Bedside Cot 6 Months Plus
Bedside sleepers let you keep your baby in the same room as you without the risk associated with 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. Choose fabrics that are easy-to-clean and ventilated.
Safety
A bedside cot is described as a bassinet that is connected to the side of a bed for safe cosleeping. It can be used to bring your baby toward you for comfort, feeding or to help soothe them at the night. It's also a great option if you have had a c section. It is different from a Moses Basket or Cot because it has high walls, so your baby isn't able to be pushed out. Some models come with 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 placed in their own cot or bassinet in the same room as their parent but not in your bed. This is due to bed sharing increasing the risk of suffocation as well as overheating. Bedside cribs allow your baby to rest close to you but in a secure and distinct space.
Make sure the crib is compliant with the most recent safety standards. It should be BS EN1130:2019. Also, ensure that there are no gaps or parts that could allow your child to get trapped. Also, look for mattresses that are sturdy and flat. A mattress that is too sagging or that is too soft may increase the risk of SIDS for your child.
Make sure your bedding is well-fitted and does not have pillows or blankets that are loose. Duvets and pillows can suffocate your baby, while pillows can get stuck to their face. Use a fitted sheet but ensure that it is properly fitted.
Our MFM mum testers have found that the SnuzPod4 is a great option for a bedside crib, shortlisted in 2021's Mother&Baby Awards in the Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket category. It is securely attached to the bed and is adjustable to ensure an ideal fit. It has a rocking feature and can be set to an inclined position to prevent reflux. It is also an excellent option for those with small or narrow beds, as it does not take up the entire space.
Design
It is essential to think about the design of your bedside crib since this is the place where your baby will spend the majority of their time. Many cribs come with a variety of colors to complement your decor. They also include features such as mesh windows that keep baby in view, or sides that drop down that allow for easier access. Some cribs even have incline functions to aid in reflux.
You can adjust the height of the majority of cribs to match your bed height making it easier for you to get into and out of bed. There are even some that are designed to function as travel cots, which is great when you're traveling or visiting relatives.
Leya Leya, an MFM mother and home tester, found that the SnuzPod 4 was a great design for her bedroom. She also liked its compact fold that saved space. She also liked the fact that one side of crib can be raised, letting her to pick up her child without having to get out of bed. This is especially helpful if you've had an Caesarean or are recovering after one. You can remain close to your baby for longer.
Jasmine is a mother who also enjoyed using the SnuzPod 4. She commented that it was simple for her to move the crib from one room to the next and back again - something she didn't see with other cribs. However, she said that it required some effort to lift and lower the crib since the handle was stiff.
The Tutti Bambini CoZee Air is another crib that is easy to fold and move. It was nominated for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in their Best Cot or Crib category. The neutral colours and slim frame will match most bedrooms. However some of our testers thought that the bars were too close together. This could result in them getting caught on baby toys or clothing. The bars' distance shouldn't exceed 6.5cm (2 inches) to avoid your baby's head from becoming stuck. This crib is also suitable for babies who have reflux, as the ComfortAir air-flow system assists in regulating their body temperature.
Comfort
Staying close to your baby all night will provide peace of mind, but you should be capable of reaching them quickly for middle-of-the-night feeding. You can do this without having get out of bed with a crib at your bedside. They make it simple to soothe babies into sleep. However, if you want to snuggle with your baby but aren't keen on the idea of waking up for every feed, a moses basket is the better option.
Most bedside cribs can be attached to the side of your bed that allows you to see and access your baby easily. They often have a mesh window to allow you to check on your baby without disturbing them. There is also a reflux setting that helps with colic and reflux.
This crib comes with a wide range of features, but we're most amazed by the ComfortAir air-tight Mattress that regulates the temperature of your baby's body and maximizes airflow. It's smaller than other bedside cribs that could be useful in areas that are limited in space. But our mum testers all are in agreement that it's an excellent option for those long nights.
The cot is secured to the bed's side using adjustable straps. This reduces the possibility of gaps that your child might get trapped. It comes with an even, firm mattress that complies with safety standards and promotes good sleep habits.
It is important to know that your baby will begin to get out of their crib when they are able to sit upright at about six months old. It's important that you place your baby in a cot or another sleeping arrangement, once they outgrow their crib.
Another feature to take into consideration is how light the crib is, and if it's suitable for travel. Many of our mothers appreciate that this crib can easily be disassembled to transport it However, some find it difficult to assemble. It can also be difficult to keep clean and therefore you'll have to clean it regularly with a cloth and cleaning product.
Stores
A bedside cot suitable for 6 months and up is a bassinet shaped crib that is attached to the side of your mattress to ensure secure co-sleeping. They are great for feeding at night, soothing babies to sleep and enabling mums who have had a c-section to keep their baby close.
It's important that you choose cribs that meet current safety standards. Check that the bars are enough apart to prevent your baby's head becoming stuck, and make sure any sides that drop down are secured and don't open unexpectedly. Also, stay clear of any stickers or transfers on the cot surface as they could be a choking hazard.
Emily's top choice 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 good size and has plenty of storage space to store all your baby essentials. It's also small and light enough to fit into a travel bag, if you're planning to move it around. If bedside crib co sleeper seeking something a bit easier, she suggests the Shnuggle Air on the side of the crib.