Bedside Cot 6 Months Plus
Bedside sleepers let you have your baby in the same space with you without the dangers of bed-sharing. They are also a great choice for babies.
Models that have adjustable height settings will fit perfectly on most bed frames. Also look for breathable fabrics that are easy to clean.
bedside cot bed is basically an upholstered bassinet that is attached to the bed's side for secure co-sleeping. It can be used to lift your baby to you for comfort, feeding or to help soothe them at the end of the night. It's also an excellent alternative if you've had a c section. It's different from a Moses basket or cot as it has high sides, so your baby isn't able to fall out. Some models come with tilting features that help babies with colic or reflux. my sources are also slightly larger than Moses baskets, making them easier to move from room room.
The NHS and The Lullaby Trust, a safe sleep charity, recommend 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. This is due to bed sharing increasing the chance of suffocation and overheating. Bedside cribs give you the best of both worlds by allowing your baby to be close to you during the night, but still in their own private and secure sleeping space.
When selecting a crib that is bedside, check that it meets the most recent safety standards (it should be BS EN 1130:2019) and doesn't have any gaps or parts that could cause your child to be trapped. Choose a mattress that has an even, firm surface. A mattress that is too sagging or that is too soft can increase the risk of SIDS for your child.
Look for bedding that is well-fitted and free of loose blankets or pillowcases. Pillows pose a risk of suffocation and duvets could get stuck to baby's face. Use a fitted sheet, but make sure that it fits properly.
Our MFM mom testers have discovered that the SnuzPod4 is a great option for a bedside crib, shortlisted in 2021's Mother&Baby Awards in the Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket category. It is securely attached to the bed and it can be adjusted to ensure a perfect fit. It features a rocking feature and can be set to an inclined position for reflux. It's also a great choice for people with narrow or small beds as it doesn't take up too much room.
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 many cribs available in a choice of colours to match your decor and include features such as mesh windows that keep your baby in view, or sides that drop down that make it easier to reach. Some even have incline functions to aid in reflux.
Most cribs can also be adjusted to fit the height of your bed, making it easier to get in and out of your bed at night. Some cribs can serve as travel cots. This is a great feature when you travel or visiting family.
Leya is an MFM mother and home tester, realized that the SnuzPod 4 was a great design for her bedroom. She also liked its compact fold which saved space. She also appreciated that one side of the crib can be lowered, allowing her to take her newborn baby to bed without having to leave her bed. This is particularly helpful when you've had a Caesarean or are recovering after one. You can stay near your baby for a longer time.
Another mom who loved using the SnuzPod 4 is Jasmine, who commented that it was simple to move from room room - something she couldn't get with other cribs for bedside that she tried. She did note that the handle was a bit stiff and required a lot 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 their Best Cot or Crib category. Its slim frame and neutral colors will fit in with most bedrooms, although some of our home testers felt the bars were a little too close together, which means they could catch on clothes or baby toys. The bars' distance should not exceed 6.5cm (2 inches) in order to prevent your baby's head from getting stuck. This is a good crib for babies with reflux too because its ComfortAir breathing technology helps regulate temperature.
Comfort
You'll feel more secure if can quickly reach your baby to feed them during the middle of the night. You can easily accomplish this without having to get out of bed with a crib right at your bedside. They also make it easy to calm babies back to sleep. If you'd like to be able to sleep with your child but do not want to hassle with getting up every time they're fed, a moses's-basket is an excellent alternative.
The majority of cribs for bedside use can be attached to the bed's side and allow you to view and access your baby easily. Most have mesh windows to allow you to monitor your baby without disturbing the baby. You may also find a reflux setting that helps with colic and reflux.
The crib is loaded with a variety of features, but we're most amazed by the ComfortAir air-tight Mattress that regulates your baby's body temperature and maximizes airflow. It's a little smaller than some other cribs for bedside use, which may be helpful when space is tight. However, our mum testers agree that it's an excellent option for those long sleeps.
The cot securely attaches to the side of your bed using adjustable straps. This reduces the possibility of gaps that your child may get caught. It is equipped with a flat, firm mattress that meets safety regulations and promotes good sleeping habits.
It is important to know that your baby will begin to climb out of their crib once they are capable of sitting upright at 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.
A cot that is lightweight and suitable for travel is an additional aspect to consider. Some of our mums really appreciate the fact that this crib can be dismantled for easy transport, while others find it a bit difficult to assemble and rebuild. It's also a challenge to keep clean, so you'll need to clean it regularly with a cloth and cleaning product.
Storage
A bedside cot suitable for 6 months and older is a bassinet style crib that is attached to the side of your mattress to allow safe co-sleeping. They are ideal for calming babies to sleep, night feedings and allowing mums who had a c section to keep their baby close.
When you are choosing a crib for your bed it is important to make sure that it is in line with current safety standards. Verify that the bars are far enough apart to prevent your child's head from being trapped and check that the sides that drop down are secure and don't open abruptly. Also, beware of any transfer or stickers on the cot's surface as they could be a choking hazard.
Emily's preferred bedside cot for her baby is the Next2me Magic. It was selected for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in the categories of Best Cot or Crib and the Best Moses Basket. It's a good size and has lots of storage space for all your baby essentials. It's also compact and light enough to fit in a travel bag in case you need to move it from room to room. If you're looking for something simpler her recommendation is Shnuggle Air beside Crib.