Bedside Cot 6 Months Plus
Bedside sleepers let you have your baby in the same room with you, without the risks of sharing a bed. They're an excellent choice for infants.
Find bedside baby sleeper with an adjustable height which allows for a perfect fit on the majority of bed frames. Choose fabrics that are easy to clean and ventilated.
Safety
A bedside cot is described as a bassinet that is connected to the side of a bed for safe sleeping. It can be used to pull your baby towards you for comfort, feeding or to help soothe them at night. It's also an excellent option if you had a c section. It's different from a Moses basket or cot because it has high sides to ensure your baby can't fall out. Some come with a tilt feature which can help babies suffering from reflux and colic. They're also a bit bigger than Moses baskets, which could make them easier to move from room to room.
The NHS and The Lullaby Trust, a safe sleep charity, suggest that newborns be kept in a bassinet or cot that is in the same room as their parents. They should not be 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 at night, but in their own safe and separate sleeping space.
When you are choosing a crib for your bed make sure it is in compliance with the most recent 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's firm and flat. A sagging mattress or one that is too soft could increase the risk of SIDS for your child.
Also, make sure you choose bedding that is affixed and free from any loose blankets or pillows. Pillows can cause suffocation and duvets can be a hazard to baby's face. It is a good idea to opt for a fitted sheet but ensure it's fitted correctly.
Our MFM mum testers have found that the SnuzPod4 is a great choice for a bedside crib, selected for 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 that allows for the perfect fit. It also has a rocking feature and can be set to an incline to prevent reflux. It is a great option for those with narrow or small beds, as it does not take up much space.
Design
The design of a crib for the bed is important as it will be where your baby will spend most of their time. Many cribs come in a variety of colors to match your decor and include features such as mesh windows that keep baby in view, or sides that drop down that allow for easier access. Some cribs come with incline features to help with reflux.
You can adjust the height of most cribs to match your bed height making it easier for you to get into and out of bed. You can even find some that are designed to function as travel cribs, which are ideal when you're traveling or visiting relatives.
Home tester and MFM mother Leya found that the SnuzPod 4's sleek, Scandi style was a perfect match for her bedroom and added that its compact fold was perfect to save space. She also liked that one side of the crib is lowered so that she can take her newborn baby to bed without leaving her bed. This is particularly beneficial if you've been through a Caesarean or are recovering after one. You can remain close to your baby for a longer time.
Another mum who enjoyed using the SnuzPod 4 was Jasmine who said that it was simple to move from room room - something she couldn't get with other cribs she looked at for bedside use. However, she did notice that the handle was stiff and required an enormous amount of effort to raise the crib.
Another bedside crib that's simple to fold and move is the Tutti Bambini CoZee Air, which was shortlisted in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards to be the Best Cot Crib, Moses Basket. The neutral colors and slim frame are perfect for most bedrooms. However some of our testers thought that the bars were too close together. This could result in them getting caught on baby toys or clothes. The distance between bars should not exceed 6.5cm (2 inches) in order to prevent your baby's head from getting stuck. This is a good crib for babies who have reflux, as its ComfortAir breathability technology helps regulate their temperature.
Comfort
You will feel more secure if you can reach your baby quickly to feed them during the middle of the night. With a crib at your bedside, you can do this without getting out of bed. These cribs make it simple to help babies sleep. If, however, you'd like to lay down with your baby, but aren't keen on the idea of having to get out of bed to feed your baby A moses basket is a better choice.
Most bedside cribs are connected to the bedside so you can easily access and touch your baby. They often feature a mesh-like window so you can check on your baby without having to disturb them. They may also have a reflux setting to aid in colic or reflux.
This crib comes with a wide range of options, but we're particularly amazed by the ComfortAir air-tight Mattress that regulates your baby's body temperature and increases airflow. It's a bit smaller than other cribs that are bedside, which may be helpful where space is limited. However, our mum testers agree that it's an excellent option for those long sleeps.
The cot securely attaches to the bed's side by means of adjustable straps. This reduces the possibility of gaps that your child may get caught. It also comes with a sturdy and flat mattress that meets safety standards and encourages the safest sleeping practices.
One thing to keep in mind is that your baby could begin to leave the crib when they're able to sit at around six months. It's crucial to put your child in a cot or another sleeping arrangement after they've outgrown their crib.
A cot that is lightweight and suitable for travel is an additional aspect to consider. Some of our mothers love that this crib can easily be disassembled to transport it However, some aren't able to put it together. It can be a challenge to clean so you will need to wipe it down often using the aid of a cleaner and a cloth.
Stores
A bedside cot for 6 months plus is an upholstered bassinet cot that can be fixed to the side of your bed for safe co-sleeping. They are ideal for calming babies to sleep, for night feedings, and for mothers who had a c-section to keep their baby close.
When selecting a crib that is bedside it is important to ensure that it meets current safety standards. Check that the crib's bars are positioned sufficiently apart to ensure that your child's head isn't becoming trapped. Also, ensure that any drop-down side is secure and doesn't open unintentionally. Do not place stickers or transfer on the floor of the cot as they may pose the risk of choking.
Emily's top choice for a bedside cot is the Next2me Magic, which was shortlisted in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket. It's a great size and offers plenty of storage space to store everything your baby needs. It's also lightweight and compact enough to fit in its travel bag if you have to transport it from room to room. If you're looking for something a little more simple, she suggests the Shnuggle Air on the side of the crib.