Bedside Cot 6 Months Plus
Bedside sleepers allow you to keep your baby in the same room as you, without the risks associated with sharing a bed. They're an excellent choice for newborns.
Models that have adjustable height settings will fit perfectly on most bed frames. Also, look for breathable fabrics that are easy to clean.
Safety
A bedside cot could be described as a bassinet which is attached to the side of a bed to ensure safe cosleeping. You can use it to pull baby closer to you in the evening for feeding, soothing or comforting and it's a great option if you have the need for a c-section. It's different from a Moses basket or cot due to the fact that it has high sides so your baby won't be pushed out. Some models come with tilting features that help babies with colic and reflux. They are also a bit larger than Moses baskets, making 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 in the same room as their parents. They should not be sleeping in your bed. This is because sharing a bed increases the risk of suffocation and overheating. Bedside cribs permit your baby to sleep close to you however, in a secure and private space.
Make sure that the crib is in compliance with the most recent safety standards. It should be BS EN1130, 2019. Also, ensure that there aren't any gaps or places that could allow your child to get trapped. Also, look for a mattress that is firm and flat. A sagging mattress or one that is too soft may increase the risk of SIDS for your baby.
Lastly, look for a 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's best to make use of a fitted sheet instead however, make sure it fits properly.
The SnuzPod4 was rated highly by our MFM mom test participants as a crib that is suitable for use in bed. bedside cot reviews was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards under the category of the Best Cot, Moses Basket or Crib. It is secured to the bed and comes with an adjustable height setting for the perfect fit. It comes with a rocking function and can be set to an inclined angle for reflux. It is also a great option for those with small or narrow beds, as it does not take up any space.
Design
The layout of a bedside crib is crucial as it will be the area where your baby will spend the majority of their time. A lot of cribs are available with a variety of colors to match your decor and feature features such as mesh windows that keep your baby in view, or drop-down sides that allow you to reach it. Some even have incline functions to aid in reflux.
You can raise and lower most cribs to match your bed's height which makes it easier to get in and out of the bed. You can also find a few that are made to work as travel cribs, which are ideal if you're travelling or visiting relatives.
Leya Leya, an MFM mother and home tester, discovered that the SnuzPod 4 was a great fit for her bedroom decor. She also appreciated its compact fold that saved space. Leya also appreciated that one side of crib can be adjusted to lower, letting her to pick up her child without having to get out of bed. This is especially helpful if you've had an Caesarean or are recovering after one. You can remain close to your baby for longer.
Another mom who was happy using the SnuzPod 4 is Jasmine who noted that it was easy to move from room to room, something she didn't discover with other cribs for bedside that she tried. However, she did note that it took some effort to raise and lower the crib because the handle was stiff.
Another bedside crib that's simple to fold and move is the Tutti Bambini CoZee Air, which was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards as the Best Cot Crib, Moses Basket. Its slim frame and neutral colour options can be incorporated into the majority of bedrooms, but some of our testers at home felt the bars were a little too close together, which means they could catch on clothes or toys for babies. The distance between bars should not exceed 6.5cm (2.5 inches) to ensure that your baby's head can't become trapped. This crib is also suitable for babies who have reflux, due to the ComfortAir air-tight system helps regulate body temperature.
Comfort
You will feel more secure if are able to reach your baby quickly to feed them during the middle of the night. With a crib at your bedside you can do this easily without getting out of bed. These cribs make it simple to help babies sleep. If, however, you'd like to lay down with your baby but aren't keen on the idea of waking up for every feeding, a moses basket is the better option.
Most bedside cribs are connected to the bedside which allows you to be able to see and reach your baby. They usually come with a mesh window, to allow you to check on your baby without having to disturb them. They may also include a setting for reflux to help with colic or reflux.
This crib has a lot of features, but we're most impressed by the ComfortAir breathable Mattress that regulates your baby's body temperature and increases airflow. It's smaller than other cribs which could be useful in areas that are limited in space. However, our mum testers are in agreement that it's an excellent option for those long sleeps.
The cot is secured to the side of the bed with adjustable straps. bedside crib travel 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 the safest sleeping habits.
One thing to bear in mind is that your baby could start to get out of the crib when they're able to sit typically around six months. This is why it's important to place them in a cot or other sleeping arrangement as they grow out of the crib.
Another aspect to think about is how light the crib is, and if it's suitable for travelling. Some of our mothers love the fact that this crib is able to be dismantled for easy transport, while others find it difficult to assemble and put back together. It can be a challenge to clean so you will need to wipe it down frequently using a cleaning product and a cloth.
Stores
A bedside cot for six months and over is a bassinet shaped cot that attaches to the mattress's side to allow secure co-sleeping. They're great for night feeds, soothing babies back to sleep and allowing mothers who have had an e-csection to keep their baby close.
It's important that you choose cribs that are in line with 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 unexpectedly. Do not place stickers or transfer onto the surface of the cot as they could pose a 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 great size and has plenty of storage space for all your baby essentials. It's also light and compact enough to fit into its travel bag should you have to transport it from room to room. If you're looking for something a bit simpler, she recommends the Shnuggle Air next to the crib.