Bedside Cot 6 Months Plus
Bedside sleepers allow you to keep your baby in the same room as you are without the risk of sharing beds, which comes with a higher chance of being suffocated. They're also a great option for babies.
Find models with an adjustable height that gives a perfect fit on the majority of bed frames. Find fabrics that are easy-to-clean and comfortable to breathe.
Safety
A bedside cot can be described as a bassinet that is connected to the side of a bed to ensure safe cosleeping. It can be used to pull your baby toward you to provide comfort, feed or to soothe your baby at the night. It's also an excellent option if you had a c section. baby bedside co sleeper differs from a Moses Basket or Cot because it has high walls so your baby isn't able to fall out. Some come with a tilt feature which can help babies suffering from reflux and colic. They are also slightly bigger than Moses baskets, which can make them easier to transport from room to room.
The NHS and The Lullaby Trust, a safe sleep charity, suggest that babies be placed in a bassinet or cot in same room with their parents. They shouldn't be in your bed. Bed-sharing increases the risks of suffocation or overheating. Bedside cribs give you the best of both worlds by permitting your child to sleep close to you during the night, but in their own private and secure sleeping space.
When choosing a bedside crib make sure it is in compliance with the latest safety standards (it must be BS EN 1130:2019) and does not have any gaps or parts that could cause your baby to become trapped. Look for a mattress with an even, firm surface. A sagging or too soft mattress can increase your baby's risk of SIDS, so go for a brand new mattress, rather than second-hand.
Finally, you should look for bedding that is affixed and free from any loose blankets or pillows. Duvets and pillows could suffocate your baby, while pillows can get stuck to their face. bedside crib vs cot to use a fitted sheet instead however, make sure it fits properly.
The SnuzPod4 was rated highly by our MFM mother testers as a crib for bedside use. It has been shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards under the category of Best Cot, Moses Basket or Crib. It attaches securely to the bed and comes with an adjustable height to ensure an ideal fit. It also has a rocking feature and can be set to an incline for reflux. It's a great option for those with small or narrow beds because it does not take up a lot of room.
Design
It is crucial to think about the design of your bedside crib since this is the area where your baby will spend the majority of their time. There are many cribs available in a variety of colors that will match your decor. Some have features like mesh windows to keep the baby visible or drop-down sides to facilitate access. Some cribs even have incline functions to help with reflux.
You can raise and lower most cribs to match the height of your bed which makes it easier to get in and out of bed. Some cribs can also be used as travel cots. This is a great option when you're traveling or visiting relatives.
Leya is an MFM mum and home tester, found that the SnuzPod 4 was a great choice for her bedroom. She also loved its compact fold that saved space. She also liked the fact that the crib's one side can be lowered, allowing her to pick up her child without needing to get out of bed. This is especially helpful if you have had an emergency C-section or recovering from an Caesarean which allows you to sleep close to your baby for longer.
Another mom who loved using the SnuzPod 4 was Jasmine who said that it was easy to move from room room - something she didn't find with some of the other bedside cribs she tested. She did mention that the handle was stiff and it took a lot of effort to lift the crib.
Another bedside crib that's simple to fold and move is the Tutti Bambini CoZee Air, which was shortlisted in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for best Cot Crib, Moses Basket. Its slim frame and neutral color options will work well in all bedrooms, though some of our testers at home felt the bars were a little too close together, meaning they could catch on clothes or toys for babies. The distance between each bar should not exceed 6.5cm (2.5 inches) to ensure that your baby's head isn't entangled. This is a great crib for babies with reflux too, as 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 bedside crib, you can do this without having to get out of your bed. They also make it simple to soothe babies back to sleep. If you'd like to sleep with your baby but don't like the idea of getting out of bed for every feed A moses basket is an ideal choice.
Most cribs that are bedside can be affixed to the side of your bed, allowing you to see and get to your baby easily. They usually feature a mesh-like window so you can check on your baby without disrupting them. You can also find a reflux setting that helps with reflux and colic.
We're amazed by the amount of features included in this crib, including the ComfortAir mattress, which is breathable and works to regulate your baby's temperature as well as increase airflow. It's smaller than other cribs which can be beneficial in areas that are limited in space. Our mum testers agree that this crib is a great choice for sleepless, long nights.
The cot is securely attached to the side of your bed by means of adjustable straps. This reduces the risk of gaps where your baby might get trapped. It is equipped with a firm, flat mattress that complies with safety standards and encourages good sleeping habits.
One thing to keep in mind is that your baby can begin to climb out of the crib when they're tall enough to sit at around six months. It is essential to place your child in a cot or a different sleeping arrangement after they've outgrown their crib.
A cot that is lightweight and 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, but others find it a bit tricky to assemble and reassemble. It can be difficult to clean, so you'll have to wipe it clean regularly with an appropriate cleaning product and cloth.
Storage
A bedside cot suitable for 6 months and up is a bassinet shaped cot that attaches to the mattress's side for safe co-sleeping. These are great for soothing babies to sleep, night feedings and also allowing mothers who had a c-section to keep their baby close.
It's important that you choose a crib that meets the latest safety standards. Verify that the bars on the crib are positioned sufficiently apart to prevent your child's head from being trapped. Also, ensure that any drop-down side is secure and doesn't open unintentionally. Avoid placing stickers or other objects on the floor of the cot as they could pose an choking risk.
Emily's bedside cot of choice 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 the Best Moses Basket. It's a great size and has lots of storage space to store all the baby necessities. It's also light and compact enough to fit into its travel bag should you need to transport it from room to room. If you want something simpler her recommendation is Shnuggle Air in addition to Crib.