Bedside Cot 6 Months Plus
Bedside sleepers allow you to keep your baby in the same space with you without the risk associated with bed-sharing. They're also a great option for infants.
Look for models with an adjustable height that allows for a perfect fit on all bed frames. Choose fabrics that are easy to clean and ventilated.
Safety
A bedside cot is a bassinet-style cot that fixes to the bed's side to ensure safe co-sleeping. It can be used to lift your baby to you for comfort, feeding or soothing at night. It's also a great alternative if you've have had a c section. It's different from a Moses basket or cot because it has high sides to ensure your baby won't fall out. Some models have tilting features that help babies with colic and reflux. They are also slightly bigger than Moses baskets, which can make them easier to carry from room to room.
The NHS and the safe sleep charity The Lullaby Trust advise that newborns should be placed in their own bassinet or cot in the same room as their parents however, not in your bed. Sharing a bed increases the risk of overheating or suffocation. Bedside cribs provide the best of both worlds, giving your baby the opportunity to be close to you at night, but still in their own private and secure sleeping space.
When you are choosing a crib for your bed ensure that it meets the latest safety standards (it must be BS EN 1130:2019) and doesn't have any gaps or parts that could cause your baby to become trapped. Choose a mattress that has an even, firm surface. A mattress that is too sagging or that is too soft could increase the risk of SIDS for your child.
Lastly, look for a bedding that is fitted and free of any loose blankets or pillows. Pillows can cause suffocation and duvets can be a hazard to baby's face. It's a good idea to use a fitted sheet instead but ensure it's sized correctly.
Our MFM mother testers have discovered 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 is attached securely to the bed and it has an adjustable height for the perfect fit. It has a rocking feature and can be set to an inclined position to prevent reflux. It's a great option for people with narrow or small beds since it does not take up much room.
Design
It is important to consider the style of your crib at night, as this will be where you baby will spend the majority of their time. Many cribs are available in a variety of colors that match your decor. Some cribs have features like mesh windows to keep your baby visible or drop-down sides that make it easier to access. Some cribs also have incline features to help with reflux.
You can adjust the height of most cribs to match your bed height making it easier for you to get in and out of bed. You can even find some that are designed to function as travel cots, which are great for those who are traveling or visiting relatives.
Home tester and MFM mother Leya found the SnuzPod 4's sleek Scandi styling was a perfect match for her bedroom, adding that its compact fold was perfect for sizing up space. She also liked that one side of the crib drops down, allowing her to take her newborn baby to bed without leaving her bed. This is especially beneficial in the event that you've had a C-section or recovering from an Caesarean, as it means you can sleep near your newborn for longer.
Another mom who loved using the SnuzPod 4 is Jasmine, who commented that it was easy to move from room room, something she didn't find with some of the other cribs for bedside that she tried. bedside crib travel cot did mention that the handle was stiff and it took quite a bit of effort to lift the crib.
The Tutti Bambini CoZee Air is another bedside crib which is easy to fold and move. It was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in the Best Cot or Crib category. Its slim frame and neutral color options can be incorporated into most bedrooms, although some of our home testers felt the bars were a little too close, which means they could catch on clothes or toys for babies. The bars' distance shouldn't exceed 6.5cm (2 inches) in order to prevent your baby's head from getting trapped. This crib is also suitable for babies who have reflux, because the ComfortAir air-tight system assists in regulating their body temperature.
Comfort
Keeping your baby close all night will give you peace of mind, but you need to be capable of reaching them quickly during the night for feeding. With a crib at your bedside it is possible to do this easily without getting out of the bed. They also make it easier to calm babies back to sleep. If you want to be able to lay down with your child but don't want to hassle with getting up each time they need to be fed, a moses-basket can be a good option.
The majority of cribs for bedside use can be attached to the bed's side and allow you to view and access your baby easily. Some have mesh windows, which allow you to watch your baby without disrupting the baby. They may also include a setting for reflux to aid in reflux or colic.
We're impressed with the number of features that are included on this crib, especially the ComfortAir mattress, which is breathable and works to regulate your baby's temperature and maximise airflow. It's smaller than some other cribs that are bedside, which may be helpful where space is limited. However, our mom testers agree that it's still a great option for those long nights.
The cot securely attaches to the side of your bed with adjustable straps, which reduces the possibility of gaps where your baby could get trapped. It has an even, firm mattress that is safe and promotes healthy sleep habits.
bedside crib that turns into cot to bear in mind is that your baby may start to get out of the crib when they're tall enough to sit at around six months. It is essential to place your child in a cot, or in a different arrangement for sleeping when they've outgrown their crib.
Another feature to take into consideration is how light the crib is, and if it's suitable for travel. Many of our mothers appreciate that this crib can easily be taken apart for transport, but others find it difficult to assemble. It can be difficult to clean so you will have to wipe it clean frequently using a cleaning product and a cloth.
Storage
A bedside cot 6 months plus is a bassinet-style cot which is fixed to the side of your bed for a safe and secure co-sleeping. They are ideal for calming babies to sleep, for night feedings, and for mothers who had a c-section to keep their baby close.
When choosing a bedside crib it is important to ensure that it complies with current safety standards. Make sure that the bars are enough apart to prevent your baby's head becoming trapped. Also, make sure that any sides that drop down are secured and don't open unexpectedly. Avoid placing stickers or other objects on the floor of the cot as they could pose a 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 is a good size with plenty of storage for all your baby's essentials. It's also compact and light enough to be able to fit into a travel bag, if you're planning to move it around. If you're looking for something less complicated she suggests Shnuggle Air beside Crib.