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 are also a great choice for infants.
Models that have adjustable height positions will fit perfectly on most 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 side of your bed to allow secure co-sleeping. It can be used to lift your baby towards you for comfort, feeding or soothing at the night. It's also a great alternative if you've have had a c section. bedside cosleeper from a Moses basket or cot because it has high sides, so your baby won't fall out. Some models have a tilt function that can aid babies with reflux and colic. They're also a bit bigger than Moses baskets, which may make them easier to transport from room to room.
The NHS and the safe sleep charity The Lullaby Trust advise that newborns should be placed in their own cot or bassinet in the same room as their parents, but not in your bed. Bed-sharing increases the risks of overheating or suffocation. Bedside cribs offer the best of both worlds, permitting your child to sleep close to you during the night, but still in their own secure and private sleeping space.
When selecting a crib that is bedside ensure that it meets the latest safety standards (it must be BS EN 1130:2019) and does not have any gaps or parts that could cause your baby to get trapped. Look for 4-in-1 bedside crib with an even, firm surface. A soft or sagging mattress could increase the risk of SIDS, so opt for a brand new mattress, instead of second-hand.
Also, make sure you choose bedding that is affixed and free of any loose blankets or pillows. Pillows pose a risk of suffocation and duvets could get stuck to baby's face. Use a fitted sheet but make sure that it is fitted correctly.
The SnuzPod4 was rated highly by our MFM mom testers as a crib 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 a perfect fit. It comes with a rocking function and can be set to an inclined position to prevent reflux. It is also an excellent choice for those who have narrow or small beds as it doesn't take up any space.
Design
It is important to consider the style of your crib at night since this is the area where your baby will spend the majority of their time. There are a variety of cribs available in a range of colors that match your decor. Some cribs have features like mesh windows to keep your baby visible or drop-down sides that allow easier access. Some cribs come with incline features to aid in reflux.
You can raise and lower the majority of cribs to the height of your bed, making it easier to get into and out of the bed. You can even find some that are made to work as travel cribs, which are ideal if you're travelling or visiting relatives.
Home tester and MFM mother Leya found the SnuzPod 4's sleek, Scandi style was a perfect match for her bedroom and added that its compact fold was perfect to save space. Leya also appreciated that the crib's one side can be lowered, allowing her to pick up her baby without having to get out of bed. This is especially helpful if you've had a Caesarean or are recovering from one. You can stay near your baby for a longer time.
Another mom who loved using the SnuzPod 4 was Jasmine who noted that it was simple to move from room room - something she didn't discover with other bedside cribs she tested. She did mention 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 nominated for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in the Best Cot or Crib category. Its slim frame and neutral colour options will fit in with most bedrooms, although some of our testers at home felt the bars were too close together, which means they could get caught on clothing or toys for babies. The distance between the bars should be no more than 6.5cm (2.5 inches) to ensure that your baby's head doesn't get caught in. This is a good crib for babies who have reflux, as its ComfortAir breathable technology helps regulate temperature.
Comfort
You will feel more secure when you can quickly reach your baby to feed them in the middle of the night. With a crib at your bedside, you can do this without getting out of your bed. These cribs make it simple to help babies sleep. If you'd like to to lay down with your child but don't want to hassle with getting up each time they need to be fed, a moses-basket can be an excellent alternative.
Most bedside cribs can be attached to the bed's side that allows you to see and reach your baby easily. Some have mesh windows, so you can monitor your baby without disrupting him. They might also include a reflux setting to help with colic or reflux.
This crib has a lot of features, but we're most amazed by the ComfortAir mattress that is breathable and regulates the temperature of your baby's body and maximizes airflow. It's smaller than other bedside cribs that could be useful in areas with limited space. Our mom testers are of the opinion that this is an excellent option for those long, sleepless nights.
The cot is attached securely to the bed's side by means of adjustable straps. This reduces the possibility of gaps where your child may get trapped. It has a flat, firm mattress that complies with safety standards and promotes healthy sleep habits.
One thing to bear in mind is that your baby can start to get out of the crib once they're tall enough to sit, usually around six months. This is the reason it's crucial to place them in a cot or another sleeping arrangement as they grow out of the crib.
Another aspect to take into consideration is how light the crib is, and if it's suitable for travelling. Many of our mothers appreciate that this crib is able to be disassembled for transport, but others find it difficult to assemble. It is also difficult to keep clean, so you'll need to clean it regularly with a cloth and cleaning product.
Storage
A bedside cot for six months and over is a bassinet style cot that attaches to the mattress's side for secure co-sleeping. These are great for soothing babies to sleep, for night feedings and allowing mums who had a csection to keep their baby close.
It's crucial to choose cribs that are in line with the latest safety standards. Verify that the bars are spaced enough apart to avoid your baby's head becoming trapped and check that the sides that drop down are secure and won't pop open suddenly. Avoid placing stickers or transfers on the floor of the cot as they may pose the risk of choking.
Emily's bedside cot of choice for her baby is the Next2me Magic. It was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in the categories of Best Crib or Cot and the Best Moses Basket. It's a good size and has lots of storage space for all your baby essentials. It's also small and lightweight enough to fit in a travel bag, if you need to move it around. If you want something simpler her recommendation is Shnuggle Air in addition to Crib.