Bedside Cot 6 Months Plus
Bedside sleepers allow you to keep your baby in the same room as you, without the risks 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 the majority of bed frames. Find fabrics that are easy-to-clean and ventilated.
Safety
A bedside cot is basically an old-fashioned bassinet cot that can be fixed to the bed's side to allow safe co-sleeping. It can be used to bring your baby towards you to comfort them, feed them or soothing at night. It's also a great option if you have had a c section. It's different from a Moses basket or cot due to the fact that it has high sides so your baby won't be pushed out. Some models have a tilt function that can aid babies with reflux and colic. They're also a bit bigger than Moses baskets, which can make them easier to transport from room to room.
bedside cot mattress and safe sleep charity The Lullaby Trust advise that newborns should be kept in their own bassinet or cot in the same room with their parents but not in your bed. This is because bed-sharing increases the risk of suffocation as well as overheating. Bedside cribs give you the best of both worlds by allowing your baby to be close to you at night, but in their own secure and private sleeping space.
Check that the crib meets the most current safety standards. It must be BS EN1130:2019. Also, make sure that there are no gaps or places where your baby could get trapped. Choose a mattress that has a flat, firm surface. A mattress that is sagging or that is too soft could increase the risk of SIDS for your baby.
Finally, you should look for bedding that is fitted and free of any loose blankets or pillows. Duvets and pillows could suffocate your baby, and 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 mom testers as a crib suitable for bedside use. It was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards under the category of Best Cot, Moses Basket or Crib. It attaches securely to the bed and has an adjustable height to ensure the perfect fit. It features a rocking feature and can be adjusted to an inclined angle for reflux. It's a good choice for those with small or narrow beds because it does not take up much 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 are available in a range of colors that will match your decor. Some have features such as mesh windows to keep the baby visible or drop-down sides to make it easier to access. Some cribs even have incline functions to aid in reflux.
Most cribs can also be raised and lowered to fit the height of your bed, making it easier to get in and out of your bed at night. Some cribs can serve as travel cots. This is a great option when you are travelling or visiting family.
Home tester and MFM mum Leya found that the SnuzPod 4's sleek Scandi styling was a perfect match for her bedroom and added that its compact fold was perfect to save space. She also liked the fact that one side of the crib can be lowered, allowing her to pick up her child without needing to get out of bed. This is particularly helpful if you have had a C-section or are recovering from an Caesarean because it allows you to sleep close to your baby for longer.
Jasmine is a mother who also enjoyed using the SnuzPod 4. She said it was easy to move the crib from one room to the next and back again - something she didn't find with other bedside cribs. However, she noted that it took some effort to lift and lower the crib because 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 to be the The Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket. Its slim frame and neutral colors will fit in with all bedrooms, though some of our home testers felt the bars were a little too close together, meaning 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 becoming stuck. This is a great crib for babies who have reflux, as its ComfortAir breathing technology helps regulate their temperature.
Comfort
You will feel more secure if you can quickly reach your baby to feed them in the middle of the night. With a crib that is placed near the bed you can do this easily without getting out of bed. These cribs make it simple to soothe babies to sleep. If you'd like to be able to sleep with your child but do not wish to be a burden of getting up each time they're fed, a moses's-basket is an excellent alternative.
The majority of cribs for bedside are connected to the bedside so you can easily be able to see and reach your baby. They typically have a mesh window so you can check on your baby without having to disturb them. You may also find an option to treat reflux that can help with reflux and colic.
This crib comes with a wide range of features, but we're most impressed by the ComfortAir breathable Mattress that regulates your baby's body temperature and increases airflow. It's smaller than other cribs that could be useful in areas with limited space. Our mom testers are of the opinion that this is an excellent choice for sleepless, long nights.
The cot securely attaches to the bed's side using adjustable straps. This reduces the possibility of gaps in which your child may get caught. It has a flat, firm mattress that complies with safety standards and promotes healthy sleep habits.
One thing to bear in mind is that your baby may start to leave the crib once they're able to sit up, usually around six months. This is why it's essential to put them in a cot or other sleeping arrangement once they outgrow the crib.
A cot that is light and suitable for travel is a further feature to consider. Some of our mothers love that this crib is able to be taken apart for transport However, some find it difficult to assemble. It isn't easy to clean so you will have to clean it frequently using a cleaning product and a cloth.
Storage
A bedside cot for 6 months plus is an upholstered bassinet cot that can be fixed to the bed's side for a safe and secure co-sleeping. They're great for night feeds as well as calming babies back to sleep and enabling mums who have had C-sections to keep their baby close.
When you are choosing a crib for your bed, it's important to ensure that it is in line with current safety standards. Check that the bars are far enough apart to avoid your child's head from getting trapped. Also, make sure that any sides that drop down are secured and don't open unexpectedly. Avoid placing stickers or other objects onto the surface of the cot since they may 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 the Best Moses Basket. It's a good size and has plenty of storage space to store all your baby essentials. It's also light and compact enough to fit into its travel bag in case you need to move it from room to room. If you're looking for something less complicated her recommendation is Shnuggle Air alongside Crib.