Bedside Cot 6 Months Plus
Bedside sleepers let you keep your baby to you are without the risk of bed-sharing, which is associated with a higher chance of death from suffocation. They're an excellent choice for newborns.
Look for models with an adjustable height position that will fit perfectly on the majority of bed frames. Choose fabrics that are easy-to-clean and comfortable to breathe.
Safety
A bedside cot is an upholstered bassinet that is attached to the bed's side to allow safe co-sleeping. You can use it to pull baby closer to you at night for feeding or soothing. it's also a great option in the event of 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 won't fall out. Some come with a tilt feature which can help babies suffering from reflux and colic. They are also a bit larger than Moses baskets which makes them easier to move from room to 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 shouldn't be sleeping in your bed. Sharing beds increases the risk of overheating or suffocation. Bedside cribs permit your baby to rest close to you, but in a safe and distinct space.
When choosing a bedside crib, check that it meets the latest safety standards (it should be BS EN 1130:2019) and doesn't have any gaps or parts that could cause your child to become trapped. Choose a mattress that has a flat, firm surface. A sagging or too soft mattress could increase your baby's risk of SIDS, so opt for a brand new mattress, rather than second-hand.
Lastly, look for bedside crib and travel cot that is affixed and free from any loose blankets or pillows. Duvets and pillows could suffocate your baby, and pillows can get stuck to their face. It's best to make use of a fitted sheet instead, but make sure it's fitted correctly.
Our MFM mom testers have discovered that the SnuzPod4 is a great choice for a bedside crib, selected for 2021's Mother&Baby Awards in the Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket category. It is securely attached to the bed, and has an adjustable height for a perfect fit. It also has a rocking feature and can be set to an incline to prevent reflux. It is a great choice for those who have narrow or small beds, as it does not take up any space.
Design
It is important to consider the style of your crib at night, as this will be the place where your baby will spend the majority of their time. Many cribs come in a choice of colours to match your decor and feature features such as mesh windows that keep your baby in view, or side panels that drop down that make it easier to reach. Some even have incline functions to ease reflux.
The majority of cribs can be raised and lowered to match the height of your bed, making it easier to get into and out of bed at time of 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 mother Leya discovered that the SnuzPod 4's sleek Scandi styling was a perfect match for her bedroom, adding that its compact fold was ideal for sizing up space. She also liked that the crib's one side is lowered and allows her to pick up her sleeping baby without leaving her bed. This is especially helpful when you've had an Caesarean or are recovering from one. You can stay close to your baby for a longer period of time.
Jasmine is another mum who liked using the SnuzPod 4. She said it was easy for her to move the crib from one room to another and back again - something she didn't discover with other cribs for bed. However, she said that it took some effort to lift and lower the crib, since the handle was rigid.
The Tutti Bambini CoZee Air is another crib that is easy to fold and move. It was nominated for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in the Best Cot or Crib category. The neutral colors and slim frame will fit in with the majority of bedrooms. However, some of our testers felt that the bars were too close to each other. This could cause them to get caught on baby toys or clothing. The distance between the bars should be no more than 6.5cm (2.5 inches) to ensure your baby's head can't become trapped. This is a great crib for babies with reflux too because its ComfortAir breathing technology helps regulate temperature.
Comfort
Keeping your baby close all night will give you peace of mind, but you must be capable of reaching them quickly for middle-of-the-night feeding. With a crib that is placed near the bed, you can do this easily without getting out of the bed. They also make it easy to calm babies back to sleep. If you want to to sleep with your child, but don't want to hassle with getting up every time they need to be fed, a moses's-basket is an ideal option.
The majority of cribs for bedside are attached to the bedside, which allows you to see and reach your baby. Some have mesh windows, which allow you to watch your baby without disturbing him. They may also include a reflux setting to aid in reflux or colic.
This crib comes with a wide range of features, but we're most amazed by the ComfortAir mattress that is breathable and regulates the temperature of your baby's body and maximizes airflow. It's smaller than other cribs which could be useful in areas that are limited in space. But our mum testers all agree that it's still an excellent choice for those long nights.
The cot is attached securely to the side of the bed using adjustable straps. This minimizes the chance of gaps in which your child may get trapped. It comes with an even, firm mattress that meets safety regulations and promotes good sleeping habits.
One thing to keep in mind is that your baby could start to climb out of the crib when they're able to sit typically around six months. It is essential to place your baby in a cot or another sleeping arrangement after they've outgrown their crib.
Another aspect to consider is how lightweight the cot is and whether it's suitable for travelling. Many of our moms appreciate the fact that this crib can be dismantled for easy transport, while others find it a bit tricky to assemble and put back together. It can be a challenge to clean so you will have to wipe it clean often using a cleaning product and a cloth.
Stores
A bedside cot 6 months plus is a bassinet-style cot which is fixed to the bed's side to ensure safe co-sleeping. They are great for feeding at night and calming babies back to sleep and allowing mothers who've had C-sections to keep their baby close.
It's important that you choose cribs that meet the current safety standards. Check that the bars on the crib are spaced sufficiently apart to ensure that your child's head isn't being trapped. Also, ensure that the drop-down side is secure and doesn't open unintentionally. Avoid placing stickers or transfers on the floor of the cot as they may pose a choking risk.
Emily's top choice for a bedside crib is the Next2me Magic, which was shortlisted in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Cot Crib, Crib, or Moses Basket. It's a decent size with plenty of storage for all your baby's essentials. It is also compact and light enough to be able to fit in its travel bag if you need to move it around. If you're looking for something less complicated, she recommends Shnuggle Air beside Crib.