Bedside Cot 6 Months Plus
Bedside sleepers allow you to keep your baby in the same space with you, without the risks associated with sharing a bed. They're an excellent choice for babies.
Models that have adjustable height settings will fit perfectly on the majority of bed frames. Choose fabrics that are easy-to-clean and ventilated.
Safety
A bedside cot could be described as a bassinet that is connected to the side of a bed for safe cosleeping. It can be used to pull baby closer to you at night for feeding or comforting. it's also a great option in the event of an c-section. It's different from a Moses basket or cot due to the fact that it has high sides so your baby can't be pushed out. Some models have tilt features that can help babies with colic and reflux. They're also a bit larger than Moses baskets, which could make them easier to carry from room to room.
The NHS and The Lullaby Trust, a safe sleep charity, suggest that babies be placed in a bassinet or cot in the same room as their parents. They should not be in your bed. This is due to bed sharing increasing the chance of suffocation and overheating. Bedside cribs permit your baby to sleep close to you but in a secure and private space.
Check that the crib meets the latest safety standards. It should be BS EN1130:2019. Also, make sure there aren't any gaps or areas that could allow your child to get trapped. Also, look for a mattress that is solid and flat. A mattress that is too sagging or that is too soft may increase the risk of SIDS in your baby.
Finally, you should look for bedding that is affixed and free of loose blankets or pillows. Duvets and pillows can choke your baby, and pillows can stick to their face. It is a good idea to opt for a fitted sheet however, make sure it's sized 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 nominated for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards under the category of Best Cot, Moses Basket or Crib. It is secure to the bed and comes with an adjustable height that allows for a perfect fit. It has a rocking feature and can be set to an inclined position for reflux. It is also a great choice for those who have small or narrow beds as it doesn't take up any space.
Design
It is important to consider the design of your bedside crib since this is the area where your baby will spend the majority of their time. There are many cribs available in a range of colors that will match your decor. Some cribs have features such as mesh windows to keep your baby visible or drop-down sides to allow easier access. Some cribs even have incline functions to aid in reflux.
You can raise and lower the majority of cribs to the height of your bed, making it easier to get in and out of the bed. There are even some that are designed to function as travel cots, which are great when you're traveling or visiting relatives.
Home tester and MFM mom Leya found that the SnuzPod 4's sleek Scandi styling complemented her bedroom decor and said that its compact fold was ideal for space-saving. She also liked that one side of the crib is lowered, allowing her to pick up her sleeping newborn without having to leave her bed. This is particularly helpful in the event that you've had a Caesarean or are recovering from one. bedside cot reviews can stay near your baby for longer.
Jasmine is another mum who enjoyed using the SnuzPod 4. She said it was easy for her to move the crib from one room to the next which she could not find with other bedside cribs. However, she said that it required some effort to raise and lower the crib, since the handle was rigid.
Another crib that's easy to fold and move is the Tutti Bambini CoZee Air, which was shortlisted in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for The Best Cot Crib, Moses Basket. The neutral colors and slim frame will fit in with the majority of bedrooms. However some of our testers felt that the bars were too close to each other. This could cause them to get caught on baby toys or clothes. The distance between the bars should not exceed 6.5cm (2.5 inches) to ensure your baby's head can't become trapped. This crib is ideal for reflux babies too, as its ComfortAir breathing technology helps regulate their temperature.
Comfort
A close and secure baby throughout the night will give you peace of mind, however, you should be capable of reaching them quickly during the night for feeding. With a crib that is placed near the bed it is possible to do this easily without getting out of your bed. They also make it easy to help babies fall asleep. However, if you want to snuggle with your baby, but don't want the hassle of getting out of bed to feed your baby moses baskets are a better choice.
Most bedside cribs are attached to the bedside, so you are able to easily see and reach your baby. They typically feature a mesh-like window to allow you to check on your baby without disrupting them. They might also include a reflux setting to help with reflux or colic.
This crib comes with a wide range of options, but we're particularly impressed by the ComfortAir air-tight Mattress that regulates your baby's body temperature and increases airflow. It's a bit smaller than some other cribs for bedside use which can be useful in areas where space is scarce. But our mum testers all agree that it's still a great option for those long sleeps.
The cot securely attaches to the bed's side with adjustable straps, which minimizes the chance of gaps where your baby may get caught. It has a firm, flat mattress that is safe and encourages good sleeping habits.
One thing to keep in mind is that your baby can start to get out of the crib when they're able to sit typically around six months. It is essential to place your child in a cot or a different sleeping arrangement after they've outgrown their crib.
A lightweight cot that is suitable for travel is a further aspect to consider. Some of our mothers love that this crib is able to 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 regularly with an appropriate cleaning product and cloth.
Storage
A bedside cot that is 6 months old plus is an upholstered bassinet cot that can be fixed to the bed's side for a safe and secure co-sleeping. They are great for feeding at night and calming babies back to sleep and enabling mums who have had a c-section to keep their baby close.
When selecting a crib that is bedside, it's important to ensure that it meets current safety standards. Check that the bars on the crib are positioned sufficiently apart to prevent your child's head from being trapped. Also, make sure that the drop-down side is secure and doesn't open unintentionally. Avoid placing stickers or transfers on the floor of the cot as they may pose a choking risk.
Emily's top choice 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 for all your baby essentials. It's also light and compact enough to fit into 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 beside Crib.