Bedside Cot 6 Months Plus
Bedside sleepers allow you to keep your baby in the same space with you without the risk of bed-sharing. They're a great choice for newborns.
Models with adjustable height positions can be placed perfectly on most bed frames. Find fabrics that are easy-to-clean and comfortable to breathe.
Safety
A bedside cot is basically an upholstered bassinet that is attached to the bed's side to allow safe co-sleeping. It is a great way to lift baby up towards you at night to feed or comforting. it's a great option for an c-section. It's different from a Moses basket or cot due to the fact that it has high sides to ensure your baby isn't able to fall out. Some models come with a tilt feature that can help babies with colic or reflux. They are also slightly larger than Moses baskets, making them easier to move from room to room.
The NHS and the safe sleep charity The Lullaby Trust advise that newborns should be in their own bassinet or cot in the same room with their parents however, not in your bed. This is because bed-sharing increases the chance of suffocation and overheating. Bedside cribs offer the best of both worlds, allowing your baby to be close to you throughout the night, but in their own secure and private sleeping space.
Make sure that the crib is in compliance with the most recent safety standards. It should be BS EN1130:2019. Also, ensure that there aren't any gaps or places where your baby could get trapped. Also, look for a mattress that's firm and flat. A soft or sagging mattress can increase the risk of SIDS, so choose for a brand new mattress, instead of a second-hand.
Finally, you should look for bedding that is affixed and free of loose blankets or pillows. Duvets and pillows can choke your baby, while pillows can get stuck to their faces. It's a good idea to opt for a fitted sheet however, make sure it's fitted correctly.
Our MFM mom testers have discovered that the SnuzPod4 is a great choice for a bedside crib, shortlisted in 2021's Mother&Baby Awards in the best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket category. It is secured to the bed and comes with an adjustable height to ensure a perfect fit. It features a rocking feature and can be set to an inclined position for reflux. It is a great option for those with narrow or small beds, as it does not take up the entire space.
Design
It is crucial to think about the style of your crib at night, as this will be the place where your baby will spend the majority of their time. There are a variety of cribs available in a variety of colours that can be matched to your decor. Some have features such as mesh windows to keep your baby's eyes open or drop-down sides to make it easier to access. Some cribs also have incline features to ease reflux.
You can raise and lower most cribs to match your bed height making it easier for you to get into and out of the bed. Some cribs can serve as travel cots. This is a great option when you are travelling or visiting family.
Leya is an MFM mother and home tester, realized that the SnuzPod 4 was a great design for her bedroom. She also liked its compact fold that saved space. Leya also appreciated that one side of crib can be lowered, allowing her to pick up her baby without needing to get out of bed. This is especially helpful if you have had C-sections or recovering from the effects of a Caesarean, as it allows you to stay close to your newborn for longer.
Jasmine is another mom who liked using the SnuzPod 4. She commented that it was easy to move the crib from one room to another - something she did not discover with other cribs for bed. However, she noted that it took some effort to lift and lower the crib because the handle was stiff.
Another crib for bedside that is easy to fold and move is the Tutti Bambini CoZee Air, which was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards to be the Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket. Its slim frame and neutral colour options will fit in with all bedrooms, though some of our testers at home felt the bars were a little too close together, which means they could catch on clothes or toys for babies. The distance between bars should be no more than 6.5cm (2.5 inches) to ensure that your baby's head doesn't get caught in. This crib is ideal for babies who have reflux because its ComfortAir breathability technology helps regulate their temperature.
Comfort
A close and secure baby all night will provide peace of mind, however, you must be in a position to be able to get them quickly during the night for feeding. With a crib that is placed near the bed it is possible to do this easily without getting out of bed. These cribs make it simple to help babies sleep. If you'd like to to sleep with your child, but don't want to hassle with getting up each time they're fed, a moses-basket is an excellent alternative.
The majority of cribs for bedside are attached to the bedside, so you are able to easily see and reach your baby. Most have mesh windows to allow you to monitor your baby without disturbing the baby. You may also find a reflux setting that helps with colic and reflux.
We're amazed by the amount of features on this crib, especially the ComfortAir mattress, which is breathable and works to regulate your baby's temperature and maximize airflow. It's a little smaller than other cribs that are bedside, which may be helpful where space is limited. Our mom testers agree that this is a great choice for sleepless, long nights.
The cot is securely attached to the bed's side using adjustable straps. This eliminates the risk of gaps where your child can get trapped. It also comes with a sturdy and flat mattress that meets safety standards and encourages healthy sleeping habits.
It is important to be aware that your baby will begin to leave their crib once they are capable of sitting upright typically about six months old. This is the reason it's crucial to put them in a cot or other sleeping arrangement once they outgrow the crib.
A cot that is light and suitable for travel is an additional option to think about. 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 difficult to assemble and then reassemble. It can also be difficult to keep clean and you'll need to regularly wipe it down using a cloth or cleaning product.
Storage
A bedside cot for 6 months plus is an upholstered bassinet cot that can be fixed to the bed's side to ensure safe co-sleeping. co sleeper bedside cot are great for soothing babies to sleep, allowing night feedings, and for mothers who had a c-section to keep their baby close.
It's crucial to choose a crib that meets the current safety standards. Make sure that the crib's bars are spaced sufficiently apart to ensure that your child's head isn't becoming trapped. Also, make sure that the drop-down side is secure and doesn't open unintentionally. Also, stay clear of any transfer or stickers that are placed on the cot's surface as they can be a choking hazard.
Emily's top choice for a bedside crib is the Next2me Magic, which was shortlisted in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Cot Crib, Crib, or Moses Basket. It's a decent size and has plenty of storage space to store everything your baby needs. It's also light and compact enough to fit into its travel bag if you need to move it from room to room. If you're looking for something a little simpler, she recommends the Shnuggle Air on the side of the crib.