Bedside Cot 6 Months Plus
Bedside sleepers allow you to keep your baby close to you do without the danger of bed-sharing, which is associated with an increased risk of death from suffocation. They are a great option for newborns.
Find models with an adjustable height which allows for a perfect fit on the majority of bed frames. Also look for breathable fabrics that are easy to clean.
Safety
A bedside cot could be described as a bassinet that is connected to the bed's side for safe cosleeping. It can be used to pull your baby towards you for comfort, feeding or to help soothe them at the end of the night. It's also an excellent option if you 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 fall out. Some models have a tilt function which can help babies with reflux and colic. bedside crib that turns into cot than Moses baskets, which could 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 cot or bassinet in the same room with their parents, but not in your bed. Sharing a bed increases the risk of suffocation or overheating. Bedside cribs allow your baby to sleep with you but in a secure and separate space.
Check that the crib meets the latest safety standards. It should be BS EN1130, 2019. Also, ensure that there aren't any gaps or places where your child could become trapped. Also consider mattresses that are firm and flat. A sagging or overly soft mattress can increase the risk of SIDS, so choose for a brand new mattress, rather than second-hand.
Look for bedding that is well-fitted and free of loose blankets or pillowcases. Pillows can cause suffocation and duvets could get stuck to baby's face. It's best to opt for a fitted sheet but ensure it fits properly.
Our MFM mum testers have found that the SnuzPod4 is a great option for a crib that is positioned near the bed, shortlisted in 2021's Mother&Baby Awards in the best Cot, Crib, or Moses Basket category. It is securely attached to the bed, and it has an adjustable height for a perfect fit. It also has a rocking function and can be set to an incline for reflux. It is a great choice for those who have narrow or small beds, as it does not take up any space.
Design
The layout of a bedside crib is important because it is the area where your baby will spend most 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 make it easier to reach. Some cribs even have incline functions to ease reflux.
The majority of cribs can be lowered and raised to match the height of your bed, making it easier to get into and out of the bed at time of night. Some cribs can be used as travel cots. This is a great option when you are travelling or visiting family.
Home tester and MFM mom Leya found the SnuzPod 4's sleek Scandi styling complemented her bedroom decor, adding that its compact fold was ideal for sizing up space. She also appreciated that the crib's one side is lowered and allows her to take her newborn baby to bed without leaving her bed. This is particularly helpful in the event that you've been through an Caesarean or are recovering after one. You can remain close to your baby for longer.
Jasmine is another mom who loved using the SnuzPod 4. She said it was simple for her to move the crib from one room to another which she could not see with other cribs. However, she did notice that the handle was a bit stiff and required an enormous amount of effort to lift the crib.
Another crib that's easy to fold and move is the Tutti Bambini CoZee Air, which was shortlisted in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards to be the Best Cot Crib, Moses Basket. The neutral colors and slim frame will match most bedrooms. However, some of our testers found that the bars were too close to each other. This could cause them to get caught on baby toys or clothes. The distance between bars should be no more than 6.5cm (2.5 inches) to ensure your baby's head isn't entangled. This crib is also suitable for babies who have reflux, as the ComfortAir breathable system helps regulate their body temperature.
Comfort
You'll feel more secure if you are able to reach your baby quickly to feed them during the middle of the night. You can accomplish this without having to get out of bed by having a crib by your bedside. These cribs make it easy to help babies sleep. If you'd like to be able to sleep with your child but do not want to hassle with getting up each time they need to be fed, a moses-basket can be an excellent option.
The majority of cribs for bedside use can be affixed to the bed's side, allowing you to see and reach your baby easily. They usually have a mesh window which allows you to observe your baby without disturbing them. They may also include a reflux setting to aid in reflux or colic.
We're impressed with the number of features included in this crib, particularly the ComfortAir mattress, which is breathable and works to regulate your baby's temperature and maximise airflow. It's a bit smaller than other cribs for bedside use, which may be helpful when space is tight. Our mom testers agree that this is an excellent option for sleepless, long nights.
The cot is secured to the side of your bed using adjustable straps. This minimizes the chance of gaps where your baby might get trapped. It has a flat, firm mattress that is safe and promotes good sleep habits.
It is important to be aware that your baby will begin to climb out of their crib when they're standing up typically around six months. This is the reason it's crucial to place them in a cot or another sleeping arrangement as they grow out of the crib.
A cot that is light and suitable for travel is an additional aspect to consider. Some of our mothers are thrilled that this crib is able to be taken apart for transport however, others aren't able to put it together. It can also be difficult to keep clean and you'll need to clean it regularly with a cloth and a cleaning product.
Storage
A bedside cot for 6 months plus is a bassinet-style cot which is fixed to the bed's side for safe co-sleeping. They are great for feeding at night, soothing babies back to sleep and enabling mums who have had a c-section to keep their baby close.
When selecting a crib that is bedside it's crucial to make sure that it is in line with current safety standards. Make sure that the bars are enough apart to avoid your baby's head becoming trapped and check that the sides that drop down are secure and won't pop open suddenly. Also, beware of any transfer or stickers on the cot surface as they could pose dangerous to choking.
Emily's preferred bedside cot for her baby is the Next2me Magic. It was selected for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in the categories of Best Crib or Cot and the Best Moses Basket. It's a good size and has plenty of storage space for all the baby necessities. It's also lightweight and compact enough to fit into its travel bag should you need to transport it from room to room. If you're seeking something a bit easier, she suggests the Shnuggle Air beside crib.