Bedside Cot 6 Months Plus
Bedside sleepers allow you to keep your baby to you without the risk of bed-sharing, which is associated with a higher chance of being suffocated. They are also a great choice for babies.
Find models with an adjustable height position that gives 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-style cot that fixes to the side of your bed to ensure safe co-sleeping. It can be used to pull baby closer to you in the evening for feeding or comforting. it's a great option if you have the need for a c-section. It differs from a Moses Basket or Cot in that it has high walls, so your baby cannot fall out. Some models have a tilt function which can help babies with reflux and colic. They are also slightly bigger than Moses baskets, which makes them easier to move from room room.
The NHS and safe sleep charity The Lullaby Trust advise that newborns should be in their own bassinet or cot in the same room as their parents, but not in your bed. Sharing a bed increases the risk of overheating or suffocation. Bedside cribs offer the best of both worlds, permitting your child to sleep close to you during the night, but still in their own safe and separate sleeping space.
When choosing a bedside crib make sure it is in compliance with the most recent safety standards (it should be BS EN 1130:2019) and does not have any gaps or parts that could cause your baby to become trapped. Also consider a mattress that's firm and flat. A soft or sagging mattress could increase your baby's risk of SIDS, so choose for a new one rather than second-hand.
Also, make sure you choose bedding that is affixed and free of loose blankets or pillows. Pillows pose a risk of suffocation and duvets can be a hazard on the baby's face. Use a fitted sheet, but make sure that it is properly fitted.
Our MFM mum testers have found that the SnuzPod4 is a great choice for a bedside crib, shortlisted in 2021's Mother&Baby Awards in the Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket category. It is secured to the bed and features an adjustable height that allows for a perfect fit. It comes with a rocking function and can be adjusted to an inclined position for reflux. It's a good choice for those with narrow or small bedside cot beds because it does not take up a lot of space.
Design
The design of a bedside crib is important because it will be the place where your child will spend the majority of their time. There are many cribs available in a variety of colors to match your decor and include features such as mesh windows that keep your baby in view, or sides that drop down that allow for easier access. Some cribs come with incline features to aid with reflux.
The majority of cribs can be adjusted to fit the height of your bed, making it easier to get into and out of the bed at time of night. Some cribs can be used as travel cots. This is great for when you travel cot bedside or visiting relatives.
Home tester and MFM mother Leya found the SnuzPod 4's sleek, Scandi style complemented her bedroom decor, adding that its compact fold was perfect to save space. She also appreciated that the crib's one side drops down, allowing her to take her newborn baby to bed without leaving her bed. This is especially helpful in the event that you've had C-sections or are recovering from the effects of a Caesarean, as it allows you to sleep close to your baby for longer.
Another mom who loved using the SnuzPod 4 is Jasmine who said that it was simple to move from room room - something she didn't find with some of the other bedside cribs she tested. She did mention that the handle was a bit stiff and required an enormous amount of effort to raise the crib.
Another cheap bedside cot crib that's simple to fold and move is the Tutti Bambini CoZee Air, which was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for best Cot Crib, Moses Basket. 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 the bars should be no more than 6.5cm (2.5 inches) to ensure your baby's head doesn't get caught in. This crib is also ideal for babies suffering from reflux because the ComfortAir air-tight system helps regulate body temperature.
Comfort
You'll feel more secure if you can reach your baby quickly to feed them in the middle of the night. With a bedside crib you can do this without having to get out of your bed. These cribs make it easy to help babies sleep. However, if you want to snuggle with your baby, but aren't keen on the idea of having to get out of bed to feed your baby A moses basket is the better option.
Most bedside cribs can be positioned on the bed's side, allowing you to see and access your baby easily. Most have mesh windows which allow you to watch your baby without disrupting him. There is also a reflux setting that helps with reflux and colic.
We're awestruck by the variety 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 other bedside cribs, which may be helpful in areas where space is scarce. Our mom testers are of the opinion that this is a great choice for those long, sleepless nights.
The cot is secured to the side of the bed with adjustable straps. This eliminates the risk of gaps where your child may get trapped. It also comes with a sturdy flat mattress that is in line with safety standards and encourages the safest sleeping habits.
It is important to know that your baby will begin to get out of their crib when they're able to sit upright at around six months. It's crucial to put your child in a cot, or another sleeping arrangement when they've outgrown their crib.
A cot that is lightweight and suitable for travel is an additional option to think about. Some of our mums really love the fact that this crib is able to be dismantled for easy transport, while others find it difficult to assemble and then rebuild. It can be a challenge to clean so you will need to wipe it down regularly with a cleaning product and a cloth.
Stores
A bedside cot 6 months plus is a bassinet-style cot that fixes to the bed's side 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 choosing a bedside crib, it's important to ensure that it meets current safety standards. Make sure that the crib's bars are positioned sufficiently apart to keep your child's head from getting trapped. Also, ensure that any drop-down side is secure and doesn't open unintentionally. Do not place stickers or transfer on the surface of the cot since they could pose the risk of choking.
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 or Moses Basket. It's a decent size and has lots of storage space for everything your baby needs. It's also compact and light enough to fit into its travel bag if you need to transport it from room to room. If you're looking for something less complicated her recommendation is Shnuggle Air alongside Crib.