Bedside Cot 6 Months Plus
Bedside sleepers allow you to keep your baby in the same room with you without the risk of sharing a bed, which is associated with an increased risk of death from suffocation. They're also a great option for newborns.
Models that have adjustable height positions will fit perfectly on the majority of bed frames. Look for fabrics that are easy-to-clean and comfortable to breathe.
Safety
A bedside cot can be described as a bassinet-style cot that fixes to the side of your bed to ensure safe co-sleeping. You can use it to pull baby closer to you in the evening for feeding or comforting. it's a great option if you have 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 and reflux. They are also slightly bigger than Moses baskets, which can make them easier to move from room to room.
The NHS and the safe sleep charity The Lullaby Trust advise that newborns should be in their own bassinet or cot in the same room as their parents however, not in your bed. Bed-sharing increases the risks of suffocation or 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.
Make sure the crib is compliant with the latest safety standards. It must be BS EN1130:2019. Also, make sure there aren't any gaps or places where your baby could get trapped. Also make sure you choose a mattress that is sturdy and flat. A soft or sagging mattress could increase the risk of SIDS, so choose for a new one rather than second-hand.
Make sure your bedding is well-fitted and does not have loose blankets or pillowcases. Pillows can cause suffocation and duvets can be a hazard on the baby's face. Use a fitted sheet but ensure that it fits properly.
The SnuzPod4 was highly rated by our MFM mum testers as a crib for use in bed. It was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in the category of the Best Cot, Moses Basket or Crib. It is securely attached to the bed, and is adjustable to ensure an ideal fit. It also has a rocking function and can be adjusted to incline for reflux. It's a good choice for people with narrow or small beds because it does not take up a lot of room.
Design
The design of a bedside crib is crucial as it will be the area where your baby will spend the majority of their time. what is it worth of cribs are available in a choice of colours to complement your decor. They also have features like mesh windows that keep your baby in view, or drop-down sides that make it easier to reach. Some cribs also have incline features to ease reflux.
You can adjust the height of most cribs to match your bed's height making it easier for you to get in and out of the bed. You can also find a few that are designed to work as travel cribs, which are ideal for those who are traveling or visiting relatives.
Leya, a MFM mom and home tester, discovered that the SnuzPod 4 was a great fit for her bedroom decor. She also liked its compact fold, which helped save space. She also liked the fact that one side of the crib can be raised, letting her to pick up her child without needing to get out of bed. This is especially beneficial in the event that you've had C-sections or recovering from a Caesarean because it means you can sleep near your baby for a longer period of time.
Another mom who was happy using the SnuzPod 4 was Jasmine who noted that it was simple to move from room room, something she didn't find with some of the other cribs for bedside that she tried. She did note that the handle was stiff and it took 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 shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in the Best Cot or Crib category. Its slim frame and neutral colors can be incorporated into all bedrooms, though some of our home testers felt the bars were a little too close, which means they could get caught on clothing or toys for babies. The distance between bars should not exceed 6.5cm (2 inches) to avoid your baby's head from becoming trapped. This crib is also good for babies who have reflux, as the ComfortAir breathable system helps regulate body temperature.
Comfort
Keeping your baby close all night will give you peace of mind, however, you should be able to reach them quickly during the night for feeding. With a bedside crib it is possible to do this without getting out of the bed. They make it simple to soothe babies into sleep. If you want to to sleep with your child, but do not wish to be a burden of having to get up every time they're fed, a moses-basket is a good option.
Most cribs with a bedside are attached to the bedside, so you are able to easily see and reach your baby. Most have mesh windows so you can monitor your baby without disturbing him. You may also find a reflux setting that helps with reflux and colic.
We're impressed with the number of features on this crib, especially the ComfortAir breathable mattress that works to regulate your baby's temperature and maximize airflow. It's smaller than other cribs which can be beneficial in areas with limited space. However, our mum testers are in agreement that it's an excellent option for those long nights.
The cot is securely attached to the side of the bed using adjustable straps. This reduces the possibility of gaps where your child could become trapped. It also comes with a firm, flat mattress that meets safety standards and promotes the safest sleeping practices.
One thing to keep in mind is that your baby can start to get out of the crib when they're able to sit typically around six months. It's crucial to put your child in a cot or in a different arrangement for sleeping when they've outgrown their crib.
Another feature to consider is how lightweight the crib is, and if it's suitable for travelling. Some of our mothers love the fact that this crib can be taken apart for easy transport, but others find it a bit difficult to assemble and then put back together. It can be a challenge to clean so you will need to wipe it down often using an appropriate cleaning product and cloth.
Storage
A bedside cot suitable for 6 months and up is a bassinet shaped bed that can be attached to the mattress's side to ensure safe co-sleeping. They're great for night feeds, soothing babies to sleep and allowing mothers who've had a c-section to keep their baby close.
When selecting a crib that is bedside, it's important to ensure that it is in line with current safety standards. Make sure that the crib's bars are sufficiently far apart to keep your child's head from being trapped. Also, ensure that any drop-down side is secure and doesn't open unintentionally. Also, stay clear of any stickers or transfers on the cot surface as they could pose a choking hazard.
Emily's top pick for a bedside crib is the Next2me Magic, which was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket. It's a great size and has plenty of storage for your baby's necessities. It's also compact and light enough to be able to fit in a bag for travel, should you want to move it around. If you're seeking something a bit more simple, she suggests the Shnuggle Air next to the crib.