Bedside Cot 6 Months Plus
Bedside sleepers allow you to keep your baby in the same space with you, without the risks associated with bed-sharing. They're an excellent choice for babies.
Look for models that have an adjustable height which will fit perfectly on all bed frames. Choose fabrics that are easy-to-clean and ventilated.
Safety
A bedside cot is basically an old-fashioned bassinet cot that can be fixed to the side of your bed for secure co-sleeping. It can be used to raise your baby towards you at night to feed or soothing. it's a great option if you have an 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 have tilt features that can help babies with colic or reflux. They are also slightly bigger than Moses baskets, which may make them easier to transport from room to room.
The NHS and The Lullaby Trust, a safe sleep charity, recommend that infants be placed in a bassinet or cot that is in the same room with their parents. bedside co sleeper shouldn't be sleeping in your bed. Bed-sharing increases the risks of suffocation or overheating. Bedside cribs offer the best of both worlds, giving your baby the opportunity to be close to you throughout the night, but in their own private and secure sleeping space.
When you are choosing a crib for your bed make sure it is in compliance with the latest safety standards (it must be BS EN 1130:2019) and does not have any gaps or parts that could cause your baby to become trapped. Also, look for a mattress that is sturdy and flat. A sagging or overly soft mattress can increase your baby's risk of SIDS, so opt for a brand new mattress, instead of second-hand.
Find bedding that is well-fitted and does not have pillows or blankets that are sloppy. Duvets and pillows can suffocate your baby, while pillows can stick to their face. Use a fitted sheet however, make sure it fits properly.
The SnuzPod4 was highly rated by our MFM mother testers as a crib suitable for use at bedtime. It has been shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in the category of Best Cot, Moses Basket or Crib. It is secured to the bed and features an adjustable height setting for a perfect fit. It also has a rocking function and can be set to an incline to prevent reflux. It is a great choice for those who have small or narrow beds because it doesn't take up much space.
Design
It is essential to think about the design of your bedside crib 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 also have incline features to aid in reflux.
bedside cosleeper of cribs can be raised and lowered to fit the height of your bed, making it simple to get out and in to bed at night. You can even find some that are designed to work as travel cots, which is great for those who are traveling or visiting relatives.
Leya is an 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 saved space. She also appreciated the fact that the crib's one side can be lowered, allowing her to pick up her child without needing to get out of bed. This is especially beneficial for those who have had C-sections or are recovering from the effects of a Caesarean because it allows you to sleep close to your baby for a longer period of time.
Another mum who enjoyed using the SnuzPod 4 is Jasmine who noted that it was easy to move from room to room - something she didn't get with other bedside cribs she tested. However, she noted that it took some effort to lift and lower the crib, as the handle was quite rigid.
The Tutti Bambini CoZee Air is another bedside crib which is easy to fold and move. bedside co sleeper was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, in the Best Cot or Crib category. Its slim frame and neutral colour options will work well in the majority of bedrooms, but some of our testers at home felt the bars were a little too close together, which means they could catch on clothes or baby toys. The distance between the bars should not exceed 6.5cm (2.5 inches) to ensure your baby's head isn't entangled. This crib is also suitable for babies with reflux, due to the ComfortAir air-flow system helps regulate their body temperature.
Comfort
A close and secure baby throughout the night will give you peace of mind, however, you must be capable of reaching them quickly to feed them in the middle of the night. You can do this without having to get out of bed with a crib right at your bedside. They make it simple to soothe babies into sleep. If you want to be able to lay down with your child but do not wish to be a burden of having to get up every time they're fed, a moses's-basket is an ideal option.
Most bedside cribs can be positioned on the bed's side and allow you to view and get to your baby easily. Some have mesh windows, to allow you to monitor your baby without disrupting the baby. There is also an option to treat reflux that can help with colic and reflux.
The crib is loaded with a variety of options, but we're particularly amazed by the ComfortAir mattress that is breathable and regulates the temperature of your baby's body and maximizes airflow. It's a little smaller than some other bedside cribs which can be useful in areas where space is scarce. Our mum testers agree that this is a great choice for sleepless, long nights.
The cot is securely attached to the bed's side with adjustable straps, which minimizes the chance of gaps where your baby may get caught. It also comes with a sturdy, flat mattress that meets safety standards and promotes healthy sleeping practices.
One thing to bear in mind is that your baby can begin to leave the crib once they're able to sit up at around six months. This is why it's essential to put them in a cot or other sleeping arrangement when they've outgrown the crib.
Another thing to consider is how lightweight the cot is and whether it's suitable for travelling. Some of our mums really enjoy the fact that the crib can be taken apart to make it easy to transport, whereas others find it a bit difficult to assemble and rebuild. It's also a challenge to keep clean, so you'll need to clean it regularly using a cloth or cleaning product.
Stores
A bedside cot that is 6 months old plus is an upholstered bassinet cot that can be fixed to the side of your bed for safe co-sleeping. These are great for soothing 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's crucial to make sure that it is in line with current safety standards. Check that the bars on the crib are positioned sufficiently apart to prevent your child's head from getting trapped. Also, ensure that the drop-down side is secured and doesn't open accidentally. Do not place stickers or transfer on the floor of the cot since they could be a choking risk.
Emily's top choice for a bedside crib is the Next2me Magic, which was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Cot Crib, Crib, or Moses Basket. It's a decent size and has plenty of storage space for all your baby essentials. It is also compact and lightweight enough to fit in a travel bag, if you're planning to move it around. If you're looking for something simpler she suggests Shnuggle Air beside Crib.