Bedside Cot 6 Months Plus
Bedside sleepers allow you to keep your baby in the same space with you, without the risks associated with sharing a bed. They're a great choice for babies.
Look for models that have an adjustable height which gives a perfect fit on most bed frames. Look for fabrics that are easy-to-clean and ventilated.
Safety
A bedside cot could be described as a bassinet which is attached to the bed's side for safe sleeping. It can be used to bring your baby to you for comfort, feeding or to soothe your baby at the night. It's also an excellent alternative if you've have had a c section. It's different from a Moses basket or cot due to the fact that it has high sides, so your baby won't be pushed out. Some models come with a tilt feature that can help babies with colic or reflux. They're also a bit bigger than Moses baskets, which can make them easier to transport from room to room.
The NHS and The Lullaby Trust, a safe sleep charity, recommend that newborns be kept in a bassinet or cot that is in the same room with their parents. They should not be in your bed. Bed-sharing increases the risks of suffocation or overheating. Bedside cribs permit your baby to sleep close to you but in a secure and distinct space.
When selecting a crib that is bedside, check that it meets the latest safety standards (it must be BS EN 1130:2019) and has no gaps or parts that could cause your baby to get trapped. Choose a mattress that has an even, firm surface. A sagging or overly soft mattress could increase the risk of SIDS, so choose for a brand new mattress instead of a second-hand.
Also, make sure you choose bedding that is affixed and free from any loose blankets or pillows. Pillows are a suffocation risk and duvets can be a hazard on the baby's face. Use a fitted sheet but ensure that it is fitted correctly.
Our MFM mother testers have discovered that the SnuzPod4 is a great option for a crib that is positioned near the bed, being shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in the best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket category. It is securely attached to the bed and it has an adjustable height for an ideal fit. It features a rocking feature and can be set to an inclined position to prevent reflux. It is a great choice for those who have narrow or small beds as it doesn't take up any space.
Design
It is important to consider the style of your crib at night, as this will be the area where your baby will spend the majority of their time. There are a variety of cribs available in a range of colors that will match your decor. Some have features such as mesh windows to keep the baby's view or drop-down sides to facilitate access. Some cribs are equipped with incline options to aid with reflux.
You can adjust the height of the majority of cribs to match your bed's height making it easier for you to get in and out of the bed. There are even some that are designed to function as travel cots, which are great if you're travelling or visiting relatives.
Leya, a MFM mum and home tester, found that the SnuzPod 4 was a great fit for her bedroom decor. She also appreciated its compact fold that saved space. She also appreciated the fact that the crib's one side can be raised, letting her to pick up her baby without having to get out of bed. This is particularly helpful for those who have had an emergency C-section or recovering from the effects of a Caesarean, as it allows you to stay close to your baby for a longer period of time.
Jasmine is another mum who enjoyed using the SnuzPod 4. She noted that it was easy to move the crib from one room to the next - something she did not see with other cribs. However, she said that it took some effort to lift and lower the crib, as the handle was quite stiff.
The Tutti Bambini CoZee Air is another crib for bed that is easy to fold and move. It was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, in the Best Cot or Crib category. Its slim frame and neutral colors will fit in with all bedrooms, though some of our home testers felt the bars were too close together, which means they could catch on clothes or toys for babies. The distance between bars should not exceed 6.5cm (2.5 inches) to ensure that your baby's head can't become trapped. This is a good crib for reflux babies too, as its ComfortAir breathable technology helps regulate their temperature.
Comfort
A close and secure baby throughout the night will give you peace of mind, however, you should be able to reach them quickly during the night for feeding. With a crib that is placed near the bed you can do this easily without getting out of the bed. These cribs make it simple to help babies sleep. If you'd like to to sleep with your child but don't wish to be a burden of getting up every time they're fed, a moses-basket can be a good alternative.
Most cribs with a bedside are connected to the bedside which allows you to access and touch your baby. Some have mesh windows, so you can monitor your baby without disrupting the baby. You may also find a reflux setting that helps with reflux and colic.
This crib comes with a wide range of features, but we're most amazed by the ComfortAir breathable Mattress that regulates the temperature of your baby's body and maximizes airflow. It's smaller than other cribs for bedside use that could be useful in areas that are limited in space. Our mom testers are of the opinion that this is still an excellent option for sleepless, long nights.
The cot securely attaches to the side of your bed with adjustable straps, which minimizes the chance of gaps in which your child might get trapped. It comes with a firm, flat mattress that is safe and promotes good sleeping habits.
It is important to be aware that your baby is likely to climb out of their crib when they are capable of sitting upright at around six months. This is why it's essential to place them in a cot or another sleeping arrangement as they grow out of the crib.
Another feature to take into consideration is how light the crib is, and if it's suitable for traveling. Some of our mums really enjoy the fact that the crib is able to be dismantled for easy transport, while others find it a bit tricky to assemble and rebuild. It can be a challenge to clean so you will have to clean it frequently using the aid of a cleaner and a cloth.
Storage
A bedside cot for 6 months and up is a bassinet shaped crib that is attached to the mattress's side for secure co-sleeping. They're ideal for feeding your baby at night as well as calming babies to sleep and allowing mothers who've had C-sections to keep their baby close.
It is essential to select cribs that are in line with current safety standards. Make sure that the bars are far enough apart to avoid your child's head from getting trapped. Also, make sure that any drop-down sides are secure and don't open unexpectedly. Also, beware of any stickers or transfers on the cot surface as they could be an choking hazard.
Emily's top pick for a bedside cot is the Next2me Magic, which was shortlisted in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Cot Crib, Crib, or Moses Basket. Cots For Tots 's a great size and has plenty of storage space for all the baby necessities. It's also small and light enough to fit in a bag for travel, should you're planning to move it around. If you're looking for something less complicated she suggests Shnuggle Air in addition to Crib.