Bedside Cot 6 Months Plus
Bedside sleepers let you keep your baby in the same space with you without the dangers associated with bed-sharing. They're an excellent choice for babies.
Models with adjustable height settings 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 connected to the bed's side for safe sleeping. It can be used to raise your baby towards you at night for feeding, soothing or comforting and it's a great option for a c-section. It is different from a Moses Basket or Cot as it has high walls, so your baby isn't able to be pushed out. Some models have a tilt function that can aid babies with reflux and colic. They're also a bit bigger than Moses baskets, which can make them easier to carry from room to 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. Sharing a bed increases the risk of overheating or suffocation. Bedside cribs offer the best of both worlds, giving your baby the opportunity to be close to you during the night, but still in their own secure and private sleeping space.
Make sure the crib is compliant with the most recent safety standards. It should be BS EN1130, 2019. Also, make sure that there are no gaps or parts where your baby could get trapped. Choose a mattress that has a flat, firm surface. A soft or sagging mattress can increase the risk of SIDS, so opt for a brand new mattress instead of second-hand.
Make sure your bedding is fitted and without pillows or blankets that are loose. Duvets and pillows could suffocate your baby, while pillows can get stuck to their face. It's best to opt for a fitted sheet however, make sure it's sized correctly.
Our MFM mother testers have discovered that the SnuzPod4 is a great option for a bedside crib, being shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in the best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket category. It is secure to the bed and has an adjustable height to ensure the perfect fit. It also has a rocking function and can be adjusted to incline for reflux. It is a great option for those with bed sizes that are small or narrow as it doesn't take up much space.
Design
It is essential to think about 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 variety of colors that can be matched to your decor. Some come with features like mesh windows to keep your baby's eyes open or drop-down sides that make it easier to access. Some even have incline functions to ease reflux.
Most cribs can also be adjusted to fit the height of your bed, making it easy to get out and in to bed at time of night. Some cribs can serve as travel cots. This is great for when you're traveling or visiting family.
Home tester and MFM mum Leya found that the SnuzPod 4's stylish Scandi design was a perfect match for her bedroom, adding that its compact fold was perfect for sizing up space. She also loved that the crib's one side is lowered and allows her to pick up her sleeping newborn without having to leave her bed. This is especially beneficial for those who have had a C-section or are recovering from a Caesarean, as it allows you to stay close to your baby for a longer period of time.
Another mum who enjoyed using the SnuzPod 4 was Jasmine who noted that it was easy to move from room room - something she couldn't discover with other cribs she looked at for bedside use. However, she did note that it took some effort to raise and lower the crib, as the handle was quite stiff.
Another bedside crib that's simple to fold and move is the Tutti Bambini CoZee Air, which was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards as the The Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket. The neutral colors and slim frame are perfect for most bedrooms. However some of our test subjects found that the bars were too close together. This could result in them getting caught on baby toys or clothing. The bars' distance should not exceed 6.5cm (2 inches) in order to prevent your baby's head from becoming stuck. This crib is also good for babies who have reflux, as the ComfortAir air-flow system helps regulate their body temperature.
Comfort
Keeping your baby close all night will give you peace of mind, but you need to be able to reach them quickly to feed them in the middle of the night. You can accomplish this without having to leave your bed, by having a crib by your bedside. These cribs make it easy to soothe babies into sleep. If you want to to sleep with your child but do not wish to be a burden of getting up each time they need to be fed, a moses-basket can be an ideal option.
Most bedside cribs can be affixed to the side of your bed, allowing you to see and access your baby easily. Some have mesh windows, to allow you to monitor your baby without disturbing him. There is also an option to treat reflux that can help with colic and reflux.
We're amazed by the amount of features on this crib, especially the ComfortAir air-tight mattress that helps to regulate your baby's temperature as well as increase airflow. It's a little smaller than some other cribs for bedside use, which may be helpful where space is limited. Our mom testers are of the opinion that this is an excellent choice for sleepless, long nights.
The cot is secured to the side of your bed by means of adjustable straps. This minimizes the chance of gaps that your child may get caught. It is equipped with an even, firm mattress that is safe and encourages good sleep habits.
One thing to bear in mind is that your baby could start to get out of the crib when they're able to sit, usually around six months. This is why it's important to put 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 option to think about. Some of our mums really enjoy the fact that the crib can be taken apart for easy transport, but others find it tricky to assemble and rebuild. It is also difficult to keep clean and therefore you'll have to regularly wipe it down using a cloth or cleaning product.
bedside crib travel cot for 6 months and up is a bassinet style cot that attaches to the mattress's side to ensure secure co-sleeping. These are great for soothing babies to sleep, allowing night feedings and allowing mums who had a c-section to keep their baby close.
It is essential to select cribs that are in line with the latest safety standards. Check that the bars are enough apart to prevent your child's head from getting trapped. Also, make sure that any drop-down sides are secure and don't open abruptly. Avoid placing stickers or transfers onto the surface of the cot as they could be an choking risk.
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 the essentials of your baby. It's also lightweight and compact enough to fit in a travel bag if you need to move it from room to room. If you want something simpler, she recommends Shnuggle Air alongside Crib.