Bedside Cot 6 Months Plus
Bedside sleepers let you keep your baby to you do without the danger of sharing beds, which comes with a higher chance of being suffocated. They are also a great choice for newborns.
Look for models that have an adjustable height that will fit perfectly on the majority of bed frames. Also, look for breathable fabrics that are easy to clean.
Safety
A bedside cot is described as a bassinet that is attached to the side of a bed for safe sleeping. It can be used to lift your baby toward you to comfort them, feed them or soothing at the end of the night. It's also a great option if you had 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 fall out. Some come with a tilt feature that can aid babies with reflux and colic. They're also a bit larger than Moses baskets, which can 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 should not be in your bed. Sharing a bed increases the risk of overheating or suffocation. Bedside cribs allow your child to sleep close to you, but in a safe and separate space.
Make sure the crib is compliant with the most recent safety standards. It should be BS EN1130:2019. Also, make sure that there aren't any gaps or areas where your baby could get trapped. Look for a mattress with a firm, flat surface. A sagging or overly soft mattress can increase the risk of SIDS, so opt for a brand new mattress instead of a second-hand.
Also, make sure you choose bedding that is affixed and free from any loose blankets or pillows. Pillows are a suffocation risk and duvets can get stuck to baby's face. Use a fitted sheet but make sure that it is fitted correctly.
Our MFM mum testers have found that the SnuzPod4 is a great option for a crib that is positioned near the bed, selected for 2021's Mother&Baby Awards in the best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket category. It is secured to the bed, and it has an adjustable height for an ideal fit. It has a rocking feature and can be adjusted to an inclined position to prevent reflux. It is also an excellent choice for those who have small or narrow beds as it doesn't take up the entire space.
Design
It is crucial to think about the style of your crib at night since this is the place where your baby will spend the majority of their time. Many cribs come in a choice of colours to complement your decor. They also include features such as mesh windows that keep baby in view, or drop-down sides that allow for easier access. Some cribs come with incline features to aid with reflux.
You can raise and lower the majority of cribs to your bed height making it easier for you to get in and out of the bed. Some cribs can be used as travel cots. This is a great feature when you're traveling or visiting relatives.
Leya Leya, an MFM mother and home tester, discovered that the SnuzPod 4 was a great design for her bedroom. She also appreciated its compact fold which saved space. She also appreciated that the crib's one side drops down so that she can take her newborn baby to bed without leaving her bed. This is especially helpful when you've been through an Caesarean or are recovering after one. You can stay close to your baby for a longer time.
Another mum who enjoyed using the SnuzPod 4 was Jasmine who noted that it was easy to move from room to room - something she couldn't find with some of the other bedside cribs she tested. However, she did notice that the handle was a bit stiff and it took an enormous amount of effort to raise the crib.
Another crib for bedside that is easy to fold and move is the Tutti Bambini CoZee Air, which was shortlisted in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards as the The Best Cot Crib, Moses Basket. The neutral colours 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 catch on baby toys or clothing. The distance between each bar should not exceed 6.5cm (2.5 inches) to ensure your baby's head isn't entangled. This crib is ideal for babies with reflux too, as its ComfortAir breathable technology helps regulate their temperature.
Comfort
Staying close to your baby throughout the night will give you peace of mind, but you should be in a position to be able to get them quickly for middle-of-the-night feeding. With a crib that is placed near the bed, you can do this without having to get out of bed. These cribs make it simple to soothe babies into sleep. If you'd like to be able to sleep with your child, but don't wish to be a burden of getting up each time they need to be fed, a moses-basket can be an ideal alternative.
Most bedside cribs can be positioned on the sides of your bed that allows you to see and get to your baby easily. They often feature a mesh-like window to allow you to check on your baby without having to disturb them. They might also include a reflux setting to aid in colic or reflux.
We're impressed with the number of features on this crib, including the ComfortAir mattress, which is breathable and works to regulate your baby's temperature as well as increase airflow. It's a little smaller than some other cribs that are bedside and can be useful where space is limited. Our mom testers agree that this is still an excellent choice for those long, sleepless nights.
The cot is securely attached to the side of the bed by means of adjustable straps. This reduces the possibility of gaps where your child can get trapped. It has an even, firm mattress that complies with safety standards and encourages good sleeping habits.
It is important to be aware that your baby is likely to get out of their crib when they're capable of sitting upright at about six months old. It's crucial to put your child in a cot or in a different arrangement for sleeping, once they outgrow their crib.
Another aspect to think about is how light the crib is and if it's suitable for travelling. Some of our mums really enjoy the fact that the crib can be taken apart for easy transport, while others find it a bit difficult to assemble and then reassemble. It can be a challenge to clean so you will have to clean it often using a cleaning product and a cloth.
Stores
A bedside cot for 6 months plus is a bassinet-style cot which is fixed to the side of your bed for a safe and secure co-sleeping. They are ideal for calming babies to sleep, for night feedings, and for mothers who had a c-section to keep their baby close.
Read the Full Content is essential to select cribs that meet the current safety standards. Verify that the crib's bars are spaced sufficiently apart to keep your child's head from being trapped. Also, ensure that the drop-down sides are secured and doesn't open accidentally. Avoid placing stickers or transfers on the floor of the cot because they may pose an choking risk.
Emily's top pick for a bedside cot is the Next2me Magic, which was shortlisted in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket. It's a good size and offers plenty of storage space for all the baby necessities. It's also compact and light enough to fit into its travel bag should you have to transport it from room to room. If you're seeking something a bit more simple, she suggests the Shnuggle Air beside crib.