Bedside Cot 6 Months Plus
Bedside sleepers let you keep your baby in the same room as you without the dangers associated with bed-sharing. They're an excellent choice for babies.
Models with adjustable height settings will fit perfectly on all bed frames. Also look for breathable fabrics that are easy to clean.
Safety
A bedside cot can be described as an upholstered bassinet that is attached to the side of your bed to ensure safe co-sleeping. It can be used to lift baby up towards you at night for feeding or comforting. it's also a great option if you have a 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 fall out. Some models have a tilt function which can help babies with reflux and colic. They're also a bit larger than Moses baskets, which may make 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 as their parents. They shouldn't be in your bed. This is because bed-sharing increases the risk of suffocation and overheating. Bedside cribs permit your baby to rest close to you however, in a secure and distinct space.
When you are choosing a crib for your bed, check that it meets the most recent safety standards (it should be BS EN 1130:2019) and has no gaps or parts that could cause your baby to be trapped. Find a mattress with a firm, flat surface. A mattress that is sagging or that is too soft may increase the risk of SIDS in your baby.
Make sure your bedding is well-fitted and does not have pillows or blankets that are sloppy. Duvets and pillows can choke your baby, and pillows can get stuck to their faces. Use a fitted sheet however, make sure it fits properly.
The SnuzPod4 was rated highly by our MFM mom testers as a crib suitable for use in bed. It was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards under the category of Best Cot, Moses Basket or Crib. It is securely attached to the bed and has an adjustable height for a perfect fit. It also has a rocking feature and can be set to an incline to prevent reflux. It's a great option for people with narrow or small beds because it does not take up much space.
Design
The layout of a bedside crib is crucial as it is the place where your child will spend the majority of their time. Many cribs come in a variety of colors to match your decor and have features like mesh windows that keep baby in view, or drop-down sides that allow you to reach it. Some cribs are equipped with incline options to help with reflux.
You can adjust the height of most cribs to match your bed height which makes it easier to get in and out of bed. You can even find some that are designed to function as travel cots, which are great for those who are traveling or visiting relatives.
Leya, a MFM mom and home tester, discovered that the SnuzPod 4 was a great design for her bedroom. She also loved its compact fold which saved space. She also loved that one side of the crib drops down, allowing her to take her newborn baby to bed without leaving her bed. This is particularly helpful for those who have had an emergency C-section or are recovering from a Caesarean, as it allows you to stay close to your baby for a longer period of time.
Another mum who enjoyed using the SnuzPod 4 is Jasmine who noted that it was simple to move from room to room, something she didn't find with some of the other cribs she looked at for bedside use. She did note that the handle was a bit stiff and it took an enormous amount of effort to lift the crib.
Another crib that's easy to fold and move is the Tutti Bambini CoZee Air, which was shortlisted in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards to be the The Best Cot Crib, Moses Basket. Its slim frame and neutral colors can be incorporated into the majority of bedrooms, but some of our home testers felt the bars were a little too close together, meaning they could catch on clothes or toys for babies. The bars' distance shouldn't exceed 6.5cm (2 inches) in order to prevent your baby's head from getting trapped. This is a good crib for reflux babies too because its ComfortAir breathability technology helps regulate temperature.
Comfort
Keeping your baby close all night will give you peace of mind, however, you must be in a position to be able to get them quickly during the night for feeding. It is easy to accomplish this without having to get up from bed with a crib at your bedside. These cribs make it easy to soothe babies to sleep. If you'd like to lay down with your baby but don't like the idea of getting out of bed for every feed A moses basket is the better option.
Most cribs with a bedside are attached to the bedside, so you can easily be able to see and reach your baby. They often have a mesh window which allows you to observe your baby without disrupting them. There is also a reflux setting that helps with colic and reflux.
We're impressed with the number of features included in this crib, particularly the ComfortAir air-tight mattress that helps to regulate your baby's temperature and maximise airflow. It's smaller than other cribs which can be beneficial in areas with limited space. Our mum testers agree that this is still an excellent option for those long, sleepless nights.
travel cot bedside is securely attached to the bed's side by means of adjustable straps. This eliminates the risk of gaps where your child may get trapped. It also comes with a firm, flat mattress that meets safety standards and encourages healthy sleeping practices.
You should be aware that your baby is likely to get out of their crib once they are able to sit upright, which is usually around six months. This is why it's essential to place them in a cot or other sleeping arrangement when they've outgrown the crib.
Another aspect to consider is how lightweight the crib is and if it's suitable for travelling. Some of our mothers are thrilled that this crib is able to be taken apart for transport, but others find it difficult to assemble. It can be a challenge 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-style crib that is attached to the mattress's side for safe co-sleeping. These are great for soothing babies to sleep, for night feedings and allowing mums who had a c section to keep their baby close.
It's crucial to choose cribs that meet the current safety standards. Make sure that the bars are spaced enough apart to prevent your child's head from getting trapped and check that any sides that drop down are secured and don't open abruptly. Avoid placing stickers or other objects onto the surface of the cot as they could be an choking risk.
Emily's favorite bedside cot for her baby is the Next2me Magic. It was selected for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in the categories of Best Crib or Cot and Best Moses Basket. It's a great size and has lots of storage space for everything your baby needs. It's also compact and light enough to fit in a bag for travel, should you're planning to move it around. If you're looking for something a little simpler, she recommends the Shnuggle Air on the side of the crib.