby. They may also include a reflux setting to help with colic or reflux.
We're amazed by the amount of features that are included on this crib, including the ComfortAir breathable mattress that works to regulate your baby's temperature and maximise airflow. her comment is here than some other bedside cribs which can be useful in areas where space is scarce. Our mom testers are of the opinion that this is an excellent option for those sleepless nights.
The cot is secured to the side of your bed by means of adjustable straps. This reduces the risk of gaps that your child could get trapped. It also comes with a firm flat mattress that is in line with safety standards and encourages healthy sleeping habits.
One thing to bear in mind is that your baby can begin to leave the crib once they're able to sit at around six months. This is the reason it's crucial to put them in a cot or other sleeping arrangement as they grow out of the crib.
Another aspect to consider is how lightweight the cot is and whether it's suitable for travelling. Some of our mums really appreciate the fact that this crib is able to be dismantled for easy transport, but others find it difficult to assemble and then rebuild. It's also a challenge to keep clean and therefore you'll have to regularly wipe it down with a cloth and a cleaning product.
Stores
A bedside cot that is 6 months old plus is a bassinet-style cot which is fixed to the side of your bed for safe co-sleeping. They're ideal for feeding your baby at night as well as calming babies back to sleep and enabling mums who have had a c-section to keep their baby close.
It's crucial to choose cribs that are in line with current safety standards. Check that the crib's bars are positioned sufficiently apart to keep your child's head from becoming trapped. Also, ensure that the drop-down side is secured and doesn't open accidentally. Also, beware of any transfer or stickers on the cot's surface as they can be an choking hazard.
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 great size and has plenty of storage for your baby's necessities. It's also compact and light enough to fit into its travel bag if you need to move it from room to room. If you're looking for something a bit simpler, she recommends the Shnuggle Air next to the crib.