Bedside Cot 6 Months Plus
Bedside sleepers let you have your baby in the same room as you without the dangers of bed-sharing. They're also a great option for babies.
Models with adjustable height positions can be placed perfectly on the majority of bed frames. Also, look for fabrics with breathable fabric that are easy to clean.
Safety
A bedside cot is basically an old-fashioned bassinet cot that can be fixed to the side of your bed to ensure safe co-sleeping. It can be used to lift your baby toward you to provide comfort, feed or to soothe your baby at night. It's also a great option if you had a c-section. It's different from a Moses basket or cot due to the fact that it has high sides to ensure your baby can't fall out. Some models have tilt features that can aid babies suffering from colic and reflux. They are also slightly larger than Moses baskets which makes them easier to move from room to room.
The NHS and the safe sleep charity The Lullaby Trust advise that newborns should be kept in their own cot or bassinet in the same room as their parent however, not in your bed. This is because sharing a bed increases the risk of suffocation and overheating. Bedside cribs offer the best of both worlds, giving your baby the opportunity to be close to you during the night, but in their own secure and private sleeping space.
When you are choosing a crib for your bed ensure that it meets the latest safety standards (it must be BS EN 1130:2019) and has no gaps or parts that could cause your baby to get trapped. Choose a mattress that has a firm, flat surface. A sagging or overly soft mattress could increase your baby's risk of SIDS, so go for a brand new mattress instead of second-hand.
Lastly, look for a bedding that's fitted and free from any loose blankets or pillows. Pillows can cause suffocation and duvets can be a hazard on the baby's face. Use a fitted sheet however, make sure it is fitted correctly.
Our MFM mom testers have discovered that the SnuzPod4 is a great 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 is secured to the bed and has an adjustable height setting for a perfect fit. It also comes with a rocking function and can be adjusted to incline for reflux. It's a great option for people with narrow or small beds as it does not take up much space.
Design
It is important to consider the design of your bedside crib, as this will be the area where your baby will spend the majority of their time. There are many cribs available with a variety of colors to suit your decor and 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 have incline features to help with reflux.
Most cribs can also be raised and lowered to the same height as your bed, making it simple to get into and out of the bed at night. You can also find a few that are made to work as travel cribs, which are ideal for those who are traveling or visiting relatives.
Leya Leya, an MFM mother and home tester, discovered that the SnuzPod 4 was a great fit for her bedroom decor. She also liked its compact fold that saved space. She also appreciated that one side of the crib is lowered so that she can take her newborn baby to bed without having to leave her bed. This is particularly 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 mum who liked using the SnuzPod 4. She commented that it was easy to move the crib from one room to the next and back again - something she didn't see with other cribs. However, she did notice that the handle was stiff and required a lot of effort to move the crib.
Another crib for bedside that is easy to fold and move is the Tutti Bambini CoZee Air, which was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards to be the The Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket. Its slim frame and neutral colour options will work well in all bedrooms, though some of our home testers thought 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) to avoid your baby's head from getting stuck. This is a good crib for reflux babies too, as its ComfortAir breathing technology helps regulate their temperature.
Comfort
You will feel more secure if you can reach your baby quickly to feed them during the middle of the night. You can easily accomplish this without having to get up from bed with a crib at your bedside. bedside cot newborn make it easier to calm babies back to sleep. If you'd like to snuggle with your baby, but don't want the hassle of having to get out of bed to feed your baby moses baskets are the better option.
Most cribs with a bedside are attached to the bedside, so you are able to easily see and reach your baby. They often come with a mesh window, so you can check on your baby without having to disturb them. You can also find an option for reflux that aids with reflux and colic.
This crib has a lot of options, but we're particularly impressed by the ComfortAir breathable Mattress that regulates the temperature of your baby's body and increases 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 an excellent option for those long, sleepless nights.
The cot is securely attached to the side of the bed using adjustable straps. This minimizes the chance of gaps where your child may get trapped. It also comes with a sturdy and flat mattress that meets safety standards and encourages the safest sleeping practices.
One thing to bear in mind is that your baby can start to climb out of the crib once they're able to sit typically 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 another feature to consider. Many of our moms enjoy the fact that the crib is able to be dismantled to make it easy to transport, whereas others find it a bit tricky to assemble and put back together. It can be difficult to clean, so you'll have to clean it regularly with the aid of a cleaner and a cloth.
Storage
A bedside cot for six months and over is a bassinet-style bed that can be attached to the mattress's side for secure co-sleeping. They're ideal for feeding your baby at night as well as calming babies to sleep and allowing mothers who have had an e-csection to keep their baby close.
When selecting a crib that is bedside, it's important to ensure that it meets current safety standards. Make sure that the bars on the crib are spaced sufficiently apart to ensure that your child's head isn't being trapped. Also, make sure that the drop-down sides are secured and doesn't open accidentally. Also, stay clear of any transfer or stickers that are placed on the cot surface as they could be a choking hazard.
Emily's top choice for a bedside cot is the Next2me Magic, which was shortlisted in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Cot Crib, Crib or Moses Basket. It's a good size and has plenty of storage space to store all your baby essentials. It's also light and compact enough to fit into its travel bag in case you have to transport it from room to room. If bedside crib to cot looking for something simpler her recommendation is Shnuggle Air in addition to Crib.