Bedside Cot 6 Months Plus
Bedside sleepers let you keep your baby in the same room with you do without the danger of bed-sharing, which is associated with an increased risk of suffocation. They are a great option for infants.
Models that have adjustable height positions can be placed perfectly on most bed frames. Also look for breathable fabrics that are easy to clean.
Safety
A bedside cot could be described as a bassinet that is attached to the bed's side for safe sleeping. It can be used to bring your baby towards you for comfort, feeding or to soothe your baby at the night. It's also a great alternative if you've had a c section. It differs from a Moses Basket or Cot as it has high walls, so your baby cannot be pushed out. Some models have a tilt function that can aid babies with reflux and colic. They are also a bit larger than Moses baskets which makes them easier to move from room room.
The NHS and The Lullaby Trust, a safe sleep charity, recommend that newborns be kept in a bassinet or cot in the same room with their parents. They should not be sleeping in your bed. Sharing a bed increases the risk of suffocation or overheating. Bedside cribs allow your child to sleep close to you however, in a secure and distinct space.
Make sure that the crib is in compliance with the most current safety standards. It should be BS EN1130, 2019. Also, make sure there aren't any gaps or places that could allow your child to get trapped. Choose a mattress that has a firm, flat surface. A mattress that is too sagging or that is too soft could increase the risk of SIDS for your child.
Make sure rocking bedside crib is well-fitted and does not have loose blankets or pillowcases. Duvets and pillows could suffocate your baby, and pillows can get stuck to their faces. Use a fitted sheet however, make sure it fits properly.
Our MFM mother testers have discovered that the SnuzPod4 is an excellent option for a crib that is positioned near the bed, being shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in the best Cot, Crib, or Moses Basket category. It is attached securely to the bed, and can be adjusted to ensure the perfect fit. It also has a rocking feature and can be set to an incline for reflux. It is a great choice for those who have bed sizes that are small or narrow because it doesn't take up the entire space.
Design
It is important to consider the design of your bedside crib since this is the place where your baby will spend the majority of their time. Many cribs come in a variety of colors to suit your decor and have features like mesh windows that keep your baby in view, or sides that drop down that allow you to reach it. Some even have incline functions to help with reflux.
bedside rocking crib can also be lowered and raised to fit the height of your bed, making it easier to get in and out of the bed at time of night. Some cribs can be used as travel cots. This is great for when you're traveling or visiting relatives.
Home tester and MFM mom Leya found the SnuzPod 4's sleek, Scandi style complements her bedroom decor and said that its compact fold was ideal to save space. Leya also appreciated that one side of the crib can be adjusted to lower, letting her pick up her baby without having to get out of bed. This is especially helpful in the event that you've had an emergency C-section or recovering from the effects of a Caesarean, as 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 another and back again - something she didn't discover with other cribs for bed. However, she did note that it took some effort to raise and lower the crib because the handle was rigid.
The Tutti Bambini CoZee Air is another crib that 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 will work well in the majority of bedrooms, but some of our home testers thought the bars were too close, which means they could get caught on clothing or baby toys. The distance between the bars should be no more than 6.5cm (2.5 inches) to ensure your baby's head doesn't get caught in. This crib is ideal for babies with reflux too, as its ComfortAir breathing technology helps regulate temperature.
Comfort
Keeping your baby close throughout the night will give you peace of mind, but you should be able to reach them quickly to feed them in the middle of the night. You can easily do this without having to leave your bed, with a crib at your bedside. These cribs make it simple to soothe babies into sleep. If, however, you'd like to sleep with your baby, but don't want the hassle of getting out of bed to feed your baby moses baskets are the better option.
Most cribs that are bedside can be positioned on the sides of your bed, allowing you to see and access your baby easily. They often come with a mesh window, which allows you to observe your baby without disturbing them. There is also a reflux setting that helps with reflux and colic.
This crib has a lot of features, but we're most impressed by the ComfortAir air-tight Mattress that regulates your baby's body temperature and maximizes airflow. It's smaller than other cribs for bedside use which could be useful in areas with limited space. Our mom testers agree that this is still an excellent option for those sleepless nights.
The cot securely attaches to the side of your bed by means of adjustable straps. This reduces the possibility of gaps in which your child might get trapped. It also comes with a sturdy, flat mattress that meets safety standards and promotes the safest sleeping practices.
One thing to bear in mind is that your baby could begin to leave the crib once they're able to sit, usually around six months. This is the reason it's crucial to put them in a cot or other sleeping arrangement when they've outgrown the crib.
A lightweight cot that is suitable for travel is another aspect to consider. Some of our mums really appreciate the fact that this crib is able to be dismantled for easy transport, while others find it tricky to assemble and reassemble. It can be difficult to clean, so you'll need to wipe it down often using a cleaning product and a cloth.
Storage
A bedside cot for 6 months plus is a bassinet-style cot that fixes to the bed's side to ensure safe co-sleeping. These are great for soothing babies to sleep, allowing night feedings and also allowing mothers who had a c-section to keep their baby close.
It's crucial to choose a crib that meets current safety standards. Verify that the bars are enough apart to avoid your child's head from being trapped and check that any sides that drop down are secured and don't open abruptly. Also, beware of any transfer or stickers that are placed on the cot surface as they could pose a choking hazard.
Emily's top choice for a bedside cot is the Next2me Magic, which was shortlisted in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket. It's a decent size with plenty of storage for your baby's necessities. It's also lightweight and compact enough to fit in its travel bag if you need to move it from room to room. If you're looking for something a little simpler, she recommends the Shnuggle Air next to the crib.