Bedside Cot 6 Months Plus
Bedside sleepers allow you to keep your baby close to you without the risk of sharing a bed, which is associated with a higher chance of death from suffocation. They are a great option for infants.
Find models with an adjustable height position that will fit perfectly on the majority of 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 bed's side to allow secure co-sleeping. It can be used to pull your baby towards you to provide comfort, feed or soothing at night. It's also a great alternative if you've have had a c section. It's different from a Moses basket or cot because it has high sides, so your baby can't be pushed out. Some models come with tilting features that help babies with colic or reflux. They're also a bit bigger than Moses baskets, which could make them easier to move from room to room.
The NHS and The Lullaby Trust, a safe sleep charity, suggest that infants be placed in a bassinet or cot that is in the same room with their parents. They shouldn't be sleeping in your bed. bedside cot used is because bed-sharing increases the risk of suffocation as well as overheating. Bedside cribs give you the best of both worlds, allowing your baby to be close to you during the night, but still in their own safe and separate sleeping space.
When choosing a bedside crib, check 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 child to become trapped. Also consider 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.
Also, make sure you choose bedding that is fitted and free of any loose blankets or pillows. Duvets and pillows can choke your baby, and pillows can stick to their face. It is a good idea to use a fitted sheet instead, but make sure it's fitted correctly.
Our MFM mum testers have found that the SnuzPod4 is a great 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 attaches securely to the bed and comes with an adjustable height that allows for a perfect fit. It has a rocking feature and can be adjusted to an inclined position to prevent reflux. It is also a great choice for those who have small or narrow beds, as it does not take up any space.
Design
It is important to consider the design of your bedside crib, as this will be the place where your baby will spend the majority of their time. There are many cribs available in a variety of colours that match your decor. Some come with features like mesh windows to keep your baby's eyes open or drop-down sides that make it easier to access. Some cribs are equipped with incline options to help with reflux.
You can raise and lower the majority of cribs to match your bed's height, 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 if you're travelling or visiting relatives.
Leya, a MFM mom and home tester, found that the SnuzPod 4 was a great design for her bedroom. She also liked its compact fold, which helped save space. She also appreciated that the crib's one side can be lowered so that she can take her newborn baby to bed without having to leave her bed. This is especially helpful if you've been through an Caesarean or are recovering from one. You can stay close to your baby for a longer period of time.
Another mum who enjoyed using the SnuzPod 4 is Jasmine, who commented that it was easy to move from room to room, something she didn't get with other cribs she looked at for bedside use. However, she said that it required some effort to lift and lower the crib, as the handle was quite stiff.
Another crib for bedside that is easy to fold and move is the Tutti Bambini CoZee Air, which was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards to be the best Cot Crib, Moses Basket. The neutral colors and slim frame are perfect for 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 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 is a good crib for babies who have reflux because its ComfortAir breathability technology helps regulate temperature.
Comfort
Keeping your baby close all night will provide peace of mind, however, you need to be in a position to be able to get them quickly during the night for feeding. You can easily accomplish this without having to leave your bed, with a crib right at your bedside. They also make it easy to calm babies back to sleep. If you'd like to sleep with your baby, but don't want the hassle of getting out of bed to feed your baby A moses basket is an ideal choice.
The majority of cribs for bedside are connected to the bedside so you can easily be able to see and reach your baby. They typically have a mesh window which allows you to observe your baby without having to disturb them. You can also find an option to treat reflux that can help with reflux and colic.
This crib has a lot of options, but we're particularly amazed 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 that are limited in space. Our mom testers are of the opinion that this is still a great choice for those sleepless nights.
The cot is secured to the side of the bed with adjustable straps. This reduces the possibility of gaps where your child can get trapped. It comes with an even, firm mattress that meets safety regulations and encourages good sleep habits.
One thing to keep in mind is that your baby could start to leave the crib once they're able to sit at around six months. This is why it's essential to put them in a cot or another sleeping arrangement when they've outgrown the crib.
Another aspect to think about is how light the cot is and whether it's suitable for travel. Some of our mothers love that this crib is able to be taken apart for transport However, some find it difficult to assemble. It's also a challenge to keep clean and you'll need to regularly wipe it down using a cloth or cleaning product.
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 safe co-sleeping. These are great for soothing babies to sleep, night feedings, and for mothers who had a c-section to keep their baby close.
When selecting a crib that is bedside it is important to ensure that it complies with current safety standards. Make sure that the bars are far enough apart to prevent your child's head from being stuck, and make sure 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 may pose an choking risk.
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 Crib or Cot 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 in its travel bag should you need to move it from room to room. If you want something simpler she suggests Shnuggle Air beside Crib.