Bedside Cot 6 Months Plus
Bedside sleepers let you keep your baby in the same room with you are without the risk of sharing beds, which comes with an increased risk of death from suffocation. They're also a great option for infants.
Look for models that have an adjustable height which will fit perfectly on most bed frames. Also look for breathable fabrics that are easy to clean.
Safety
A bedside cot can be described as a bassinet that is connected to the bed's side to ensure safe cosleeping. It can be used to pull your baby towards you for comfort, feeding or soothing at the night. It's also a great option if you had a c section. It's different from a Moses basket or cot as it has high sides to ensure your baby can't fall out. Some models have a tilt feature that can help babies with colic or reflux. They are also slightly bigger than Moses baskets, which may make them easier to move from room to room.
The NHS and safe sleep charity The Lullaby Trust advise that newborns should be placed in their own cot or bassinet in the same room as their parents however, not in your bed. Bed-sharing increases the risks of overheating or suffocation. Bedside cribs allow your child to sleep close to you but in a secure and private space.
Check that the crib meets the most recent safety standards. It must be BS EN1130:2019. Also, ensure that there are no gaps or places that could allow your child to get trapped. Choose a mattress that has a firm, flat surface. A sagging or overly soft mattress can increase your baby's risk of SIDS, so opt for a brand new mattress instead of a second-hand.
Finally, you should look for bedding that's fitted and free of any loose blankets or pillows. Pillows pose a risk of suffocation and duvets could get stuck on the baby's face. It is a good idea to make use of a fitted sheet instead, but make sure it fits properly.
The SnuzPod4 was rated highly by our MFM mom test participants as a crib that is suitable for bedside use. It was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in the category of Best Cot, Moses Basket or Crib. It is secure to the bed and features an adjustable height setting for a perfect fit. It also comes with a rocking function and can be set to an incline to prevent reflux. It's also a great choice for those with small or narrow beds because it does not take up a lot of room.
Design
It is crucial to think about the style of your crib at night because this is the place where your baby will spend the majority of their time. There are many cribs available in a choice of colours to suit your decor and feature features such as mesh windows that keep baby in view, or sides that drop down that make it easier to reach. Some cribs come with incline features to aid in reflux.
The majority of cribs can be lowered and raised to match the height of your bed, making it simple to get in and out of your bed at night. Some cribs can serve as travel cots. This is great for when you're traveling or visiting family.
Leya, a MFM mother and home tester, found that the SnuzPod 4 was a great fit for her bedroom decor. She also loved its compact fold, which helped save space. She also liked the fact that one side of crib can be raised, letting her to pick up her baby without having to get out of bed. This is particularly helpful when 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 loved using the SnuzPod 4. She commented that it was easy for her to move the crib from one room to another and back again - something she didn't find with other bedside cribs. However, she noted that it required some effort to lift and lower the crib because the handle was stiff.
Another crib that's easy to fold and move is the Tutti Bambini CoZee Air, which was shortlisted in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards as the Best Cot Crib, Moses Basket. The neutral colors and slim frame will fit in with the majority of bedrooms. However some of our testers found that the bars were too close to each other. This could cause them to catch on baby toys or clothes. 4-in-1 bedside crib between each bar should not exceed 6.5cm (2.5 inches) to ensure your baby's head doesn't get caught in. This crib is also suitable for babies suffering from reflux due to the ComfortAir air-tight system helps regulate their body temperature.
Comfort
Staying close to your baby all night will provide peace of mind, but you need to be capable of reaching them quickly for middle-of-the-night feeding. You can do this without having get up from bed with a crib right at your bedside. They also make it simple to help babies fall asleep. If you'd like to be able to sleep with your child but don't wish to be a burden of having to get up every time they need to be fed, a moses's-basket is an excellent option.
Most cribs with a bedside are attached to the bedside, which allows you to see and reach your baby. Many have mesh windows to allow you to monitor your baby without disturbing him. There is also a reflux setting that helps with colic and reflux.
We're impressed with the number of features that are included on this crib, especially the ComfortAir air-tight mattress that helps to regulate your baby's temperature and maximize airflow. It's smaller than other cribs that are bedside which can be useful in areas where space is scarce. Our mom testers agree that this is still a great choice for those sleepless nights.
The cot is securely attached to the bed's side by means of adjustable straps. This eliminates the risk of gaps in which your child can get trapped. It also comes with a sturdy flat mattress that is in line with safety standards and encourages safe sleep habits.
You should be aware that your baby will start to leave their crib when they are capable of sitting upright, which is usually around six months. It's important that you place your child in a cot, or another sleeping arrangement when they've outgrown their crib.
A lightweight cot that is suitable for travel is another aspect to consider. Some of our mothers are thrilled that this crib can easily be taken apart for transport However, some find it difficult to assemble. It is also difficult to keep clean and therefore you'll have to clean it regularly with a cloth and a cleaning product.
Stores
A bedside cot suitable for 6 months and older is a bassinet-style crib that is attached to the side of your mattress for secure co-sleeping. These are great for calming babies to sleep, for 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's important to ensure that it meets current safety standards. Make sure that the bars are far enough apart to avoid your baby's head becoming trapped. Also, make sure that the sides that drop down are secure and won't pop open suddenly. Also, beware of any transfer or stickers that are placed on the cot's surface since they could pose a choking hazard.
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 Cot or Crib, and Best Moses Basket. It is a good size, with plenty of space for all your baby's essentials. It's also lightweight and compact enough to fit in its travel bag if you have to transport it from room to room. If you're looking for something a little simpler, she recommends the Shnuggle Air beside crib.