Bedside Cot 6 Months Plus
Bedside sleepers let you have your baby in the same space with you without the dangers of bed-sharing. They are also a great choice for infants.
Look for models with an adjustable height position that allows for a perfect fit on all bed frames. Also look for breathable fabrics that are easy to clean.
Safety
A bedside cot is an old-fashioned bassinet cot that can be fixed to the side of your bed to allow secure co-sleeping. You can use it to lift baby up towards you at night to feed or comforting. it's also a great option if you have an c-section. It's different from a Moses basket or cot because it has high sides so your baby won't fall out. Some models have a tilt feature that can help babies with colic or reflux. They are also slightly larger than Moses baskets, which makes them easier to move from room to room.
The NHS and The Lullaby Trust, a safe sleep charity, suggest that newborns be kept in a bassinet or cot in same room with their parents. They should not be sleeping in your bed. This is due to bed sharing increasing the risk of suffocation and overheating. Bedside cribs provide the best of both worlds, allowing your baby to be close to you during the night, but still in their own secure and private sleeping space.
Make sure that the crib is in compliance with the most current safety standards. It must be BS EN1130:2019. Also, make sure that there are no gaps or places where your baby could get trapped. Choose a mattress that has a firm, flat surface. A soft or sagging mattress can increase your baby's risk of SIDS, so choose for a brand new mattress, rather than second-hand.
Lastly, look for a bedding that is affixed and free from any loose blankets or pillows. Duvets and pillows could suffocate your baby, and pillows can get stuck to their faces. Use a fitted sheet however, make sure it is fitted correctly.
Our MFM mom testers have discovered that the SnuzPod4 is a great choice for a bedside crib, shortlisted in 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 for an ideal fit. It features a rocking feature and can be set to an inclined position for reflux. It is a great choice for those who have small or narrow beds, as it does not take up the entire space.
Design
The design of a crib for the bed is crucial as it will be the place where your child will spend most of their time. There are many cribs available in a choice of colours to complement your decor. They also feature features such as mesh windows that keep your baby in view, or sides that drop down that allow for easier access. Some even have incline functions to help with reflux.
Many cribs can also be lowered and raised to fit the height of your bed, making it easier to get into and out of bed at the end of the night. Some cribs can serve as travel cots. This is a great feature when you're traveling or visiting relatives.
Leya Leya, an MFM mum and home tester, realized that the SnuzPod 4 was a great design for her bedroom. She also appreciated its compact fold that saved space. She also liked the fact that one side of the crib can be raised, letting her to pick up her child without having to leave the bed. This is especially beneficial if you have had C-sections or are recovering from an Caesarean which allows you to stay close to your newborn for longer.
Jasmine is another mum who liked using the SnuzPod 4. She said it was simple for her to move the crib from one room to another - something she did not find with other bedside cribs. However, she did notice that the handle was a bit 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 in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards to be the The Best Cot Crib, Moses Basket. Its slim frame and neutral colors will work well in the majority of bedrooms, but some of our home testers thought the bars were a little too close, which means they could catch on clothes or baby toys. The distance between bars should be no more than 6.5cm (2.5 inches) to ensure that your baby's head doesn't get caught in. This is a great crib for reflux babies too because its ComfortAir breathing technology helps regulate temperature.
Comfort
Staying close to your baby all night will provide peace of mind, however, you should be able to reach them quickly to feed them in the middle of the night. It is easy to do this without having leave your bed, by having a crib by your bedside. They make it simple to soothe babies to sleep. However, if you want to lay down with your baby but don't want the hassle of waking up for every feeding moses baskets are the better option.
Most bedside cribs are connected to the bedside so you can easily see and reach your baby. They usually have a mesh window to allow you to check on your baby without having to disturb them. There is also a reflux setting that helps with reflux and colic.
The crib is loaded with a variety of features, but we're impressed by the ComfortAir breathable Mattress that regulates the temperature of your baby's body and increases airflow. It's smaller than some other cribs that are bedside and can be useful in areas where space is scarce. However, our mom testers are in agreement that it's an excellent choice for those long sleeps.
bedside crib and travel cot is secured to the bed's side with adjustable straps, which reduces the possibility of gaps in which your child might get trapped. It also comes with a sturdy flat mattress that is in line with safety standards and encourages healthy sleeping habits.
You should be aware that your baby will begin to get out of their crib when they're standing up typically around six months. It is essential to place your child in a cot or a different sleeping arrangement after they've outgrown their crib.
Another thing to consider is how lightweight the crib is, and if it's suitable for travel. Some of our mothers love that this crib is able to be disassembled for transport however, others find it difficult to assemble. It is also difficult to keep clean, so you'll need to clean it regularly with a cloth and a cleaning product.
Storage
A bedside cot for 6 months and over is a bassinet-style crib that is attached to the side of your mattress to ensure secure co-sleeping. These are great for soothing babies to sleep, for night feedings, and for mothers 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 complies with current safety standards. Verify that the bars are spaced enough apart to prevent your child's head from being stuck, and make sure the sides that drop down are secure and won't pop open suddenly. Also, avoid any transfer or stickers that are placed on the cot's surface since they could pose an choking hazard.
Emily's favorite bedside cot for her baby is the Next2me Magic. It was selected for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in the categories of Best Cot or Crib, and Best Moses Basket. It's a great size and has plenty of storage for your baby's necessities. It's also compact and light enough to be able to fit in a bag for travel, should you want to move it around. If you want something simpler she suggests Shnuggle Air alongside Crib.