Bedside Cot 6 Months Plus
Bedside sleepers let you keep your baby in the same room as you do without the danger of sharing beds, which comes with a higher chance of death from suffocation. They're a great choice for babies.
Look for models that have an adjustable height position that allows for a perfect fit on most bed frames. Also look for breathable fabrics that are easy to clean.
Safety
A bedside cot is an upholstered bassinet that is attached to the side of your bed to ensure safe co-sleeping. It can be used to pull your baby to you for comfort, feeding or soothing at the end of the night. It's also a great alternative if you've had a c section. It is different from a Moses Basket or Cot in that it has high walls so your baby won't be pushed out. Some models have a tilt function which can help babies with reflux and colic. They're also a bit bigger than Moses baskets, which could make them easier to transport from room to room.
The NHS and The Lullaby Trust, a safe sleep charity, suggest that newborns be kept in a bassinet or cot in same room with their parents. They shouldn't be sleeping in your bed. This is because bed-sharing increases 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 in their own secure and private sleeping space.
When you are choosing a crib for your bed make sure it is in compliance with the latest safety standards (it must be BS EN 1130:2019) and has no gaps or parts that could cause your child to become trapped. Look for click here to investigate with a flat, firm surface. A mattress that is too sagging or that is too soft may increase the risk of SIDS for your child.
Find bedding that is fitted and without loose blankets or pillowcases. Duvets and pillows could suffocate your baby, and pillows can get stuck to their face. Use a fitted sheet, but make sure that it is properly fitted.
The SnuzPod4 was rated highly by our MFM mom testers as a crib suitable for use in bed. It was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in the category of Best Cot, Moses Basket or Crib. It is securely attached to the bed and is adjustable to ensure a perfect fit. It has a rocking feature and can be set to an inclined angle for reflux. It is a great option for those with small or narrow beds, as it does not take up any space.
Design
It is crucial to think about the design of your bedside crib since this is the place where your baby will spend the majority of their time. There are many cribs available with a variety of colors to complement your decor. They also feature features such as mesh windows that keep your baby in view, or drop-down sides that make it easier to reach. Some cribs even have incline functions to help with reflux.
You can raise and lower the majority of cribs to match your bed's height, making it easier to get in and out of bed. Some cribs can be used as travel cots. This is a great feature when you are travelling or visiting family.
Leya Leya, an MFM mom and home tester, discovered that the SnuzPod 4 was a great choice for her bedroom. She also appreciated its compact fold that saved space. She also appreciated that the crib's one side can be lowered so that she can pick up her sleeping newborn without having to leave her bed. This is especially helpful in the event that you've had an emergency C-section or recovering from a Caesarean which means you can sleep near your baby for longer.
Another mom who was happy using the SnuzPod 4 was Jasmine, who commented that it was easy to move from room to room, something she didn't discover with other cribs for bedside that she tried. She did note that the handle was a bit stiff and required quite a bit of effort to move the crib.
The Tutti Bambini CoZee Air is another crib for bed that is easy to fold and move. It was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in their Best Cot or Crib category. Its slim frame and neutral colour options will work well in the majority of bedrooms, but some of our home testers thought the bars were too close together, which means they could catch on clothes or toys for babies. The distance between each bar should not exceed 6.5cm (2.5 inches) to ensure that your baby's head doesn't get caught in. This crib is also good for babies suffering from reflux as the ComfortAir breathable system helps regulate body temperature.
Comfort
Staying close to your baby throughout the night will give you peace of mind, but you need to be in a position to be able to get them quickly to feed them in the middle of the night. You can easily do this without having to get out of bed by having a crib by your bedside. They also make it easy to soothe babies back to sleep. If you'd like to lay down with your baby, but aren't keen on the idea of waking up to feed your baby moses baskets are an ideal choice.
Most bedside cribs can be positioned on the side of your bed, allowing you to see and access your baby easily. They usually feature a mesh-like window so you can check on your baby without disturbing them. You may also find an option for reflux that aids with colic and reflux.
This crib comes with a wide range of options, but we're particularly amazed by the ComfortAir breathable Mattress that regulates the temperature of your baby's body and maximizes airflow. It's smaller than other cribs for bedside use that could be useful in areas that are limited in space. Our mum testers agree that this crib is an excellent option for sleepless, long nights.
The cot is secured to the side of your bed using adjustable straps. This reduces the risk of gaps where your baby could get trapped. It is equipped with a firm, flat mattress that is safe and encourages good sleep habits.
One thing to bear in mind is that your baby may begin to climb out of the crib when they're able to sit at around six months. This is why it's important to place them in a cot or another 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 mothers love that this crib is able to be disassembled to transport it However, some find it difficult to assemble. It's also a challenge to keep clean and you'll need to clean it regularly using a cloth or cleaning product.
Storage
A bedside cot suitable for 6 months and over is a bassinet shaped cot that attaches to the mattress's side for secure co-sleeping. They're ideal for feeding your baby at night as well as calming babies to sleep, and allowing mothers who have had an e-csection to keep their baby close.
It is essential to select cribs that meet the latest safety standards. Make sure that the crib's bars are spaced sufficiently apart to prevent your child's head from being trapped. Also, make sure that the drop-down side is safe and doesn't fall open accidentally. Do not place stickers or transfer on the surface of the cot since they may pose an choking risk.
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 great size and has plenty of storage for your baby's necessities. It's also compact and light enough to fit in its bag for travel, should you're planning to move it around. If you're looking for something simpler, she recommends Shnuggle Air alongside Crib.