Bedside Cot 6 Months Plus
Bedside sleepers let you have your baby in the same room with you, without the risks associated with bed-sharing. They're an excellent choice for newborns.
Models that have adjustable height settings will fit perfectly on most bed frames. Find fabrics that are easy-to-clean and ventilated.
Safety
A bedside cot is basically a bassinet-style cot that fixes to the side of your bed to ensure secure co-sleeping. It can be used to bring your baby to you for comfort, feeding or to help soothe them at night. It's also an excellent option if you had a c-section. It is different from a Moses Basket or Cot because it has walls that are high so your baby won't escape. Some models have tilt features that can help babies with colic and reflux. They are also a bit larger than Moses baskets which makes them easier to move from room to room.
The NHS and The Lullaby Trust, a safe sleep charity, recommend that infants be placed in a bassinet or cot in same room as their parents. They should not be in your bed. Sharing beds increases the risk of overheating or suffocation. Bedside cribs permit your baby to sleep close to you but in a secure and separate space.
Make sure the crib is compliant with the latest safety standards. It should be BS EN1130:2019. Also, ensure that there are no gaps or places that could allow your child to get trapped. Look for a mattress with an even, firm surface. A sagging or overly soft mattress can increase the risk of SIDS, so opt for a brand new mattress, instead of second-hand.
Look for bedding that is fitted and without pillows or blankets that are loose. Duvets and pillows can suffocate your baby, while pillows can get stuck to their faces. It's a good idea to use a fitted sheet instead, but make sure it's sized correctly.
Our MFM mom testers have discovered that the SnuzPod4 is an excellent choice for a bedside crib, selected for 2021's Mother&Baby Awards in the best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket category. It is secured to the bed and has an adjustable height to ensure the perfect fit. It features a rocking feature and can be adjusted to an inclined angle for reflux. It is also a great option for those with bed sizes that are small or narrow because it doesn't take up the entire space.
Design
The layout of a bedside crib is important as it is where your baby will spend most of their time. Many cribs come in a choice of colours to match your decor and 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 have incline features to aid in reflux.
You can raise and lower most cribs to match the height of your bed which makes it easier to get in and out of bed. Some cribs can also be used as travel cots. This is a great option when you're traveling or visiting family.
Home tester and MFM mum Leya found that the SnuzPod 4's stylish Scandi design complements her bedroom decor and added that its compact fold was perfect for space-saving. She also appreciated that the crib's one side drops down, allowing her to pick up her sleeping baby without leaving her bed. This is particularly beneficial when you've had a Caesarean or are recovering from one. You can stay close to your baby for a longer period of time.
Another mom who was happy using the SnuzPod 4 was Jasmine, who commented that it was simple to move from room room - something she didn't find with some of the other bedside cribs she tested. However, she said that it required some effort to lift and lower the crib since the handle was rigid.
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 colour options will fit in with the majority of bedrooms, but some of our testers at home felt the bars were too close, which means they could catch on clothes or baby toys. The distance between bars should not exceed 6.5cm (2.5 inches) to ensure that your baby's head doesn't get caught in. This crib is also suitable for babies who have reflux, as the ComfortAir air-flow system helps regulate body temperature.
Comfort
Staying close to your baby all night will provide peace of mind, however, you need to be able to reach them quickly for middle-of-the-night feeding. With a crib that is placed near the bed you can do this without getting out of bed. They make it simple to soothe babies to sleep. If you'd like to be able to sleep with your child but do not want to hassle with getting up every time they need to be fed, a moses-basket is an excellent option.
bedside crib with changing table are connected to the bedside so you are able to easily see and reach your baby. Some have mesh windows, which allow you to watch your baby without disturbing him. There is also an option for reflux that aids with reflux and colic.
The crib is loaded with a variety of options, but we're particularly impressed by the ComfortAir air-tight Mattress that regulates the temperature of your baby's body and maximizes airflow. It's a bit smaller than some other bedside cribs which can be useful when space is tight. However, our mom testers agree that it's still an excellent choice for those long nights.
The cot is securely attached to the bed's side by means of adjustable straps. This reduces the risk of gaps in which your child may get caught. It also comes with a firm, flat mattress that meets safety standards and encourages healthy sleeping practices.
It is important to know that your baby will begin to leave their crib once they are able to sit upright, which is usually about six months old. This is why it's important to put them in a cot or other sleeping arrangement as they grow out of the crib.
A cot that is lightweight and suitable for travel is another option to think about. Some of our mothers love the fact that this crib can be disassembled to transport it however, others aren't able to put it together. It can also be difficult to keep clean, so you'll need regularly clean it with a cloth and cleaning product.
Stores
A bedside cot that is 6 months old plus is an upholstered bassinet cot that can be fixed to the side of your bed for a safe and secure co-sleeping. These are great for calming babies to sleep, for night feedings, and for mothers who had a c section to keep their baby close.
When you are choosing a crib for your bed, it's important to ensure that it meets current safety standards. Verify that the bars are enough apart to prevent your child's head from getting stuck, and make sure any drop-down sides are secure and won't pop open suddenly. Avoid placing stickers or other objects onto the surface of the cot as they could be a choking risk.
Emily's bedside cot of choice for her baby is the Next2me Magic. It was selected for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in the categories of Best Crib or Cot and the Best Moses Basket. It's a great size, with plenty of space for the essentials of your baby. It is also compact and light enough to be able to fit into a travel bag, if you're planning to move it around. If you want something simpler, she recommends Shnuggle Air beside Crib.