Bedside Cot 6 Months Plus
Bedside sleepers allow you to keep your baby to you are without the risk of sharing beds, which comes with an increased risk of being suffocated. They're also a great option for newborns.
Look for models that have an adjustable height that will fit perfectly on most bed frames. Also look for breathable fabrics that are easy to clean.
Safety
A bedside cot is basically an upholstered bassinet that is attached to the bed's side for secure co-sleeping. You can use it to lift baby up towards you at night for feeding, soothing or comforting and it's also a great choice for 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 isn't able to be pushed out. Some models come with a tilt feature that can help babies with colic and reflux. They're also a bit larger than Moses baskets, which may make them easier to move from room to room.
The NHS and The Lullaby Trust, a safe sleep charity, suggest that newborns be kept in a bassinet or cot that is in the same room as their parents. They should not be in your bed. Sharing beds increases the risk of suffocation or 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 private and secure sleeping space.
Make sure that the crib is in compliance with the latest safety standards. It should be BS EN1130, 2019. Also, ensure that there aren't any gaps or parts that could allow your child to get trapped. Choose a mattress that has an even, firm surface. A sagging mattress or one that is too soft can increase the risk of SIDS for your child.
Make sure your bedding is well-fitted and free of pillows or blankets that are sloppy. Duvets and pillows can suffocate your baby, and pillows can stick to their face. Use a fitted sheet but make sure that it is properly fitted.
The SnuzPod4 was highly rated by our MFM mom testers as a crib for use in bed. It has been shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards under the category of the Best Cot, Moses Basket or Crib. It is secured to the bed and it can be adjusted to ensure the perfect fit. It comes with a rocking function and can be adjusted to an inclined angle for reflux. It is also an excellent option for those with narrow or small beds because it doesn't take up any space.
Design
It is essential to think about the design of your bedside crib, as this will be the place where your baby will spend the majority of their time. Many cribs are available in a variety of colors that match your decor. Some come with features like mesh windows to keep your baby visible or drop-down sides to allow easier access. Some even have incline functions to aid in reflux.
You can adjust the height of the majority of cribs to your bed's height which makes it easier to get into and out of bed. Some cribs can serve as travel cots. This is great for when you travel or visiting relatives.
Leya is an MFM mom and home tester, found that the SnuzPod 4 was a great choice for her bedroom. She also appreciated its compact fold that saved space. Leya also appreciated that one side of the crib can be raised, letting her to pick up her child without having to get out of bed. This is particularly beneficial in the event that you've been through an Caesarean or are recovering after one. You can stay close to your baby for a longer period of time.
Jasmine is a mother who also liked using the SnuzPod 4. She said it was easy to move the crib from one room to the next which she could not see with other cribs. She did note that the handle was stiff and it took an enormous amount of effort to raise the crib.
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 colors will fit in with all bedrooms, though some of our testers at home felt the bars were too close together, which means they could get caught on clothing or toys for babies. 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 is a good crib for reflux babies too because its ComfortAir breathable technology helps regulate their temperature.
Comfort
You will feel more secure if can quickly reach your baby to feed them in the middle of the night. With a crib at your bedside you can do this without having to get out of the bed. These cribs make it easy to soothe babies into sleep. If you'd like to be able to lay down with your child but don't wish to be a burden of having to get up every time they're fed, a moses-basket is an excellent option.
Most cribs that are bedside can be attached to the bed's side, allowing you to see and reach your baby easily. They often feature a mesh-like window so you can check on your baby without having to disturb them. You can 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 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. However, our mum testers agree that it's an excellent choice for those long nights.
The cot is attached securely to the bed's side using adjustable straps. This minimizes the chance of gaps where your child can get trapped. It has an even, firm mattress that is safe and promotes healthy sleep habits.
One thing to bear in mind is that your baby may start to get out of the crib once they're tall enough to sit at around six months. This is why it's important 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 a further aspect to consider. Some of our mothers love the fact that this crib can be disassembled to transport it, but others find it difficult to assemble. It can be a challenge to clean, so you'll have to wipe it clean often using the aid of a cleaner and a cloth.
Storage
A bedside cot for 6 months plus is an upholstered bassinet cot that can be fixed to the side of your bed for a safe and secure co-sleeping. These are great for calming babies to sleep, allowing night feedings, and for mothers who had a c-section to keep their baby close.
When selecting a crib that is bedside it's crucial to make sure that it meets current safety standards. Verify that the crib's bars are sufficiently far apart to keep your child's head from becoming trapped. Also, make sure that any drop-down side is secure and doesn't open unintentionally. Also, beware of any transfer or stickers that are placed on the cot's surface as they can be a choking hazard.
Emily's favorite 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 Best Moses Basket. It's a great size and offers plenty of storage space for all the baby necessities. It's also compact and light enough to fit in a travel bag if you need to transport it from room to room. If bedside cot co sleeper looking for something a little simpler, she recommends the Shnuggle Air beside crib.