Bedside Cot 6 Months Plus
Bedside sleepers allow you to keep your baby in the same room with you do without the danger of sharing beds, which comes with a higher chance of suffocation. They are also a great choice for babies.
Find models with an adjustable height which allows for a perfect fit on all bed frames. Look for fabrics that are easy-to-clean and ventilated.
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 raise your baby towards you in the evening for feeding or comforting. it's also a great option in the event of the need for a c-section. It's different from a Moses basket or cot because it has high sides to ensure your baby isn't able to fall out. Some come with a tilt feature which can help babies suffering from reflux and colic. They are also a bit larger than Moses baskets, making them easier to move from room to room.
The NHS and The Lullaby Trust, a safe sleep charity, suggest that babies be placed in a bassinet or cot in same room with their parents. They should not be sleeping in your bed. This is because sharing a bed increases the risk of suffocation as well as overheating. Bedside cribs permit your baby to rest close to you, but in a safe and distinct space.
When choosing a bedside crib ensure that it meets the latest safety standards (it should be BS EN 1130:2019) and has no gaps or parts that could cause your child to get trapped. Look for a mattress with a flat, firm surface. A sagging or overly soft mattress could increase your baby's risk of SIDS, so choose for a new one instead of a second-hand.
Find bedding that is well-fitted and does not have loose blankets or pillowcases. Duvets and pillows can suffocate your baby, and pillows can get stuck to their faces. Use a fitted sheet but make sure that it is fitted correctly.
The SnuzPod4 was rated highly by our MFM mum test participants as a crib that is suitable for use at bedtime. It was 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 has an adjustable height for an ideal fit. lowest price has a rocking feature and can be adjusted to incline for reflux. It is also an excellent choice for those who have narrow or small beds as it doesn't take up much space.
Design
The layout of a bedside crib is crucial as it is the place where your child will spend the majority of their time. There are many cribs available in a variety of colours that match your decor. Some have features such as mesh windows to keep the baby's eyes open or drop-down sides to facilitate access. Some cribs are equipped with incline options to aid in reflux.
The majority of cribs can be lowered and raised to the same height as your bed, making it simple to get in and out of your bed at time of night. There are even some that are designed to function as travel cots, which is great when you're traveling or visiting relatives.
Leya, a MFM mom and home tester, found that the SnuzPod 4 was a great design for her bedroom. She also liked its compact fold that saved space. Leya also appreciated that the crib's one side can be adjusted to lower, letting her pick up her baby without having to get out of bed. This is particularly beneficial when you've been through an Caesarean or are recovering from one. You can stay close to your baby for a longer time.
Jasmine is another mom who loved using the SnuzPod 4. She commented that it was easy for her to move the crib from one room to another - something she did not see with other cribs. However, she said that it took some effort to raise and lower the crib because the handle was stiff.
Another bedside crib that's simple to fold and move is the Tutti Bambini CoZee Air, which was shortlisted in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards to be the best Cot Crib, Moses Basket. Its slim frame and neutral color options can be incorporated into all bedrooms, though some of our testers at home felt the bars were a little too close together, meaning they could catch on clothes or toys for babies. The bars' distance should not exceed 6.5cm (2 inches) to avoid your baby's head from getting stuck. This crib is also suitable for babies with reflux, as the ComfortAir breathable system helps regulate body temperature.
Comfort
You'll feel more secure if you can reach your baby quickly to feed them during the middle of the night. With a bedside crib it is possible to do this without having to get out of your bed. They also make it easy to calm babies back to sleep. If you want to to lay down with your child but don't want the hassle of getting up every time they need to be fed, a moses-basket is an excellent option.
The majority of cribs for bedside use can be attached to the sides of your bed, allowing you to see and get to your baby easily. Many have mesh windows to allow you to monitor your baby without disturbing him. They may also include a setting for reflux to aid in reflux or 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 which could be useful in areas with limited space. Our mum testers agree that this is still a great choice for those long, sleepless nights.
The cot is secured to the bed's side by means of adjustable straps. This reduces the possibility of gaps that your child may get caught. It comes with a firm, flat mattress that complies with safety standards and promotes good sleeping habits.
One thing to bear in mind is that your baby could begin to leave the crib when they're able to sit typically around six months. It's important that you place your baby in a cot or a different sleeping arrangement, once they outgrow their crib.
Another thing to consider is how lightweight the crib is, and if it's suitable for travelling. Some of our mothers love that this crib can easily be disassembled to transport it, but others find it difficult to assemble. It isn't easy to clean so you will need to wipe it down frequently using a cleaning product and a cloth.
Stores
A bedside cot for six months and up is a bassinet style cot that attaches to the mattress's side to allow safe co-sleeping. They are ideal for calming babies to sleep, night feedings and allowing mums who had a c section to keep their baby close.
When you are choosing a crib for your bed it is important to ensure that it meets current safety standards. Make sure that the crib's bars are positioned sufficiently apart to keep your child's head from being trapped. Also, make sure that any drop-down side is secure and doesn't open unintentionally. Also, avoid any stickers or transfers on the cot's surface as they could pose dangerous to choking.
Emily's top pick 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 and has lots of storage space to store all the baby necessities. It's also small and light enough to fit into a travel bag if you need to move it around. If you're looking for something simpler she suggests Shnuggle Air alongside Crib.