Bedside Cot 6 Months Plus
Bedside sleepers let you keep your baby close in the same room with you do without the danger of sharing beds, which comes with an increased risk of death from suffocation. They are a great option for babies.
Models with adjustable height settings will fit perfectly on most bed frames. Also, look for fabrics with breathable fabric that are easy to clean.
Safety
A bedside cot is basically an old-fashioned bassinet cot that can be fixed to the bed's side for secure co-sleeping. It can be used to lift your baby towards you to comfort them, feed them or to soothe your baby at night. It's also an excellent alternative if you've had a c-section. It is different from a Moses Basket or Cot as it has high walls, so your baby cannot fall out. Some have a tilt function which can help babies suffering from reflux and colic. They're also a bit larger 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 infants be placed in a bassinet or cot in the same room as their parents. They shouldn't be sleeping in your bed. Sharing beds increases the risk of suffocation or overheating. Bedside cribs give you the best of both worlds, giving your baby the opportunity to be close to you throughout the night, but in their own safe and separate sleeping space.
When you are choosing a crib for your bed make sure it is in compliance with the most recent safety standards (it must be BS EN 1130:2019) and does not have any gaps or parts that could cause your child to be trapped. Also make sure you choose a mattress that's solid and flat. A soft or sagging mattress can increase your baby's risk of SIDS, so opt for a brand new mattress, rather than second-hand.
Finally, you should look for bedding that is affixed and free of loose blankets or pillows. Pillows can cause suffocation and duvets can be a hazard to baby's face. It is a good idea to use a fitted sheet instead but ensure it's fitted correctly.
Our MFM mom testers have discovered that the SnuzPod4 is a great option for a crib that is positioned near the bed, selected for 2021's Mother&Baby Awards in the best Cot, Crib, or Moses Basket category. It attaches securely to the bed and has an adjustable height that allows for the perfect fit. It has a rocking feature and can be adjusted to an inclined angle for reflux. It is a great choice for those who have narrow or small beds because it doesn't take up much space.
Design
The design of a crib for the bed is important as it is where your baby will spend most of their time. There are many cribs available with a variety of colors to match your decor and have features like mesh windows that keep your baby in view, or sides that drop down that allow for easier access. Some cribs even have incline functions to aid in reflux.
You can raise and lower the majority of cribs to match your bed's height which makes it easier to get into and out of the bed. Some cribs can also be used as travel cots. This is a great option when you travel or visiting relatives.
Home tester and MFM mother Leya found that the SnuzPod 4's stylish Scandi design was a perfect match for her bedroom and said that its compact fold was ideal for space-saving. She also loved that the crib's one side can be lowered, allowing her to pick up her sleeping baby without having to leave her bed. This is especially beneficial if you have had a C-section or are recovering from a Caesarean, as it allows you to sleep close to your baby for longer.
Another mom who was happy using the SnuzPod 4 is Jasmine who said that it was easy to move from room to room, something she didn't get with other bedside cribs she tested. However, she did note that it took some effort to raise and lower the crib since the handle was rigid.
The Tutti Bambini CoZee Air is another crib that 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 most bedrooms. However, some of our testers felt that the bars were too close to each other. This could cause them to get caught on baby toys or clothing. The distance between bars should not exceed 6.5cm (2 inches) to avoid your baby's head from becoming stuck. This is a good crib for reflux babies too, as its ComfortAir breathing technology helps regulate temperature.
Comfort
Keeping your baby close throughout the night will give you peace of mind, however, you must be able to reach them quickly for middle-of-the-night feeding. With a crib that is placed near the bed it is possible to do this without having to get out of the bed. They make it simple to soothe babies to sleep. If you'd like to be able to lay down with your child but don't want the hassle of having to get up every time they need to be fed, a moses's-basket is an ideal alternative.
Most bedside cribs are attached to the bedside, so you can easily see and reach your baby. Most have mesh windows to allow you to monitor your baby without disrupting the baby. They may also have a reflux setting to aid in reflux or colic.
The crib is loaded with a variety of options, but we're particularly amazed by the ComfortAir mattress that is breathable and regulates the temperature of your baby's body and maximizes airflow. It's a little smaller than some other cribs that are bedside and can be useful 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 securely attached to the side of your bed by means of adjustable straps. This reduces the risk of gaps where your baby could get trapped. It also comes with a sturdy, flat mattress that meets safety standards and promotes healthy sleeping habits.
travel cot bedside to bear in mind is that your baby may begin to get out of the crib once they're tall enough to sit at around six months. It's important that you place your baby in a cot or in a different arrangement for sleeping when they've outgrown their crib.
Another feature to consider is how lightweight the crib is and if it's suitable for travelling. Many of our moms enjoy the fact that the crib is able to be dismantled for easy transport, while others find it difficult to assemble and then rebuild. 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 for 6 months plus is an upholstered bassinet cot that can be fixed 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.
It's important that you choose cribs that are in line with the latest safety standards. Check that the bars on the crib are positioned sufficiently apart to keep your child's head from being trapped. Also, make sure that the drop-down sides are safe and doesn't fall open accidentally. Do not place stickers or transfer on the surface of the cot since they may pose a choking risk.
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, Crib, or Moses Basket. It's a great size, with plenty of space for your baby's necessities. It's also compact and light enough to fit in its travel bag if you need to move it from room to room. If you're seeking something a bit easier, she suggests the Shnuggle Air beside crib.