Bedside Cot 6 Months Plus
Bedside sleepers allow you to keep your baby in the same room as you without the risk associated with bed-sharing. They're an excellent choice for babies.
Look for models with an adjustable height that gives a perfect fit on the majority of bed frames. Also look for breathable fabrics that are easy to clean.
Safety
A bedside cot can be 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 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 is different from a Moses Basket or Cot as it has high walls so your baby won't escape. Some models have a tilt function which can help babies suffering from reflux and colic. They are also a bit larger than Moses baskets which makes them easier to move from room room.
The NHS and the safe sleep charity The Lullaby Trust advise that newborns should be in their own cot or bassinet in the same room with their parent, but not in your bed. This is because bed-sharing increases the chance of suffocation and overheating. Bedside cribs offer the best of both worlds by permitting your child to sleep close to you throughout the night, but still in their own private and secure sleeping space.
When you are choosing a crib for your bed ensure that it meets the latest safety standards (it should be BS EN 1130:2019) and doesn't have any gaps or parts that could cause your child to become trapped. Choose a mattress that has a flat, firm surface. A soft or sagging mattress can increase the risk of SIDS, so choose for a new one instead of a second-hand.
Make sure your bedding is well-fitted and free of pillows or blankets that are loose. Pillows are a suffocation risk and duvets could get stuck to baby's face. It's best to opt for a fitted sheet but ensure it fits properly.
Our MFM mom testers have discovered that the SnuzPod4 is a great option for a crib that is positioned near the bed, selected for 2021's Mother&Baby Awards in the best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket category. It is secured to the bed and it is adjustable to ensure a perfect fit. It also comes with a rocking function and can be set to an incline to prevent reflux. It's a good choice for people with narrow or small beds since it doesn't take up too much room.
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 are available in a variety of colours that can be matched to your decor. Some cribs have features like mesh windows to keep the baby's view or drop-down sides to facilitate access. Some cribs even have incline functions to ease reflux.
You can adjust the height of most cribs to match the height of your bed, making it easier to get in and out of bed. Some cribs can be used as travel cots. This is great for when you're traveling or visiting family.
Home tester and MFM mom Leya found the SnuzPod 4's sleek, Scandi style complemented her bedroom decor, adding that its compact fold was perfect for space-saving. She also appreciated the fact that the crib's one side can be raised, letting her pick up her baby without having to get out of bed. This is especially helpful if you've had an Caesarean or are recovering from one. You can stay near your baby for a longer period of time.
Jasmine is another mum who loved using the SnuzPod 4. She commented that it was easy to move the crib from one room to another which she could not find with other bedside cribs. However, she did notice that the handle was stiff and it took quite a bit of effort to raise the crib.
The Tutti Bambini CoZee Air is another crib for bed that is easy to fold and move. It was nominated for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in their Best Cot or Crib category. Its slim frame and neutral color options will work well in all bedrooms, though some of our home testers felt the bars were a little too close together, meaning they could catch on clothes or toys for babies. The bars' distance shouldn't exceed 6.5cm (2 inches) to avoid your baby's head from getting trapped. This crib is also suitable for babies with reflux, due to the ComfortAir breathable system helps regulate body temperature.
Comfort
You'll feel more secure if are able to reach your baby quickly to feed them in the middle of the night. It is easy to accomplish this without having to get up from bed by having a crib by your bedside. They also make it easy to help babies fall asleep. However, if baby bedside cot want to snuggle with your baby, but aren't keen on the idea of getting out of bed for every feed A moses basket is an ideal choice.
The majority of cribs for bedside use can be attached to the side of your bed that allows you to see and reach your baby easily. They typically have a mesh window to allow you to check on your baby without disturbing them. There is also an option for reflux that aids with reflux and colic.
The crib is loaded with a variety of options, but we're particularly impressed by the ComfortAir breathable Mattress that regulates your baby's body temperature and maximizes airflow. It's a little smaller than some other cribs that are bedside and can be useful when space is tight. Our mum testers agree that this crib is a great choice for those long, sleepless nights.
The cot securely attaches to the side of your bed using adjustable straps. This minimizes the chance of gaps in which your child may get caught. It also comes with a sturdy and flat mattress that meets safety standards and encourages safe sleep practices.
You should be aware that your baby will begin to climb out of their crib when they are capable of sitting upright, which is usually around six months. It's important that you place your child in a cot, or a different 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 the fact that this crib can be disassembled to transport it however, others aren't able to put it together. It can be a challenge to clean so you will have to clean it often using a cleaning product and a cloth.
Storage
A bedside cot suitable for 6 months and older is a bassinet style bed that can be attached to the mattress's side to allow secure co-sleeping. These are great for soothing babies to sleep, for night feedings and also allowing mothers who had a c section to keep their baby close.
It's crucial to choose cribs that meet current safety standards. Make sure that the crib's bars are spaced sufficiently apart to keep your child's head from becoming trapped. Also, ensure that any drop-down side is safe and doesn't fall open accidentally. Also, avoid any transfer or stickers on the cot's surface as they can be dangerous to choking.
Emily's preferred bedside cot for her baby is the Next2me Magic. It was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in the categories of Best Cot or Crib, and the Best Moses Basket. It's a great size and has lots of storage space for everything your baby needs. It's also compact and light enough to fit in its travel bag in case you need to transport it from room to room. If you're looking for something less complicated, she recommends Shnuggle Air alongside Crib.