Bedside Cot 6 Months Plus
Bedside sleepers allow you to keep your baby in the same room with you without the dangers associated with sharing a bed. They are also a great choice for babies.
Look for models that have an adjustable height that allows for a perfect fit on the majority of bed frames. Also look for breathable fabrics that are easy to clean.
Safety
A bedside cot can be described as a bassinet that is attached to the bed's side for safe sleeping. It is a great way to lift baby up towards you at night for feeding, soothing or comforting and it's also a great option in the event of an C-section. It's different from a Moses basket or cot due to the fact that it has high sides so your baby isn't able to be pushed out. Some models have a tilt feature that can aid babies suffering from colic and reflux. They're also a bit larger than Moses baskets, which may make them easier to transport 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 with their parent, but not in your bed. Bed-sharing increases the risks of overheating or suffocation. Bedside cribs give you the best of both worlds by allowing your baby to be close to you during the night, but in their own private and secure sleeping space.
When selecting a crib that is bedside ensure 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 baby to become trapped. Also, look for mattresses that are sturdy and flat. A sagging or overly soft mattress could increase the risk of SIDS, so choose for a new one instead of a second-hand.
Finally, you should look for bedding that is affixed and free of loose blankets or pillows. Pillows can cause suffocation and duvets could get stuck to the baby's face. Use a fitted sheet, but make sure that it is fitted correctly.
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 attached securely to the bed and has an adjustable height for a perfect fit. It comes with a rocking function and can be adjusted to an inclined angle for reflux. bedside cot reviews 's a good choice for those with narrow or small beds because it doesn't take up too much room.
Design
The layout of a bedside crib is crucial as it will be the place where your child will spend the majority of their time. Many cribs come with a variety of colors to complement your decor. They also include features such as mesh windows that keep your baby in view, or side panels that drop down that make it easier to reach. Some cribs come with incline features to help with reflux.
You can adjust the height of the majority of cribs to match the height of your bed, making it easier to get into and out of bed. You can even find some that are designed to function as travel cribs, which are ideal for those who are traveling or visiting relatives.
Home tester and MFM mum Leya found the SnuzPod 4's stylish Scandi design complemented her bedroom decor and said that its compact fold was perfect to save space. Leya also appreciated that one side of crib can be lowered, allowing her to pick up her child without needing to get out of bed. This is especially helpful in the event that you've been through an Caesarean or are recovering after one. You can stay close to your baby for a longer time.
Jasmine is another mum who liked using the SnuzPod 4. She noted that it was easy to move the crib from one room to the next which she could not discover with other cribs for bed. She did note that the handle was stiff and required quite a bit of effort to lift the crib.
The Tutti Bambini CoZee Air is another crib that is easy to fold and move. It was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in their Best Cot or Crib category. The neutral colours and slim frame are perfect for the majority of bedrooms. However some of our test subjects felt that the bars were too close together. This could cause them to catch on baby toys or clothing. The distance between each bar should be no more than 6.5cm (2.5 inches) to ensure that your baby's head isn't entangled. This crib is also ideal for babies who have reflux, due to the ComfortAir air-tight system helps regulate body temperature.
Comfort
You will feel more secure if can reach your baby quickly to feed them during the middle of the night. With a bedside crib, you can do this without having to get out of bed. They also make it easier to calm babies back to sleep. If, however, you'd like to snuggle with your baby, but aren't keen on the idea of waking up for every feeding, a moses basket is an ideal choice.
Most cribs with a bedside are attached to the bedside, so you are able to easily access and touch your baby. Some have mesh windows, so you can monitor your baby without disturbing the baby. They might also include a reflux setting to help with reflux or colic.
The crib is loaded with a variety of features, but we're amazed by the ComfortAir mattress that is breathable and regulates the temperature of your baby's body and maximizes airflow. It's smaller than other bedside cribs which can be useful in areas where space is scarce. But our mum testers all are in agreement 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 where your baby could get trapped. It comes with a flat, firm mattress that is safe and promotes good sleep habits.
It is important to know that your baby is likely to get out of their crib when they are able to sit upright typically around six months. It is essential to place your child in a cot, or a different sleeping arrangement after they've outgrown their crib.
Another feature to take into consideration is how light the crib is and if it's suitable for travel. Many of our moms enjoy the fact that the crib is able to be dismantled for easy transport, while others find it difficult to assemble and reassemble. It can be a challenge to clean, so you'll have to clean it often using the aid of a cleaner and a cloth.
Storage
A bedside cot for 6 months and over is a bassinet-style bed that can be attached to the side of your mattress for safe co-sleeping. They're great for night feeds and calming babies to sleep and enabling mums who have had C-sections to keep their baby close.
When selecting a crib that is bedside it's crucial to make sure that it meets current safety standards. Check that the bars on the crib are positioned sufficiently apart to prevent your child's head from getting trapped. Also, make sure that any drop-down side is secure and doesn't open unintentionally. Avoid placing stickers or other objects on the floor of the cot because they could be a choking risk.
Emily's top pick for a bedside crib is the Next2me Magic, which was shortlisted in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Cot Crib, Crib, or Moses Basket. It is a good size and has plenty of storage for your baby's necessities. It is also compact and lightweight enough to fit into a bag for travel, should you need to move it around. If you want something simpler her recommendation is Shnuggle Air beside Crib.