Bedside Cot 6 Months Plus
Bedside sleepers allow you to keep your baby in the same room as you, without the risks of bed-sharing. They are also a great choice for newborns.
Models that have adjustable height positions will fit perfectly on all bed frames. Look for fabrics that are easy-to-clean and breathable.
Safety
A bedside cot is described as a bassinet which is attached to the bed's side to ensure safe cosleeping. It can be used to bring 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 as it has high sides, so your baby won't be pushed out. Some models have tilting features that aid babies suffering from colic and reflux. They are also a bit larger than Moses baskets which makes them easier to move from room to room.
The NHS and The Lullaby Trust, a safe sleep charity, recommend that babies be placed in a bassinet or cot in the same room with their parents. They shouldn't be sleeping in your bed. This is because sharing a bed increases the chance of suffocation and overheating. Bedside cribs allow your baby to sleep with you, but in a safe and distinct space.
When choosing a bedside crib, check that it meets the most recent safety standards (it must be BS EN 1130:2019) and has no gaps or parts that could cause your baby to be trapped. Also consider a mattress that is solid and flat. A sagging or overly soft mattress can increase the risk of SIDS, so choose for a brand new mattress rather than second-hand.
Look for bedding that is well-fitted and does not have pillows or blankets that are loose. Pillows pose a risk of suffocation and duvets can be a hazard to the baby's face. It's best to make use of a fitted sheet instead, but make sure it's sized correctly.
The SnuzPod4 was highly rated by our MFM mom testers as a crib suitable for bedside use. Cots 4 Tots was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in the category of Best Cot, Moses Basket or Crib. It is secured to the bed and features an adjustable height that allows for an ideal fit. It comes with a rocking function and can be adjusted to an inclined position for reflux. It's a good choice for those with narrow or small beds because it does not take up much room.
Design
It is crucial to think about the style of your crib at night 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 can be matched to your decor. Some come with features such as mesh windows to keep the baby's view or drop-down sides that facilitate access. Some even have incline functions to help with reflux.
Many cribs can also be raised and lowered to the same height as your bed, making it easier to get in and out of your bed at night. You can also find a few that are designed to work as travel cots, which is great if you're travelling or visiting relatives.
Leya Leya, an MFM mom and home tester, found that the SnuzPod 4 was a great choice for her bedroom. She also appreciated its compact fold, which helped save space. She also appreciated that one side of the crib is lowered, allowing her to pick up her sleeping baby without leaving her bed. This is particularly helpful in the event that you've had C-sections or are recovering from an Caesarean because it allows you to stay close to your baby for longer.
Another mom who was happy using the SnuzPod 4 was Jasmine who said that it was simple to move from room room - something she didn't get with other cribs for bedside that she tried. She did mention that the handle was a bit stiff and required a lot of effort to lift the crib.
Another crib that's easy to fold and move is the Tutti Bambini CoZee Air, which was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for best Cot Crib, Moses Basket. The neutral colors and slim frame will match the majority of bedrooms. However some of our test subjects felt that the bars were too close to each other. This could cause them to catch on baby toys or clothing. The distance between the bars should be no more than 6.5cm (2.5 inches) to ensure your baby's head isn't entangled. This crib is also suitable for babies with reflux, due to the ComfortAir air-tight system assists in regulating their body temperature.
Comfort
Keeping your baby close all night will provide peace of mind, but you need to be capable of reaching them quickly during the night for feeding. You can easily do this without having to get out of bed by having a crib by your bedside. These cribs make it easy to soothe babies to sleep. If you want to be able to sleep with your child but don't wish to be a burden of getting up each time they need to be fed, a moses's-basket is an excellent alternative.
Most bedside cribs are connected to the bedside which allows you to be able to see and reach your baby. Some have mesh windows, so you can monitor your baby without disturbing the baby. There is also a reflux setting that helps with reflux and colic.
This crib comes with a wide range of options, but we're particularly impressed by the ComfortAir breathable Mattress that regulates the temperature of your baby's body and increases airflow. It's smaller than other cribs for bedside use which could be useful in areas with limited space. However, our mom testers agree that it's a great option for those long sleeps.
The cot securely attaches to the side of your bed by means of adjustable straps. This minimizes the chance of gaps where your baby may get caught. It also comes with a sturdy and flat mattress that meets safety standards and promotes the safest sleeping habits.
You should be aware that your baby will start to leave their crib when they're able to sit upright typically about six months old. This is why it's important to put them in a cot or other sleeping arrangement once they outgrow the crib.
A lightweight cot that is suitable for travel is a further feature to consider. Some of our mothers love that this crib is able to be disassembled to transport it, but others aren't able to put it together. It isn't easy to clean so you will have to wipe it clean often using an appropriate cleaning product and cloth.
Stores
A bedside cot for 6 months and over is a bassinet shaped bed that can be attached to the mattress's side for safe co-sleeping. They are great for feeding at night as well as calming babies back to sleep and allowing mothers who've 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. Verify that the crib's bars are positioned sufficiently apart to keep your child's head from being trapped. Also, ensure that the drop-down sides are secured and doesn't open accidentally. Avoid placing stickers or transfers on the floor of the cot because they may pose the risk of choking.
Emily's favorite 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 decent size and has lots of storage space for all the baby necessities. It's also light and compact enough to fit into its travel bag should you have to transport 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.