Bedside Cot 6 Months Plus
Bedside sleepers let you keep your baby close in the same room with you without the risk of bed-sharing, which is associated with a higher chance of death from suffocation. They're a great choice for babies.
Find models with an adjustable height which allows for a perfect fit on most bed frames. Find fabrics that are easy-to-clean and ventilated.
Safety
A bedside cot could be described as a bassinet that is connected to the side of a bed for safe cosleeping. It can be used to pull baby closer to you at night to feed or soothing. it's also a great option in the event of the need for a c-section. It differs from a Moses Basket or Cot in that it has high walls so your baby won't be pushed out. Some models come with tilting features that aid babies suffering from colic and reflux. They are also slightly larger than Moses baskets, which makes them easier to move from room room.
The NHS and the safe sleep charity The Lullaby Trust advise that newborns should be in their own cot or bassinet in the same room with their parents but not in your bed. This is because sharing a bed increases the risk of suffocation as well as overheating. Bedside cribs allow your baby to rest close to you however, in a secure and distinct space.
Check that the crib meets the most recent safety standards. It should be BS EN1130, 2019. Also, make sure that there are no gaps or areas where your child could become trapped. Also consider a mattress that is firm and flat. A sagging or too soft mattress can increase your baby's risk of SIDS, so choose for a brand new mattress, instead of second-hand.
Also, make sure you choose bedding that is affixed and free of loose blankets or pillows. Duvets and pillows could suffocate your baby, and pillows can get stuck to their face. Use a fitted sheet but ensure that it fits properly.
Our MFM mum testers have found that the SnuzPod4 is an excellent choice for a bedside crib, shortlisted in 2021's Mother&Baby Awards in the Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket category. It is secure to the bed and has an adjustable height that allows for an ideal fit. It also comes with a rocking function and can be set to an incline for reflux. It is also a great choice for those who have bed sizes that are small or narrow because it doesn't take up any space.
Design
It is crucial to think about the style of your crib at night because this is where you baby will spend the majority of their time. There are many cribs available in a variety of colors that can be matched to your decor. Some cribs have features like mesh windows to keep your baby's view or drop-down sides that allow easier access. Some cribs have incline features to aid with reflux.
Many cribs can also be lowered and raised to the same height as your bed, making it easier to get out and in to your bed at time of night. There are even some that are designed to function as travel cots, which is great if you're travelling or visiting relatives.
Leya Leya, an MFM mum and home tester, discovered that the SnuzPod 4 was a great fit for her bedroom decor. She also liked its compact fold which saved space. She also liked that one side of the crib can be lowered, allowing her to take her newborn baby to bed without leaving her bed. This is particularly helpful in the event that you've had a Caesarean or are recovering after one. You can remain close to your baby for a longer period of time.
Jasmine is a mother who also loved using the SnuzPod 4. She said it was easy for her to move the crib from one room to another - something she did not find with other bedside cribs. However, she did notice that the handle was a bit stiff and it took an enormous amount of effort to lift the crib.
Another crib that's easy to fold and move is the Tutti Bambini CoZee Air, which was shortlisted in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards to be the The Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket. The neutral colours and slim frame are perfect for the majority of bedrooms. However large bedside cot of our test subjects found that the bars were too close together. This could cause them to catch on baby toys or clothing. The distance between bars should be no more than 6.5cm (2.5 inches) to ensure that your baby's head can't become trapped. This is a good crib for babies who have reflux, as its ComfortAir breathable technology helps regulate their temperature.
Comfort
You will feel more secure if you can reach your baby quickly to feed them during the middle of the night. With a crib that is placed near the bed it is possible to do this easily without getting out of bed. They also make it easier to soothe babies back to sleep. If you'd like to to lay down with your child but don't want to hassle with getting up each time they're fed, a moses's-basket is an ideal alternative.
The majority of cribs for bedside use can be positioned on the sides of your bed that allows you to see and get to your baby easily. Some have mesh windows, to allow you to monitor your baby without disturbing him. They might also have a reflux setting to help with reflux or colic.
We're awestruck by the variety of features on this crib, especially the ComfortAir air-tight mattress that helps to regulate your baby's temperature and maximize airflow. It's smaller than other cribs which could be useful in areas with limited space. But our mum testers all agree that it's still an excellent choice for those long nights.
The cot is secured to the bed's side using adjustable straps. This minimizes the chance of gaps in which your child may get trapped. It also comes with a firm and flat mattress that meets safety standards and encourages the safest sleeping practices.
One thing to keep in mind is that your baby may begin to get out of the crib once they're tall enough to sit typically around six months. This is the reason it's crucial to place them in a cot or another sleeping arrangement when they've outgrown the crib.
A cot that is light and suitable for travel is an additional aspect to consider. Many of our moms enjoy the fact that the crib can be taken apart for easy transport, but others find it a bit tricky to assemble and reassemble. It can also be difficult to keep clean, so you'll need to regularly wipe it down with a cloth and cleaning product.
Storage
A bedside cot for 6 months plus is a bassinet-style cot that fixes to the side of your bed to ensure 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 choosing a bedside crib it is important to ensure that it is in line with current safety standards. Check that the bars are enough apart to prevent your child's head from being stuck, and make sure any drop-down sides are secure and won't pop open suddenly. Also, stay clear of any stickers or transfers on the cot's surface since they can be a choking hazard.
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 Cot or Crib and the Best Moses Basket. It's a good size and offers plenty of storage space for everything your baby needs. It's also compact and light enough to be able to fit into a travel bag, if you want to move it around. If you're seeking something a bit simpler, she recommends the Shnuggle Air beside crib.