Bedside Cot 6 Months Plus
Bedside sleepers allow you to keep your baby close to you are without the risk of sharing beds, which comes with a higher chance of being suffocated. They're also a great option for babies.
Look for models that have an adjustable height that allows for a perfect fit on most 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 bring your baby toward you for comfort, feeding or to soothe your baby at the end of the night. It's also a great option if you had a c section. It differs from a Moses Basket or Cot in that it has walls that are high so your baby won't be pushed out. Some models have a tilt feature that can help babies with colic and reflux. They are also a bit larger than Moses baskets, making them easier to move from room room.
The NHS and The Lullaby Trust, a safe sleep charity, suggest that newborns be kept in a bassinet or cot in the same room as their parents. They shouldn't be sleeping in your bed. Sharing a bed increases the risk of suffocation or overheating. Bedside cribs permit your baby to sleep close to you, but in a safe and private space.
When you are choosing a crib for your bed make sure it is in compliance with the most recent safety standards (it should be BS EN 1130:2019) and does not have any gaps or parts that could cause your baby to be trapped. Also consider mattresses that are firm and flat. A sagging or overly soft mattress can increase your baby's risk of SIDS, so go for a brand new mattress, instead of second-hand.
Look for bedding that is fitted and without loose blankets or pillowcases. Duvets and pillows can suffocate your baby, while pillows can get stuck to their faces. Use a fitted sheet but ensure that it fits properly.
Our MFM mother testers have discovered that the SnuzPod4 is an excellent 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 attached securely to the bed, and it can be adjusted to ensure a perfect fit. It has a rocking feature and can be adjusted to an inclined angle for reflux. It's a great option for people with narrow or small beds as it doesn't take up too much room.
Design
The design of a crib for the bed is important because it will be the area where your baby will spend the majority of their time. There are many cribs available in a variety of colors to suit your decor and have features like mesh windows that keep baby in view, or sides that drop down that allow for easier access. Some even have incline functions to aid in reflux.
The majority of cribs can be adjusted to the same height as your bed, making it easier to get out and in to bed at time of night. twin bedside cot can also find a few that are designed to function as travel cots, which are great if you're travelling or visiting relatives.
Home tester and MFM mother Leya discovered that the SnuzPod 4's sleek, Scandi style complemented her bedroom decor and said that its compact fold was perfect for sizing up space. She also appreciated that the crib's one side drops down, allowing her to pick up her sleeping baby without leaving her bed. This is especially helpful for those who have had a C-section or are recovering from an Caesarean, as it means you can sleep near your baby for longer.
Jasmine is a mother who also loved using the SnuzPod 4. She noted 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 did notice that the handle was a bit stiff and it took an enormous amount of effort to move the crib.
Another crib for bedside that is easy to fold and move is the Tutti Bambini CoZee Air, which was shortlisted in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Cot Crib, Moses Basket. Its slim frame and neutral colour options can be incorporated into 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 baby toys. The distance between each bar should not exceed 6.5cm (2.5 inches) to ensure your baby's head isn't entangled. This crib is also suitable for babies suffering from reflux as the ComfortAir air-tight system helps regulate body temperature.
Comfort
Staying close to your baby all night will provide peace of mind, but you should be able to reach them quickly to feed them in the middle of the night. You can do this without having to get out of bed with a crib at your bedside. They also make it easier to calm babies back to sleep. If you want to to lay down with your child but don't want the hassle of having to get up every time they need to be fed, a moses's-basket is an excellent alternative.
Most bedside cribs can be attached to the bed's side that allows you to see and reach your baby easily. They typically come with a mesh window, to allow you to check on your baby without disrupting them. They might also include a reflux setting to help with 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 smaller than other cribs that are bedside, which may be helpful in areas where space is scarce. Our mum testers agree that this is still an excellent option for sleepless, long nights.
The cot securely attaches to the side of your bed with adjustable straps, which minimizes the chance of gaps that your child may get caught. It also comes with a firm and flat mattress that meets safety standards and promotes safe sleep habits.
You should be aware that your baby is likely to climb out of their crib once they are capable of sitting upright typically around six months. This is the reason it's crucial to put them in a cot or another sleeping arrangement once they outgrow the crib.
Another thing to consider is how lightweight the crib is, and if it's suitable for traveling. Some of our mothers are thrilled that this crib can easily be disassembled for transport however, others find it difficult to assemble. It can be a challenge to clean, so you'll have to clean it regularly with the aid of a cleaner and a cloth.
Storage
A bedside cot for 6 months and older is a bassinet shaped bed that can be attached to the side of your mattress for safe co-sleeping. They are great for feeding at night and calming babies back to sleep and allowing mothers who have had an e-csection to keep their baby close.
It's crucial to choose a crib that meets the latest safety standards. Verify that the bars on the crib are sufficiently far apart to prevent your child's head from being trapped. Also, make sure that the drop-down sides are safe and doesn't fall open accidentally. Also, beware of any stickers or transfers on the cot's surface since they could pose a choking hazard.
Emily's top pick for a bedside crib is the Next2me Magic, which was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket. It's a decent size with plenty of storage for the essentials of your baby. It's also small and light enough to be able to fit into a bag for travel, should you need to move it around. If you're looking for something a bit more simple, she suggests the Shnuggle Air on the side of the crib.