Bedside Cot 6 Months Plus
Bedside sleepers allow you to keep your baby close to you without the risk of bed-sharing, which is associated with a higher chance of suffocation. They are a great option for babies.
Models with adjustable height settings will fit perfectly on all bed frames. Choose fabrics that are easy to clean and ventilated.
Safety
A bedside cot is an upholstered bassinet that is attached to the side of your bed for secure co-sleeping. It can be used to pull your baby toward you to comfort them, feed them or to soothe your baby at the night. It's also an excellent option if you had a c section. It's different from a Moses basket or cot as it has high sides to ensure your baby isn't able to fall out. Some models come with tilt features that can help babies with colic and reflux. They're also a bit bigger than Moses baskets, which can make them easier to carry from room to room.
The NHS and safe sleep charity The Lullaby Trust advise that newborns should be kept in their own bassinet or cot in the same room with their parents but not in your bed. Sharing beds increases the risk of overheating or suffocation. Bedside cribs provide the best of both worlds by allowing your baby to be close to you throughout the night, but in their own safe and separate sleeping space.
Make sure that the crib is in compliance with the latest safety standards. It must be BS EN1130:2019. Also, make sure that there are no gaps or areas where your child could become trapped. Choose a mattress that has a firm, flat surface. A sagging mattress or one that is too soft can increase the risk of SIDS for your baby.
Finally, you should look for bedding that is fitted and free of any loose blankets or pillows. Duvets and pillows can choke your baby, and pillows can get stuck to their face. It's a good idea to use a fitted sheet instead however, make sure it's sized correctly.
The SnuzPod4 was highly rated by our MFM mother test participants as a crib that is suitable for use at bedtime. bedside crib co sleeper was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards under the category of Best Cot, Moses Basket or Crib. It is secure to the bed and has an adjustable height to ensure an ideal fit. It also has a rocking feature and can be set to an incline for reflux. It is a great option for those with small or narrow beds because it doesn't take up the entire space.
Design
The layout of a bedside crib is important because it will be 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 come with features like mesh windows to keep your baby's eyes open or drop-down sides to make it easier to access. Some cribs even have incline functions to help with reflux.
Most cribs can also be raised and lowered to the same height as your bed, making it simple to get in and out of bed at night. There are even some that are made to work as travel cots, which are great when you're traveling or visiting relatives.
Home tester and MFM mom Leya found that the SnuzPod 4's sleek, Scandi style complements her bedroom decor, adding that its compact fold was perfect for sizing up space. She also appreciated that one side of the crib is lowered, allowing her to take her newborn baby to bed without having to leave her bed. This is especially helpful if you've been through a Caesarean or are recovering after one. You can remain close to your baby for longer.
Jasmine is another mom who enjoyed using the SnuzPod 4. She commented that it was easy for her to move the crib from one room to another which she could not discover with other cribs for bed. However, she noted that it took some effort to raise and lower the crib, as the handle was quite stiff.
The Tutti Bambini CoZee Air is another crib for bed that is easy to fold and move. It was nominated for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, in the Best Cot or Crib category. The neutral colours and slim frame are perfect for most bedrooms. However some of our testers found that the bars were too close to each other. This could result in them getting caught on baby toys or clothes. The bars' distance should not exceed 6.5cm (2 inches) in order to prevent your baby's head from becoming trapped. This crib is ideal for reflux babies too because its ComfortAir breathability technology helps regulate their temperature.
Comfort
A close and secure baby all night will give you peace of mind, however, you need to be able to reach them quickly during the night for feeding. You can easily accomplish this without having to get up from bed by having a crib by your bedside. These cribs make it easy to help babies sleep. If you want to 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 excellent option.
Most bedside cribs are connected to the bedside so you can easily access and touch your baby. They typically have a mesh window which allows you to observe your baby without disturbing them. They might also have a reflux setting to help with reflux or 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 increases airflow. It's smaller than other cribs that could be useful in areas with limited space. However, our mum testers agree that it's still a great option for those long sleeps.
The cot is secured to the bed's side with adjustable straps, which reduces the risk of gaps that your child might get trapped. It also comes with a firm, flat mattress that meets safety standards and encourages the safest sleeping practices.
bedside cot co sleeper to bear in mind is that your baby could start to get out of the crib when they're tall enough to sit typically around six months. This is the reason it's crucial to place them in a cot or another sleeping arrangement when they've outgrown the crib.
A lightweight cot that is suitable for travel is a further feature to consider. Some of our mums really appreciate the fact that this crib is able to be dismantled for easy transport, while others find it tricky to assemble and put back together. It can also be difficult to keep clean and therefore you'll have to clean it regularly with a cloth and cleaning product.
Storage
A bedside cot for 6 months plus is a bassinet-style cot which is fixed to the side of your bed to ensure safe 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.
It is essential to select cribs that are in line with the latest safety standards. Check that the bars are spaced enough apart to avoid your baby's head becoming stuck, and make sure any sides that drop down are secured and won't pop open suddenly. Do not place stickers or transfer on the surface of the cot because they could be the risk of 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's a great size, with plenty of space for your baby's necessities. It is also compact and light enough to be able to fit into a travel bag if you're planning to move it around. If you're looking for something a bit more simple, she suggests the Shnuggle Air on the side of the crib.