Bedside Cot 6 Months Plus
Bedside sleepers let you keep your baby in the same room as you without the dangers associated with sharing a bed. They're an excellent choice for newborns.
Find models with an adjustable height that allows for a perfect fit on most bed frames. Choose fabrics that are easy-to-clean and breathable.
Safety
A bedside cot could be described as a bassinet which is connected to the side of a bed for safe cosleeping. It can be used to lift your baby toward you for comfort, feeding or to help soothe them at the night. It's also an excellent alternative if you've have had a c section. baby bedside cot is different from a Moses Basket or Cot in that it has walls that are high so your baby cannot fall out. Some models come with a tilt feature that can help babies with colic and reflux. They are also slightly larger than Moses baskets, making them easier to move from room to room.
The NHS and safe sleep charity The Lullaby Trust advise that newborns should be kept in their own cot or bassinet in the same room with their parents but not in your bed. This is due to bed sharing increasing the risk of suffocation and overheating. Bedside cribs offer the best of both worlds, allowing your baby to be close to you during the night, but in their own private and secure sleeping space.
When choosing a bedside crib, check that it meets the latest safety standards (it must 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 flat, firm surface. A mattress that is sagging or that is too soft may increase the risk of SIDS in your baby.
Lastly, look for a bedding that is fitted and free of loose blankets or pillows. Duvets and pillows can suffocate your baby, and pillows can get stuck to their face. It's best to make use of a fitted sheet instead however, make sure it's fitted correctly.
The SnuzPod4 was highly rated by our MFM mom testers as a crib suitable for use at bedtime. It has been shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in the category of the Best Cot, Moses Basket or Crib. It is secured to the bed and features an adjustable height setting for the perfect fit. It has a rocking feature and can be set to an inclined angle for reflux. It is also a great choice for those who have narrow or small beds as it doesn't take up much space.
Design
It is essential to think about the design of your bedside crib because this is where you baby will spend the majority of their time. A lot of cribs are available in a variety of colors to complement your decor. They also have features like mesh windows that keep your baby in view, or side panels that drop down that allow you to reach it. Some cribs come with incline features to help with reflux.
The majority of cribs can be lowered and raised to fit the height of your bed, making it easy to get into and out of the bed at time of night. Some cribs can be used as travel cots. This is great for when you're traveling or visiting family.
Leya, a MFM mother and home tester, realized that the SnuzPod 4 was a great design for her bedroom. She also loved its compact fold which saved space. She also appreciated the fact that one side of the crib can be raised, letting her to pick up her baby without needing to get out of bed. This is especially helpful if you've been through a Caesarean or are recovering from one. You can stay near your baby for a longer time.
Another mom who loved using the SnuzPod 4 was Jasmine, who commented that it was simple to move from room to room - something she didn't find with some of the other bedside cribs she tested. However, she said that it required some effort to lift and lower the crib because the handle was stiff.
The Tutti Bambini CoZee Air is another bedside crib which is easy to fold and move. It was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, in the Best Cot or Crib category. The neutral colors and slim frame will match most bedrooms. However some of our test subjects thought that the bars were too close to each other. This could cause them to get caught on baby toys or clothing. 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 crib is also ideal for babies suffering from reflux because the ComfortAir air-flow system helps regulate their body temperature.
Comfort
A close and secure baby all night will provide peace of mind, but you must be able to reach them quickly to feed them in the middle of the night. With a crib that is placed near the bed, you can do this easily without getting out of bed. These cribs make it simple to soothe babies to sleep. If you'd like to be able to sleep with your child but don't want to hassle with having to get up every time they need to be fed, a moses-basket can be an ideal alternative.
The majority of cribs for bedside are attached to the bedside, so you are able to easily see and reach your baby. Many have mesh windows which allow you to watch your baby without disturbing the baby. They might also have a reflux setting to aid in reflux or colic.
This crib comes with a wide range of options, but we're particularly amazed by the ComfortAir breathable Mattress that regulates your baby's body temperature and increases airflow. It's smaller than some other bedside cribs, which may be helpful where space is limited. But our mum testers all agree that it's an excellent option for those long nights.
The cot is attached securely to the bed's side by means of adjustable straps. This eliminates the risk of gaps in which your child can get trapped. It also comes with a sturdy, flat mattress that meets safety standards and promotes safe sleep practices.
One thing to bear in mind is that your baby may begin to leave the crib when they're able to sit up, usually around six months. It's crucial to put your child in a cot, or a different sleeping arrangement when they've outgrown their crib.
A cot that is lightweight and suitable for travel is an additional feature to consider. Some of our mums really enjoy the fact that the crib can be dismantled to make it easy to transport, whereas others find it a bit tricky to assemble and reassemble. It can be a challenge to clean so you will have to wipe it clean regularly with a cleaning product and a cloth.
Storage
A bedside cot for 6 months and older is a bassinet style bed that can be attached to the side of your mattress for secure co-sleeping. They are ideal for calming babies to sleep, for night feedings, and for mothers who had a csection to keep their baby close.
It is essential to select cribs that meet the latest safety standards. Verify that the bars are enough apart to avoid your child's head from getting trapped and check that any sides that drop down are secured and won't pop open suddenly. Also, beware of any transfer or stickers that are placed on the cot's surface since they can be dangerous to choking.
Emily's top choice for a bedside crib is the Next2me Magic, which was shortlisted in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Cot Crib, Crib, or Moses Basket. It is a good size, with plenty of space for all your baby's essentials. It's also small and light enough to be able to fit into a bag for travel, should you're planning to move it around. If you're looking for something a bit more simple, she suggests the Shnuggle Air next to the crib.