Bedside Cot 6 Months Plus
Bedside sleepers allow you to keep your baby in the same room with you without the risk of sharing a bed, which is associated with a higher chance of being suffocated. They are a great option for infants.
Models that have adjustable height positions can be placed perfectly on the majority of bed frames. Choose fabrics that are easy-to-clean and breathable.
Safety
A bedside cot is basically an upholstered bassinet that is attached to the bed's side for safe co-sleeping. It can be used to pull your baby to you to provide comfort, feed or to help soothe them at night. It's also a great option if you have had a c section. It's different from a Moses basket or cot as it has high sides so your baby isn't able to fall out. Some come with a tilt feature that can aid babies with reflux and colic. They're also a bit bigger than Moses baskets, which may 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 bassinet or cot in the same room as their parents, but not in your bed. Bed-sharing increases the risks of overheating or suffocation. Bedside cribs provide the best of both worlds, permitting your child to sleep close to you at night, but in their own secure and private sleeping space.
When selecting a crib that is bedside ensure that it meets the latest safety standards (it should be BS EN 1130:2019) and has no gaps or parts that could cause your baby to become trapped. Look for a mattress with an even, firm surface. A sagging mattress or one that is too soft can increase the risk of SIDS in your baby.
Make sure your bedding is fitted and without pillows or blankets that are sloppy. Pillows are a suffocation risk and duvets can be a hazard on the baby's face. It is a good idea to use a fitted sheet instead, but make sure it's fitted correctly.
Our MFM mom testers have discovered that the SnuzPod4 is an excellent option for a crib that is positioned near the bed, selected for 2021's Mother&Baby Awards in the best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket category. It attaches securely to the bed and features an adjustable height setting for an ideal fit. It features a rocking feature and can be set to an inclined position for reflux. It is also a great choice for those who have small or narrow beds because it doesn't take up any space.
Design
The design of a bedside crib is important as it is where your baby will spend most of their time. Many cribs are available in a variety of colors that match your decor. Some cribs have features like mesh windows to keep the baby's eyes open or drop-down sides that facilitate access. Some cribs come with incline features to aid in reflux.
Most cribs can also be raised and lowered to match the height of your bed, making it easy to get into and out of your bed at night. You can also find a few that are designed to work as travel cots, which is great for those who are traveling or visiting relatives.
Home tester and MFM mother Leya found the SnuzPod 4's sleek Scandi styling complements her bedroom decor and said that its compact fold was perfect to save space. She also liked the fact that one side of crib can be lowered, allowing her pick up her baby without having to get out of bed. This is especially beneficial in the event that you've had a C-section or recovering from the effects of a Caesarean which means you can sleep near your newborn for longer.
Another mom who was happy using the SnuzPod 4 is Jasmine who noted that it was easy to move from room room, something she didn't get with other bedside crib s she tested. However, she did notice that the handle was a bit stiff and required an enormous amount of effort to lift the crib.
The Tutti Bambini CoZee Air is another bedside crib which is easy to fold and move. It was nominated for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in their Best Cot or Crib category. Its slim frame and neutral colors can be incorporated into the majority of bedrooms, but some of our testers at home felt the bars were a little too close, which means they could get caught on clothing or baby toys. The bars' distance shouldn't exceed 6.5cm (2 inches) in order to prevent your baby's head from getting stuck. This crib is also good for babies with reflux, because the ComfortAir air-flow system helps regulate their body temperature.
Comfort
Keeping your baby close throughout the night will give you peace of mind, however, you must be capable of reaching them quickly for middle-of-the-night feeding. You can easily do this without having to get up from bed by having a crib by your bedside. These cribs make it easy to soothe babies to sleep. If you want to to sleep with your child, but don't want the hassle of getting up each time they're fed, a moses-basket can be a good option.
Most cribs with a bedside are connected to the bedside so you are able to easily access and touch your baby. Many have mesh windows so you can monitor your baby without disturbing the baby. They might also have a reflux setting to help with colic or reflux.
This crib comes with a wide range of features, but we're amazed by the ComfortAir mattress that is breathable and regulates your baby's body temperature and maximizes airflow. It's a bit smaller than other bedside crib s and can be useful in areas where space is scarce. However, our mom testers are in agreement that it's a great option for those long sleeps.
The cot is secured to the side of the bed with adjustable straps. This eliminates the risk of gaps where your child can get trapped. It is equipped with an even, firm mattress that complies with safety standards and promotes good sleeping habits.
One thing to keep in mind is that your baby can start to climb out of the crib once they're tall enough to sit at around six months. It's important that you place your child in a cot or another sleeping arrangement after they've outgrown their crib.
A lightweight cot that is suitable for travel is a further aspect to consider. Many of our moms appreciate the fact that this crib is able to be dismantled to make it easy to transport, whereas others find it tricky to assemble and rebuild. It is also difficult to keep clean and therefore you'll have regularly clean it with a cloth and cleaning product.
Stores
A bedside cot suitable for 6 months and older is a bassinet style crib that is attached to the mattress's side to allow secure co-sleeping. They're great for night feeds, soothing babies to sleep and enabling mums who have had C-sections to keep their baby close.
When you are choosing a crib for your bed, it's important to make sure that it is in line with current safety standards. Make sure that the bars are enough apart to prevent your child's head from being trapped. Also, make sure that any drop-down sides are secure and won't pop open suddenly. Avoid placing stickers or transfers on the surface of the cot since they could pose an choking risk.
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 has plenty of storage space to store all the baby necessities. It's also small and light enough to fit in its travel bag if you want to move it around. If you're looking for something a bit simpler, she recommends the Shnuggle Air on the side of the crib.