Bedside Cot 6 Months Plus
Bedside sleepers let you have your baby in the same room as you without the risk associated with sharing a bed. They're a great choice for newborns.
Models that have adjustable height settings will fit perfectly on most bed frames. Also look for breathable fabrics that are easy to clean.
Safety
A bedside cot is basically a bassinet-style cot that fixes to the bed's side to allow secure co-sleeping. You can use it to lift baby up towards you at night to feed or soothing. it's also a great choice in the event of the need for a c-section. It's different from a Moses basket or cot because it has high sides, so your baby isn't able to fall out. Some models come with a tilt feature that can aid babies suffering from colic and reflux. They're also a bit larger than Moses baskets, which may make them easier to carry from room to room.
bedside sleeper cot and The Lullaby Trust, a safe sleep charity, suggest that infants be placed in a bassinet or cot in same room as their parents. They shouldn't be in your bed. Sharing a bed increases the risk of overheating or suffocation. Bedside cribs permit your baby to rest close to you but in a secure and private space.
When selecting a crib that is bedside make sure it is in compliance with the latest 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 a firm, flat surface. A soft or sagging mattress can increase the risk of SIDS, so go for a new one instead of second-hand.
Find bedside sleeper cot that is fitted and without pillows or blankets that are sloppy. Pillows can cause suffocation and duvets could get stuck on the baby's face. It's a good idea to make use of a fitted sheet instead, but make sure it's fitted correctly.
Our MFM mum testers have found that the SnuzPod4 is an excellent option for a bedside crib, selected for 2021's Mother&Baby Awards in the Best Cot, Crib, or Moses Basket category. It is securely attached to the bed, and is adjustable to ensure the perfect fit. It also has a rocking feature and can be adjusted to incline for reflux. It's also a great choice for those with narrow or small beds because it doesn't take up too much space.
Design
It is essential to think about the design of your bedside crib, as this will be the area where your baby will spend the majority of their time. There are a variety of cribs available in a variety of colors that match your decor. Some have features like mesh windows to keep your baby visible or drop-down sides that make it easier to access. Some cribs are equipped with incline options to aid in reflux.
Most cribs can also be lowered and raised to match the height of your bed, making it simple to get in and out of bed at night. Some cribs can also be used as travel cots. This is great for when you're traveling or visiting family.
Home tester and MFM mother Leya found that the SnuzPod 4's stylish Scandi design was a perfect match for her bedroom and added that its compact fold was perfect for space-saving. She also loved that the crib's one side can be lowered, allowing her to pick up her sleeping baby without having to leave her bed. This is particularly helpful if you have had a C-section or recovering from an Caesarean which means you can sleep near your baby for longer.
Another mum who enjoyed using the SnuzPod 4 is Jasmine who said that it was simple to move from room room, something she didn't get with other cribs for bedside that she tried. However, she noted that it took some effort to raise and lower the crib because the handle was stiff.
Another crib for bedside that is easy to fold and move is the Tutti Bambini CoZee Air, which was shortlisted in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards to be the The Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket. The neutral colours and slim frame will match the majority of bedrooms. However some of our test subjects felt that the bars were too close to each other. This could cause them to get caught on baby toys or clothing. The distance between each bar should not exceed 6.5cm (2.5 inches) to ensure your baby's head can't become trapped. This crib is also good for babies with reflux, because the ComfortAir air-flow system helps regulate body temperature.
Comfort
Keeping your baby close all night will give you peace of mind, but you must be capable of reaching them quickly during the night for feeding. With a crib that is placed near the bed it is possible to do this without getting out of the bed. They also make it easy to soothe babies back to sleep. If, however, you'd like to sleep with your baby, but don't want the hassle of waking up for every feed, a moses basket is an ideal choice.
Most cribs that are bedside can be affixed to the side of your bed that allows you to see and reach your baby easily. Many have mesh windows which allow you to watch your baby without disrupting the baby. You can also find an option for reflux that aids with reflux and colic.
The crib is loaded with a variety 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 which can be beneficial in areas that are limited in space. But our mum testers all agree that it's a great option for those long sleeps.
The cot is secured to the side of the bed with adjustable straps. This minimizes the chance of gaps where your child can get trapped. It has an even, firm mattress that complies with safety standards and encourages good sleep habits.
One thing to bear in mind is that your baby may begin to get out of the crib when they're tall enough to sit typically around six months. This is why it's important 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 another option to think about. Many of our moms love the fact that this crib can be dismantled for easy transport, but others find it difficult to assemble and then put back together. It can also be difficult to keep clean, so you'll need regularly clean it using a cloth or cleaning product.
Stores
A bedside cot 6 months plus is an upholstered bassinet cot that can be fixed to the bed's side for safe co-sleeping. These are great for soothing babies to sleep, for night feedings and allowing mums who had a c section to keep their baby close.
When you are choosing a crib for your bed it's crucial to ensure that it meets current safety standards. Make sure that the bars on the crib are sufficiently far apart to keep your child's head from getting trapped. Also, ensure that any drop-down side is secured and doesn't open accidentally. Do not place stickers or transfer on the surface of the cot since they may pose an choking risk.
Emily's top pick for a bedside cot is the Next2me Magic, which was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket. It's a decent size with plenty of storage for all your baby's essentials. It's also compact and light enough to fit into its travel bag if you need to move it from room to room. If you're looking for something simpler, she recommends Shnuggle Air in addition to Crib.