Bedside Cot 6 Months Plus
Bedside sleepers let you keep your baby in the same room as you are without the risk of bed-sharing, which is associated with a higher chance of being suffocated. They're a great choice for newborns.
Find models with an adjustable height that allows for a perfect fit on all bed frames. Also look for breathable fabrics that are easy to clean.
Safety
A bedside cot can be described as a bassinet which is attached to the side of a bed to ensure safe cosleeping. It can be used to pull your baby toward you to provide comfort, feed or to help soothe them at the end of the night. It's also an excellent alternative if you've have had a c section. It differs from a Moses Basket or Cot in that it has high walls so your baby cannot fall out. Some models come with tilting features that aid babies suffering from colic and reflux. They're also a bit larger 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 in the same room with their parents. They shouldn't be sleeping in your bed. Sharing beds increases the risk of overheating or suffocation. Bedside cribs provide the best of both worlds by giving your baby the opportunity to be close to you throughout the night, but still in their own private and secure sleeping space.
When choosing a bedside crib make sure it is in compliance with the most recent safety standards (it must be BS EN 1130:2019) and has no gaps or parts that could cause your baby to get trapped. Also, look for a mattress that's sturdy and flat. A mattress that is too sagging or that is too soft can increase the risk of SIDS in your baby.
Finally, you should look for bedding that's fitted and free from any loose blankets or pillows. Duvets and pillows could suffocate your baby, and pillows can get stuck to their face. Use a fitted sheet, however, make sure it is properly fitted.
Our MFM mom testers have discovered that the SnuzPod4 is a great option for a crib that is positioned near the bed, shortlisted in 2021's Mother&Baby Awards in the Best Cot, Crib, or Moses Basket category. It is secured to the bed and features an adjustable height setting for a perfect fit. It also comes with a rocking function and can be adjusted to incline for reflux. It is also an excellent option for those with bed sizes that are small or narrow as it doesn't take up any space.
Design
It is essential to think about the design of your bedside crib since this is where you baby will spend the majority of their time. There are many cribs available in a variety of colours that match your decor. Some cribs have features such as mesh windows to keep your baby visible or drop-down sides to make it easier to access. Some cribs come with incline features to help with reflux.
Most cribs can also be lowered and raised to the same height as your bed, making it easy to get out and in to bed at night. There are even some that are designed to work as travel cribs, which are ideal for those who are traveling or visiting relatives.
Home tester and MFM mum Leya discovered that the SnuzPod 4's sleek, Scandi style was a perfect match for her bedroom, adding that its compact fold was ideal for sizing up space. She also appreciated that one side of the crib can be lowered so that she can pick up her sleeping baby without leaving her bed. This is especially helpful for those who have had an emergency C-section or are recovering from an Caesarean because it allows you to stay close to your newborn for longer.
Another mom who was happy using the SnuzPod 4 is Jasmine, who commented that it was easy to move from room room, something she didn't find with some of the other cribs for bedside that she tried. However, she noted that it required some effort to lift and lower the crib, since the handle was stiff.
Another crib that's easy to fold and move is the Tutti Bambini CoZee Air, which was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards as the The Best Cot Crib, Moses Basket. Its slim frame and neutral color options can be incorporated into most bedrooms, although some of our home testers felt the bars were too close together, meaning they could catch on clothes or baby toys. The bars' distance should not exceed 6.5cm (2 inches) to avoid your baby's head from becoming stuck. This crib is also good for babies who have reflux, as the ComfortAir air-flow system helps regulate body temperature.
Comfort
Keeping your baby close throughout the night will give you peace of mind, however, you should be able to reach them quickly to feed them in the middle of the night. You can do this without having leave your bed, with a crib right at your bedside. baby bedside crib make it easy 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 each time they need to be fed, a moses's-basket is an ideal alternative.
The majority of cribs for bedside use can be affixed to the sides of your bed, allowing you to see and reach your baby easily. Many have mesh windows to allow you to monitor your baby without disrupting him. You can also find an option to treat reflux that can help with reflux and colic.
We're amazed by the amount of features included in this crib, particularly the ComfortAir air-tight mattress that helps to regulate your baby's temperature and maximise airflow. It's a bit smaller than some other cribs for bedside use and can be useful in areas where space is scarce. However, our mom testers agree that it's an excellent option for those long sleeps.
The cot is securely attached to the bed's side by means of adjustable straps. This 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 the safest sleeping practices.
It is important to know that your baby will start to climb out of their crib once they are able to sit upright, which is usually about six months old. This is the reason it's crucial to put them in a cot or another sleeping arrangement when they've outgrown the crib.
A lightweight cot that is suitable for travel is a further aspect to consider. Many of our mothers appreciate that this crib can easily be disassembled to transport it However, some aren't able to put it together. It's also a challenge to keep clean and you'll need to regularly wipe it down with a cloth and cleaning product.
Stores
A bedside cot for 6 months plus is a bassinet-style cot which is fixed to the side of your bed to ensure safe co-sleeping. They are great for feeding at night and calming babies to sleep and allowing mothers who have had C-sections to keep their baby close.
It's crucial to choose cribs that meet the current safety standards. Check that the bars are enough apart to prevent your baby's head becoming trapped and check that the sides that drop down are secure and won't pop open suddenly. Avoid placing stickers or other objects on the surface of the cot because they could be an choking risk.
Emily's bedside cot of choice for her baby is the Next2me Magic. It was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in the categories of Best Crib or Cot, and the Best Moses Basket. It's a decent size and has plenty of storage for the essentials of your baby. It's also compact and light enough to fit in a travel bag, if you need to move it around. If you're seeking something a bit simpler, she recommends the Shnuggle Air next to the crib.