Bedside Cot 6 Months Plus
Bedside sleepers let you keep your baby in the same room as you, without the risks of sharing a bed. They are also a great choice for infants.
Look for models with an adjustable height that will fit perfectly on all bed frames. Choose fabrics that are easy-to-clean and comfortable to breathe.
Safety
A bedside cot is an upholstered bassinet that is attached to the bed's side to allow secure co-sleeping. It is a great way to pull baby closer to you at night to feed, soothing or comforting and it's also a great option in the event of the need for a C-section. It's different from a Moses basket or cot as it has high sides so your baby can't fall out. Some come with a tilt feature which can help babies suffering from reflux and colic. 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 babies be placed in a bassinet or cot in same room as their parents. They shouldn't be sleeping in your bed. Sharing beds increases the risk of suffocation or overheating. Bedside cribs allow your child to sleep with you however, in a secure and distinct space.
Check that the crib meets the most current safety standards. It must be BS EN1130:2019. Also, make sure that there are no gaps or places where your child could become trapped. Also make sure you choose a mattress that's sturdy and flat. A mattress that is sagging or that is too soft may increase the risk of SIDS for your baby.
Look for bedding that is well-fitted and free of pillows or blankets that are sloppy. Duvets and pillows can choke your baby, and pillows can stick to their face. It's best to use a fitted sheet instead but ensure it's fitted correctly.
The SnuzPod4 was highly rated by our MFM mother testers as a crib for use in bed. It has been nominated for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards under the category of the Best Cot, Moses Basket or Crib. It attaches securely to the bed and features an adjustable height to ensure a perfect fit. It also has a rocking feature and can be adjusted to incline for reflux. It is a great choice for those who have small or narrow beds as it doesn't take up much space.
Design
It is crucial to think about the design of your bedside crib since this is where you baby will spend the majority of their time. A lot of cribs are available with a variety of colors to complement your decor. They also have features like mesh windows that keep your baby in view, or drop-down sides that allow you to reach it. Some cribs are equipped with incline options to help with reflux.
You can raise and lower the majority of cribs to the height of your bed, making it easier to get into and out of the bed. You can also find a few that are made to work as travel cribs, which are ideal when you're 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 liked its compact fold, which helped save space. She also appreciated that the crib's one side can be lowered and allows her to pick up her sleeping baby without having to leave her bed. bedside cot newborn is particularly helpful when you've had a Caesarean or are recovering after one. You can stay near your baby for a longer time.
Jasmine is another mum who enjoyed using the SnuzPod 4. She said it was simple for her to move the crib from one room to the next - something she did not discover with other cribs for bed. She did mention that the handle was stiff and required quite a bit of effort to move the crib.
The Tutti Bambini CoZee Air is another crib that is easy to fold and move. It was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in their Best Cot or Crib category. The neutral colors and slim frame are perfect for most bedrooms. However, some of our testers thought that the bars were too close to each other. This could cause them to get caught on baby toys or clothes. The distance between the bars should not exceed 6.5cm (2.5 inches) to ensure your baby's head doesn't get caught in. This crib is also good for babies with reflux, as the ComfortAir air-tight system assists in regulating their body temperature.
Comfort
A close and secure baby all night will provide peace of mind, but you should be capable of reaching them quickly during the night for feeding. It is easy to do this without having leave your bed, with a crib 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 getting up every time they need to be fed, a moses-basket is an excellent option.
The majority of cribs for bedside use can be positioned on the side of your bed, allowing you to see and get to your baby easily. Some have mesh windows, to allow you to monitor your baby without disturbing him. There is also an option for reflux that aids with reflux and colic.
We're awestruck by the variety of features included in this crib, including the ComfortAir mattress, which is breathable and works to regulate your baby's temperature and maximize airflow. It's smaller than other bedside cribs, which may be helpful when space is tight. Our mom testers are of the opinion that this is still an excellent option for those sleepless nights.
The cot is attached securely to the side of the bed with adjustable straps. This minimizes the chance of gaps where your child can get trapped. It is equipped with a firm, flat mattress that is safe and encourages good sleep habits.
One thing to keep in mind is that your baby may begin to get out of the crib once they're tall enough to sit, usually around six months. It is essential to place your child in a cot or in a different arrangement for sleeping after they've outgrown their crib.
A cot that is lightweight and suitable for travel is another option to think about. Some of our mothers enjoy the fact that the crib can be taken apart to make it easy to transport, whereas others find it a bit tricky to assemble and rebuild. It can be difficult to clean so you will have to wipe it clean regularly with an appropriate cleaning product and cloth.
Stores
A bedside cot for six months and up is a bassinet-style bed that can be attached to the side of your mattress to allow secure co-sleeping. They're ideal for feeding your baby at night as well as calming babies back to sleep and enabling mums who have had an e-csection to keep their baby close.
It is essential to select cribs that are in line with the latest safety standards. Verify that the bars are spaced enough apart to prevent your child's head from being trapped. Also, make sure that the sides that drop down are secure and don't open abruptly. Also, avoid any stickers or transfers on the cot surface as they could pose a choking hazard.
Emily's top pick for a bedside cot 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 with plenty of storage for your baby's necessities. It's also lightweight and compact enough to fit into its travel bag should you have to transport it from room to room. If you're looking for something a bit simpler, she recommends the Shnuggle Air next to the crib.