Bedside Cot 6 Months Plus
Bedside sleepers let you keep your baby in the same room with you without the risk of sharing beds, which comes with an increased risk of being suffocated. They're a great choice for infants.
Look for models with an adjustable height position that gives a perfect fit on the majority of bed frames. Also, look for fabrics with breathable fabric that are easy to clean.
Safety
A bedside cot is an upholstered bassinet that is attached to the side of your bed to ensure safe co-sleeping. It is a great way to raise your baby towards you at night for feeding, soothing or comforting and it's also a great choice if you have a C-section. It's different from a Moses basket or cot because it has high sides, so your baby can't be pushed out. Some models have a tilt feature that can help babies with colic or reflux. They are also slightly 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 in their own cot or bassinet in the same room as their parents however, not in your bed. Bed-sharing increases the risks of overheating or suffocation. Bedside cribs give you the best of both worlds, allowing your baby to be close to you throughout the night, but still in their own secure and private sleeping space.
Make sure that the crib is in compliance with the most recent safety standards. It should be BS EN1130, 2019. Also, ensure there aren't any gaps or areas that could allow your child to get trapped. Look for a mattress with an even, firm surface. A sagging mattress or one that is too soft may increase the risk of SIDS in your baby.
Make sure your bedding is fitted and without pillows or blankets that are sloppy. Duvets and pillows can suffocate your baby, while pillows can get stuck to their face. It's best to use a fitted sheet instead however, make sure it's sized correctly.
The SnuzPod4 was rated highly by our MFM mother test participants as a crib that is suitable for use in bed. It was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in the category of Best Cot, Moses Basket or Crib. It attaches securely to the bed and has an adjustable height that allows for the perfect fit. It has a rocking feature and can be set to an inclined position for reflux. It's a good choice for those with narrow or small beds because it does not take up a lot of room.
Design
It is important to consider the style of your crib at night, as this will be the area where your baby will spend the majority of their time. Many cribs are available in a variety of colors that match your decor. Some have features such as mesh windows to keep the baby visible or drop-down sides that allow easier access. Some cribs have incline features to help with reflux.
The majority of cribs can be adjusted to the same height as your bed, making it easy to get in and out of the bed at night. Some cribs can be used as travel cots. This is a great feature when you are travelling or visiting family.
Home tester and MFM mum Leya found the SnuzPod 4's sleek Scandi styling complemented her bedroom decor and added that its compact fold was perfect for sizing up space. She also loved that one side of the crib is lowered and allows her to pick up her sleeping baby without leaving her bed. This is particularly beneficial when you've been through an Caesarean or are recovering after one. You can stay near your baby for longer.
Another mom who was happy using the SnuzPod 4 was Jasmine who noted that it was simple to move from room room - something she didn't get with other cribs for bedside that she tried. She did mention that the handle was stiff and required an enormous amount of effort to move the crib.
Another bedside crib that's simple to fold and move is the Tutti Bambini CoZee Air, which was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards as the The Best Cot Crib, Moses Basket. Its slim frame and neutral colour options can be incorporated into most bedrooms, although some of our home testers felt the bars were a little too close together, meaning they could catch on clothes or toys for babies. The bars' distance shouldn't exceed 6.5cm (2 inches) to avoid your baby's head from getting trapped. This crib is also ideal for babies with reflux, due to the ComfortAir air-flow system helps regulate body temperature.
Comfort
Staying close to your baby all night will provide peace of mind, however, you must be in a position to be able to get them quickly to feed them in the middle of the night. You can do this without having get up from bed with a crib right at your bedside. These cribs make it easy to help babies sleep. If you'd like to sleep with your baby, but aren't keen on the idea of getting out of bed for every feeding moses baskets are an ideal choice.
Most cribs that are bedside can be attached to the bed's side, allowing you to see and reach your baby easily. Some have mesh windows, so you can monitor your baby without disturbing him. You may also find an option for reflux that aids with reflux and colic.
This crib comes with a wide range of features, but we're most amazed by the ComfortAir mattress that is breathable and regulates the temperature of your baby's body and maximizes airflow. It's smaller than other cribs for bedside use that could be useful in areas that are limited in space. However, our mom testers are in agreement that it's an excellent choice for those long nights.
The cot is securely attached to the side of the bed with adjustable straps. This minimizes the chance of gaps in which your child can get trapped. It has an even, firm mattress that meets safety regulations and encourages good sleep habits.
It is important to know that your baby will begin to get out of their crib when they're capable of sitting upright at around six months. This is why it's important to place them in a cot or another sleeping arrangement once they outgrow the crib.
Another thing to consider is how lightweight the cot is and whether it's suitable for traveling. Many of our moms appreciate the fact that this crib can be dismantled to make it easy to transport, whereas others find it difficult to assemble and put back together. It can be difficult to clean so you will have to wipe it clean frequently using an appropriate cleaning product and cloth.
Stores
A bedside cot for six months and older is a bassinet style cot that attaches to the mattress's side to ensure secure co-sleeping. They're great for night feeds, soothing babies to sleep, and allowing mothers who've had C-sections to keep their baby close.
When you are choosing a crib for your bed, it's important to ensure that it is in line with current safety standards. Verify that the crib's bars are spaced sufficiently apart to prevent your child's head from becoming trapped. Also, ensure that any drop-down side is secure and doesn't open unintentionally. Do not place stickers or transfer on the surface of the cot since they could be a choking risk.
small bedside cot 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 decent size, with plenty of space for all your baby's essentials. It's also light and compact enough to fit in a travel bag if you need to move it from room to room. If you're looking for something a little simpler, she recommends the Shnuggle Air beside crib.