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're also a great option for babies.
Find models with an adjustable height which gives a perfect fit on all bed frames. Look for fabrics that are easy to clean and comfortable to breathe.
Safety
A bedside cot can be described as an old-fashioned bassinet cot that can be fixed to the side of your bed for secure co-sleeping. You can use it to raise your baby towards you at night for feeding or soothing. it's a great option for the need for a C-section. It differs from a Moses Basket or Cot in that it has walls that are high so your baby isn't able to be pushed out. Some models come with a tilt feature that can aid babies suffering from colic and reflux. They're also a bit larger than Moses baskets, which could make them easier to transport from room to room.
small bedside cot and the safe sleep charity The Lullaby Trust advise that newborns should be kept in their own cot or bassinet in the same room with their parent but not in your bed. This is due to bed sharing increasing the risk of suffocation and overheating. Bedside cribs allow your child to rest close to you, but in a safe and separate space.
Make sure the crib is compliant with the most recent safety standards. It should be BS EN1130, 2019. Also, ensure that there are no gaps or areas that could allow your child to get trapped. Choose a mattress that has an even, firm surface. A sagging or overly soft mattress could increase the risk of SIDS, so opt for a new one instead of a second-hand.
Also, make sure you choose bedding that is affixed and free of any loose blankets or pillows. Pillows can cause suffocation and duvets could get stuck to the baby's face. Use a fitted sheet, but make sure that it is fitted correctly.
The SnuzPod4 was highly rated by our MFM mom test participants as a crib that is suitable for use in bed. It has been shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in the category of Best Cot, Moses Basket or Crib. It is secure to the bed and comes with an adjustable height to ensure an ideal fit. It comes with a rocking function and can be set to an inclined position to prevent reflux. It is also a great option for those with small or narrow beds because it doesn't take up the entire space.
Design
It is essential to think about the design of your bedside crib since this is the place where your baby will spend the majority of their time. There are many cribs available in a variety of colours that will match your decor. Some cribs have features such as mesh windows to keep your baby's view or drop-down sides to facilitate access. Some cribs even have incline functions to help with reflux.
You can adjust the height of the majority of cribs to match the height of your bed which makes it easier to get in and out of the bed. You can even find some that are made to work as travel cots, which is great if you're travelling or visiting relatives.
Home tester and MFM mother Leya discovered that the SnuzPod 4's stylish Scandi design was a perfect match for her bedroom and said that its compact fold was ideal for space-saving. She also appreciated that the crib's one side drops down so that she can pick up her sleeping newborn without leaving her bed. This is particularly helpful when you've been through an Caesarean or are recovering after one. You can stay near 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 didn't discover with other cribs for bedside that she tried. However, she did notice that the handle was a bit stiff and it took an enormous amount of effort to move the crib.
The Tutti Bambini CoZee Air is another bedside crib which is easy to fold and move. It was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in their Best Cot or Crib category. Its slim frame and neutral colors will work well in the majority of bedrooms, but some of our home testers felt the bars were a little too close together, meaning they could catch on clothes or baby toys. The distance between each bar should be no more than 6.5cm (2.5 inches) to ensure your baby's head can't become trapped. This crib is also ideal for babies with reflux, as the ComfortAir breathable system helps regulate body temperature.
Comfort
Staying close to your baby all night will provide peace of mind, however, you need to be in a position to be able to get them quickly for middle-of-the-night feeding. It is easy to do this without having to leave your bed, with a crib right at your bedside. They also make it easy to help babies fall asleep. If you'd like to lay down with your baby, but aren't keen on the idea of having to get out of bed for every feeding moses baskets are the better option.
Most cribs that are bedside can be positioned on the bed's side that allows you to see and reach your baby easily. Many have mesh windows so you can monitor your baby without disturbing the baby. You may also find an option to treat reflux that can help with colic and reflux.
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 maximise airflow. It's a little smaller than some other bedside cribs and can be useful 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 securely attached to the side of the bed by means of adjustable straps. This eliminates the risk of gaps in which your child may get trapped. It has a flat, firm mattress that meets safety regulations and promotes good sleep habits.
One thing to bear in mind is that your baby may begin to get out of the crib when they're able to sit up, usually around six months. This is the reason it's crucial to place them in a cot or other sleeping arrangement when they've outgrown the crib.
A cot that is lightweight and suitable for travel is a further aspect to consider. Some of our mothers are thrilled that this crib is able to be taken apart for transport however, others aren't able to put it together. It isn't easy to clean so you will need to wipe it down regularly with a cleaning product and a cloth.
Storage
A bedside cot for 6 months plus is a bassinet-style cot which is fixed to the side of your bed for a safe and secure co-sleeping. They're ideal for feeding your baby at night, soothing babies back to sleep and enabling mums who have had a c-section to keep their baby close.
It's crucial to choose cribs that are in line with the current safety standards. Check that the bars on the crib are positioned sufficiently apart to prevent your child's head from becoming trapped. Also, make sure that the drop-down side is secured and doesn't open accidentally. Also, beware of any transfer or stickers that are placed on the cot's surface as they could be a choking hazard.
Emily's top pick 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 good size and has lots of storage space to store all the baby necessities. It's also compact and light enough to be able to fit in its travel bag, if you want to move it around. If you want something simpler she suggests Shnuggle Air alongside Crib.