Bedside Cot 6 Months Plus
Bedside sleepers let you keep your baby close to you do without the danger of bed-sharing, which is associated with a higher risk of suffocation. They are also a great choice for infants.
Find models with an adjustable height position that gives a perfect fit on all bed frames. Find fabrics that are easy-to-clean and breathable.
Safety
A bedside cot could be described as a bassinet that is attached to the bed's side to ensure safe cosleeping. It is a great way to raise your baby towards you at night for feeding, soothing or comforting and it's also a great option if you have a C-section. It is different from a Moses Basket or Cot because it has walls that are high so your baby cannot fall out. Some come with a tilt feature which can help babies with reflux and colic. They are also slightly bigger than Moses baskets, which can make them easier to carry from room to 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 as their parents, but not in your bed. This is because sharing a bed increases the chance of suffocation and overheating. Bedside cribs offer the best of both worlds, allowing your baby to be close to you throughout the night, but still in their own secure and private sleeping space.
When you are choosing a crib for your bed, check that it meets the latest safety standards (it should be BS EN 1130:2019) and does not have any gaps or parts that could cause your baby to get trapped. Find a mattress 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.
Lastly, look for a bedding that is affixed and free from any loose blankets or pillows. Pillows pose a risk of suffocation and duvets can be a hazard on the baby's face. It is a good idea to opt for a fitted sheet, but make sure it's sized correctly.
Our MFM mum testers have found that the SnuzPod4 is an excellent option for a bedside crib, being shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in the Best Cot, Crib, or Moses Basket category. It is securely attached to the bed and has an adjustable height for an ideal fit. It features a rocking feature and can be set to an inclined position for reflux. It's also a great choice for those with narrow or small beds since it doesn't take up too much space.
bedside cot mattress is important to consider the design of your bedside crib, as this will be the area where your baby will spend the majority of their time. There are a variety of cribs available in a range of colors that can be matched to your decor. Some have features such as mesh windows to keep the baby's eyes open or drop-down sides that make it easier to access. Some cribs have incline features to aid with reflux.
The majority of cribs can be raised and lowered to the same height as your bed, making it simple to get out and in to the bed at time of night. You can also find a few that are designed to work as travel cots, which is great if you're travelling or visiting relatives.
Home tester and MFM mom Leya found that the SnuzPod 4's sleek Scandi styling complemented her bedroom decor and added that its compact fold was ideal for sizing up space. She also liked the fact that one side of crib can be lowered, allowing her to pick up her baby without needing to get out of bed. This is particularly helpful for those who have had an emergency C-section or recovering from a Caesarean, as it allows you to stay close to your baby for a longer period of time.
Another mom who was happy using the SnuzPod 4 was Jasmine who noted that it was easy to move from room to room - something she didn't discover with other cribs she looked at for bedside use. However, she did note that it required some effort to raise and lower the crib since the handle was stiff.
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. The neutral colors and slim frame will fit in with the majority of bedrooms. However some of our test subjects thought that the bars were too close to each other. This could cause them to get caught on baby toys or clothes. The distance between bars should be no more than 6.5cm (2.5 inches) to ensure that your baby's head doesn't get caught in. This crib is also suitable for babies suffering from reflux due to the ComfortAir breathable system helps regulate body temperature.
Comfort
Keeping your baby close throughout the night will give you peace of mind, but you need to be capable of reaching them quickly during the night for feeding. It is easy to accomplish this without having to get up from bed by having a crib by your bedside. They also make it easier to help babies fall asleep. However, if you want to sleep with your baby but don't like the idea of getting out of bed for every feed, a moses basket is the better option.
Most bedside cribs can be affixed to the sides of your bed, allowing you to see and access your baby easily. Some have mesh windows, which allow you to watch your baby without disrupting the baby. They may also include a reflux setting to help with reflux or colic.
This crib comes with a wide range of features, but we're most impressed by the ComfortAir mattress that is breathable and regulates the temperature of your baby's body and increases airflow. It's smaller than other cribs for bedside use which could be useful in areas with limited space. Our mom testers are of the opinion that this is still a great choice for those long, sleepless nights.
The cot is secured to the bed's side by means of adjustable straps. This reduces the possibility of gaps in which your child can get trapped. It is equipped with a flat, firm mattress that complies with safety standards and encourages good sleep habits.
One thing to keep in mind is that your baby may begin to get out of the crib when they're able to sit up typically around six months. It's important that you place your baby in a cot or a different sleeping arrangement, once they outgrow their crib.
A lightweight cot that is suitable for travel is a further feature to consider. Some of our mums really enjoy the fact that the crib can be dismantled for easy transport, while others find it a bit tricky to assemble and reassemble. 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 a bassinet-style cot that fixes to the side of your bed for safe co-sleeping. They are ideal for calming babies to sleep, night feedings, and for mothers who had a c section to keep their baby close.
When selecting a crib that is bedside, it's important to ensure that it meets current safety standards. Make sure that the crib's bars are positioned sufficiently apart to prevent your child's head from becoming trapped. Also, ensure that the drop-down side is secured and doesn't open accidentally. Also, stay clear of any stickers or transfers on the cot's surface since they could pose a choking hazard.
Emily's top choice for a bedside cot is the Next2me Magic, which was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Cot Crib, Crib or Moses Basket. It is a good size, with plenty of space for all your baby's essentials. It's also lightweight and compact enough to fit in a travel bag should you need to move it from room to room. If you're looking for something simpler her recommendation is Shnuggle Air alongside Crib.