Bedside Cot 6 Months Plus
Bedside sleepers let you keep your baby in the same space with you without the risk of bed-sharing. They're also a great option for babies.
Look for models with an adjustable height which gives a perfect fit on the majority of bed frames. Look for fabrics that are easy to clean and comfortable to breathe.
Safety
A bedside cot can be described as an old-fashioned bassinet cot that can be fixed to the bed's side to ensure secure co-sleeping. It can be used to bring your baby toward you to provide comfort, feed or to help soothe them at night. It's also a great option if you had a c-section. It differs from a Moses Basket or Cot in that it has high walls so your baby cannot be pushed out. Some models have a tilt feature that can help babies with colic and reflux. They're also a bit larger than Moses baskets, which may make them easier to transport from room to room.
The NHS and the safe sleep charity The Lullaby Trust advise that newborns should be in their own bassinet or cot in the same room with their parent but not in your bed. Sharing beds increases the risk of overheating or suffocation. Bedside cribs allow your child to rest close to you however, in a secure and private space.
When selecting a crib that is bedside, check that it meets the most recent safety standards (it must be BS EN 1130:2019) and does not have any gaps or parts that could cause your child to be trapped. Also, look for mattresses that are solid and flat. A mattress that is sagging or that is too soft could increase the risk of SIDS in your baby.
Make sure your bedding is fitted and without pillows or blankets that are sloppy. Pillows pose a risk of suffocation and duvets could get stuck to baby's face. Use a fitted sheet however, make sure it fits properly.
The SnuzPod4 was highly rated by our MFM mum testers as a crib suitable for use in bed. It has been shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards under the category of Best Cot, Moses Basket or Crib. It is attached securely to the bed, and it can be adjusted to ensure a perfect fit. It has a rocking feature and can be set to an inclined position for reflux. It's also a great choice for people with narrow or small beds since it does not take up much room.
Design
It is essential to think about the design of your bedside crib since this is where you baby will spend the majority of their time. Many cribs are available in a range of colors that can be matched to your decor. Some have features like mesh windows to keep your baby's eyes open or drop-down sides to allow easier access. Some even have incline functions to aid in reflux.
Many cribs can also be adjusted to the same height as your bed, making it simple to get in and out of your bed at time of night. You can also find a few that are designed to work as travel cots, which is great if you're travelling or visiting relatives.
Leya is an MFM mother and home tester, found that the SnuzPod 4 was a great design for her bedroom. She also loved its compact fold, which helped save space. She also liked that the crib's one side can be lowered, allowing her to pick up her sleeping baby without having to leave her bed. This is particularly helpful for those who have had a C-section or recovering from a Caesarean which allows you to sleep close to your baby for longer.
Another mum who enjoyed using the SnuzPod 4 is Jasmine who noted that it was simple to move from room to room, something she didn't discover with other cribs for bedside that she tried. However, she said that it took some effort to raise and lower the crib since the handle was stiff.
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 as the Best Cot Crib, Moses Basket. Its slim frame and neutral colors will fit in with the majority of bedrooms, but some of our testers at home felt the bars were a little too close together, meaning they could catch on clothes or baby toys. The bars' distance shouldn't exceed 6.5cm (2 inches) to avoid your baby's head from becoming stuck. This is a great crib for reflux babies too because its ComfortAir breathability technology helps regulate their temperature.
Comfort
Staying close to your baby throughout the night will give you peace of mind, however, you should be able to reach them quickly to feed them in the middle of the night. baby bedside sleeper is easy to do this without having get up from bed with a crib at your bedside. baby bedside sleeper make it simple to soothe babies to sleep. If you'd like to be able to lay down with your child but do not wish to be a burden of getting up each time they need to be fed, a moses's-basket is an ideal option.
Most bedside cribs can be positioned on the side of your bed that allows you to see and reach your baby easily. They typically feature a mesh-like window which allows you to observe your baby without having to disturb them. There is also an option for reflux that aids with reflux and colic.
This crib comes with a wide range of options, but we're particularly impressed by the ComfortAir mattress that is breathable and regulates your baby's body temperature and increases airflow. It's smaller than some other cribs that are bedside and can be useful when space is tight. But our mum testers all agree that it's an excellent choice for those long nights.
The cot is secured to the bed's side by means of adjustable straps. This reduces the possibility of gaps in which your child could become trapped. It is equipped with a firm, flat mattress that is safe and encourages good sleeping habits.
One thing to bear in mind is that your baby could start to leave the crib once they're able to sit up, usually around six months. This is why it's essential to place them in a cot or another sleeping arrangement when they've outgrown the crib.
Another thing to consider is how lightweight the crib is, and if it's suitable for travel. Some of our mothers appreciate the fact that this crib can be dismantled for easy transport, but others find it difficult to assemble and then put back together. It can be a challenge to clean, so you'll have to clean it regularly with an appropriate cleaning product and cloth.
Stores
A bedside cot 6 months plus is an upholstered bassinet cot that can be fixed to the bed's side to ensure safe co-sleeping. They are great for feeding at night, 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. Check that the bars on the crib are positioned sufficiently apart to ensure that your child's head isn't getting trapped. Also, ensure that the drop-down sides are secure and doesn't open unintentionally. Avoid placing stickers or transfers on the floor of the cot as they could pose a choking risk.
Emily's preferred bedside cot for her baby is the Next2me Magic. It was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in the categories of Best Crib or Cot and the Best Moses Basket. It is a good size with plenty of storage for your baby's necessities. It's also small and lightweight enough to fit in its travel bag, if you want to move it around. If you're looking for something a bit more simple, she suggests the Shnuggle Air beside crib.