Bedside Cot 6 Months Plus
Bedside sleepers allow you to keep your baby close in the same room with you are without the risk of sharing beds, which comes with a higher chance of death from suffocation. They're a great choice for infants.
Models that have adjustable height settings will fit perfectly on all bed frames. Also, look for breathable fabrics that are easy to clean.
Safety
A bedside cot is basically an upholstered bassinet that is attached to the bed's side to allow safe co-sleeping. It can be used to bring your baby to you for comfort, feeding or to help soothe them at night. It's also an excellent option if you had a c section. It is different from a Moses Basket or Cot as it has walls that are high so your baby won't be pushed out. Some have a tilt function that can aid babies with reflux and colic. They are also slightly bigger than Moses baskets, which may make them easier to carry from room to room.
The NHS and the safe sleep charity The Lullaby Trust advise that newborns should be placed in their own bassinet or cot in the same room with their parents but not in your bed. This is because bed-sharing increases the risk of suffocation as well as overheating. Bedside cribs offer the best of both worlds, giving your baby the opportunity to be close to you during the night, but still in their own safe and separate sleeping space.
Make sure that the crib is in compliance with the most current safety standards. It should be BS EN1130, 2019. Also, ensure there aren't any gaps or areas where your baby could get trapped. Also consider mattresses that are firm and flat. A soft or sagging mattress could increase your baby's risk of SIDS, so go for a brand new mattress, instead of second-hand.
Look for bedding that is well-fitted and free of pillows or blankets that are sloppy. Pillows can cause suffocation and duvets can be a hazard to the baby's face. It's best to make use of a fitted sheet instead but ensure it's fitted correctly.
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 secured to the bed and has an adjustable height to ensure an ideal fit. It comes with a rocking function and can be adjusted to an inclined position for reflux. It is also a great option for those with bed sizes that are small or narrow, as it does not take up much space.
Design
The design of a bedside crib is important as it is where your baby will spend most of their time. There are many cribs available in a range of colors that can be matched to your decor. Some cribs have features such as mesh windows to keep the baby visible or drop-down sides to facilitate access. Some cribs also have incline features to ease reflux.
Many cribs can also be adjusted to match the height of your bed, making it easier to get out and in to the bed at night. Some cribs can serve as travel cots. This is great for when you travel or visiting relatives.
Home tester and MFM mom Leya found that the SnuzPod 4's sleek, Scandi style complements her bedroom decor and added that its compact fold was ideal for space-saving. She also appreciated the fact that one side of crib can be raised, letting her to pick up her baby without having to get out of bed. This is particularly beneficial if you've been through a Caesarean or are recovering after one. You can stay close to your baby for a longer time.
Another mom who was happy using the SnuzPod 4 was Jasmine who noted that it was easy to move from room room - something she didn't get with other cribs she looked at for bedside use. However, she said that it required some effort to raise and lower the crib, since the handle was stiff.
bedside cot 6 months plus cotsfortots is another bedside crib which is easy to fold and move. It was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, in the Best Cot or Crib category. The neutral colours and slim frame will match the majority of bedrooms. However some of our testers thought 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 that your baby's head isn't entangled. This crib is also ideal for babies who have reflux, due to the ComfortAir air-flow system helps regulate their body temperature.
Comfort
You will feel more secure if you can reach your baby quickly to feed them during the middle of the night. You can accomplish this without having to leave your bed, with a crib right at your bedside. They also make it easier to help babies fall asleep. If you want to to lay down with your child but do not want the hassle of getting up each time they need to be fed, a moses-basket is a good option.
The majority of cribs for bedside use can be attached to the bed's side, allowing you to see and access your baby easily. Many have mesh windows which allow you to watch your baby without disrupting him. They may also include a setting for reflux to help with reflux or colic.
We're amazed by the amount of features that are included on this crib, particularly the ComfortAir mattress, which is breathable and works to regulate your baby's temperature as well as increase airflow. It's a little smaller than some other cribs for bedside use and can be useful in areas where space is scarce. But our mum testers all agree that it's a great option for those long nights.
The cot is attached securely to the bed's side by means of adjustable straps. This minimizes the chance of gaps where your child may get trapped. It comes with a firm, flat mattress that complies with safety standards and promotes healthy sleeping habits.
One thing to bear in mind is that your baby may begin to leave the crib when they're tall enough to sit typically around six months. It is essential to place your child in a cot, or a different sleeping arrangement, once they outgrow their crib.
Another thing to consider is how lightweight the crib is and if it's suitable for traveling. Many of our moms enjoy the fact that the crib can be taken apart for easy transport, while others find it tricky to assemble and reassemble. It can be difficult to clean so you will need to wipe it down regularly with an appropriate cleaning product and cloth.
Storage
A bedside cot for 6 months and over is a bassinet-style bed that can be attached to the side of your mattress to ensure safe co-sleeping. These are great for soothing babies to sleep, for night feedings and also allowing mothers who had a csection to keep their baby close.
When you are choosing a crib for your bed it's crucial to ensure that it complies with current safety standards. Verify that the bars on the crib are spaced sufficiently apart to keep your child's head from becoming trapped. Also, make sure that any drop-down side is secure and doesn't open unintentionally. Also, stay clear of any transfer or stickers on the cot's surface as they could pose an 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, Crib or Moses Basket. It's a great size and has plenty of storage space to store all the baby necessities. It's also lightweight and compact enough to fit in its travel bag if you need to transport it from room to room. If you're looking for something less complicated she suggests Shnuggle Air alongside Crib.