Bedside Cot 6 Months Plus
Bedside sleepers let you keep your baby to you are without the risk of sharing a bed, which is associated with a higher risk of being suffocated. They are also a great choice for babies.
Look for models with an adjustable height that gives a perfect fit on all bed frames. Find fabrics that are easy to clean and ventilated.
Safety
A bedside cot is basically a bassinet-style cot that fixes to the bed's side to allow secure co-sleeping. It can be used to lift your baby to you to provide comfort, feed or to help soothe them at the night. It's also an excellent option if you had a c section. It's different from a Moses basket or cot as it has high sides, so your baby won't be pushed out. Some models have tilt features that can help babies with colic and reflux. They are also slightly bigger than Moses baskets, which makes them easier to move from room to room.
The NHS and The Lullaby Trust, a safe sleep charity, suggest that infants be placed in a bassinet or cot that is in the same room with their parents. They shouldn't be sleeping in your bed. Bed-sharing increases the risks of suffocation or overheating. Bedside cribs provide the best of both worlds, giving your baby the opportunity to be close to you throughout the night, but still in their own safe and separate sleeping space.
When you are choosing a crib for your bed ensure that it meets the most recent safety standards (it should be BS EN 1130:2019) and doesn't have any gaps or parts that could cause your child to get trapped. Look for a mattress with an even, firm surface. A sagging or overly soft mattress could increase the risk of SIDS, so go for a new one instead of a second-hand.
Lastly, look for a bedding that is fitted and free from any loose blankets or pillows. Pillows pose a risk of suffocation and duvets can be a hazard to the baby's face. Use a fitted sheet, however, make sure it is fitted correctly.
The SnuzPod4 was rated highly by our MFM mum test participants as a crib that is suitable for bedside use. It has been shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in the category of the Best Cot, Moses Basket or Crib. It is secure to the bed and features an adjustable height to ensure an ideal fit. It also has a rocking feature and can be adjusted to incline for reflux. It is a great choice for those who have small or narrow beds because it doesn't take up any space.
Design
The design of a crib for the bed is important as it is the place where your child will spend the majority of their time. There are a variety of cribs available in a variety of colors that can be matched to your decor. Some have features such as mesh windows to keep the baby's eyes open or drop-down sides to make it easier to access. Some cribs even have incline functions to ease reflux.
The majority of cribs can be lowered and raised to the same height as your bed, making it easier to get into and out of the bed at time of night. Some cribs can also be used as travel cots. This is a great option when you're traveling or visiting family.
Home tester and MFM mother Leya discovered that the SnuzPod 4's sleek, Scandi style complemented her bedroom decor, adding that its compact fold was ideal to save space. She also appreciated the fact that one side of crib can be lowered, allowing her to pick up her baby without needing to get out of bed. This is especially helpful in the event that you've had C-sections or are recovering from an Caesarean, as it allows you to stay close to your baby for a longer period of time.
Another mom who was happy using the SnuzPod 4 is Jasmine who said that it was simple to move from room to room - something she couldn't get with other cribs for bedside that she tried. She did note that the handle was stiff and required an enormous amount of effort to raise the crib.
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 for best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket. The neutral colours and slim frame will fit in with most bedrooms. However some of our testers thought that the bars were too close to each other. This could result in them getting caught on baby toys or clothing. The distance between each bar 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 suffering from reflux because the ComfortAir air-flow system helps regulate body temperature.
Comfort
A close and secure baby all night will provide peace of mind, however, you must be able to reach them quickly during the night for feeding. You can easily do this without having to get up from bed with a crib at your bedside. They make it simple to help babies sleep. However, if wooden bedside cot want to sleep with your baby but aren't keen on the idea of waking up for every feed moses baskets are an ideal choice.
The majority of cribs for bedside are connected to the bedside so you can easily see and reach your baby. They often feature a mesh-like window to allow you to check on your baby without disrupting them. They may also include a setting for reflux to aid in colic or reflux.
The crib is loaded with a variety of options, but we're particularly amazed by the ComfortAir air-tight Mattress that regulates your baby's body temperature and increases airflow. It's smaller than other cribs for bedside use that could be useful in areas that are limited in space. Our mom testers agree that this is a great choice for those sleepless nights.
The cot securely attaches to the bed's side using adjustable straps. This minimizes the chance of gaps in which your child may get caught. It is equipped with a firm, flat mattress that complies with safety standards and promotes healthy sleeping habits.
One thing to bear in mind is that your baby can start to climb out of the crib once they're able to sit up, usually around six months. It's crucial to put your child in a cot, or another sleeping arrangement after they've outgrown their crib.
A cot that is lightweight and suitable for travel is a further feature to consider. Some of our mothers are thrilled that this crib can easily be disassembled to transport it However, some aren't able to put it together. It is also difficult to keep clean, so you'll need to clean it regularly with a cloth and cleaning product.
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're great for night feeds, soothing babies back to sleep and allowing mothers who have had C-sections to keep their baby close.
It's crucial to choose cribs that are in line with the current safety standards. Make sure that the crib's bars are positioned sufficiently apart to keep your child's head from getting trapped. Also, ensure that the drop-down side is secure and doesn't open unintentionally. Avoid placing stickers or transfers onto the surface of the cot because they could pose the risk of choking.
Emily's top choice for a bedside cot is the Next2me Magic, which was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Cot Crib, Crib or Moses Basket. It's a decent size, with plenty of space for your baby's necessities. It's also small and light enough to fit in a bag for travel, should you need to move it around. If you're looking for something a little simpler, she recommends the Shnuggle Air beside crib.