Bedside Cot 6 Months Plus
Bedside sleepers allow you to keep your baby in the same room with you without the dangers of sharing a bed. They are also a great choice for infants.
Look for models with an adjustable height which gives a perfect fit on most bed frames. Also look for breathable fabrics that are easy to clean.
Safety
A bedside cot could be described as a bassinet which is attached to the bed's side for safe cosleeping. It can be used to pull your baby to you for comfort, feeding or to soothe your baby at the end of the night. It's also a great alternative if you've had a c section. It's different from a Moses basket or cot as it has high sides, so your baby can't be pushed out. Some models have tilt features that can help babies with colic or reflux. They are also slightly bigger than Moses baskets, making them easier to move 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 with their parents. They should not be sleeping in your bed. This is due to bed sharing increasing the chance of suffocation and overheating. Bedside cribs permit your baby to rest close to you however, in a secure and separate space.
When you are choosing a crib for your bed ensure that it meets the most recent safety standards (it should be BS EN 1130:2019) and does not have any gaps or parts that could cause your child to get trapped. Also, look for mattresses that are firm and flat. A soft or sagging mattress could increase the risk of SIDS, so choose for a brand new mattress, instead of second-hand.
Also, make sure you choose bedding that is affixed and free of loose blankets or pillows. Duvets and pillows could suffocate your baby, while 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 test participants as a crib that is suitable for use at bedtime. It was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in the category of the Best Cot, Moses Basket or Crib. It is securely attached to the bed, and it is adjustable to ensure an ideal fit. It also has a rocking function and can be adjusted to incline for reflux. It's a good choice for those with narrow or small beds as it does not take up much space.
Design
The layout of a bedside crib is important because it is the area where your baby will spend the majority of their time. There are many cribs available with a variety of colors to suit your decor and have features like mesh windows that keep your baby in view, or side panels that drop down that make it easier to reach. Some even have incline functions to aid in reflux.
You can adjust the height of most cribs to match the height of your bed making it easier for you to get in and out of the bed. Some cribs can be used as travel cots. This is great for when you're traveling or visiting family.
Leya Leya, an MFM mum and home tester, realized that the SnuzPod 4 was a great design for her bedroom. She also appreciated its compact fold that saved space. She also liked the fact that one side of crib can be lowered, allowing her pick up her baby without needing to get out of bed. This is especially helpful in the event that you've had an emergency C-section or are recovering from the effects of a Caesarean because it allows you to sleep close to your newborn for longer.
Jasmine is a mother who also loved using the SnuzPod 4. bedside cots for newborns noted that it was easy for her to move the crib from one room to another - something she did not find with other bedside cribs. She did note that the handle was stiff and it took a lot of effort to raise the crib.
Another crib that's easy to fold and move is the Tutti Bambini CoZee Air, which was shortlisted in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards to be the best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket. The neutral colors and slim frame will match most bedrooms. However some of our test subjects felt that the bars were too close together. This could result in them getting caught on baby toys or clothes. The distance between bars should not exceed 6.5cm (2 inches) in order to prevent your baby's head from getting trapped. This is a great crib for babies who have reflux, as its ComfortAir breathing technology helps regulate temperature.
Comfort
A close and secure baby all night will give you peace of mind, but you must be capable of reaching them quickly to feed them in the middle of the night. You can easily do this without having to get up from bed by having a crib by your bedside. These cribs make it simple to soothe babies into sleep. If you want to be able to sleep with your child but do not wish to be a burden of getting up each time they need to be fed, a moses-basket can be a good alternative.
Most cribs with a bedside are connected to the bedside so you are able to easily see and reach your baby. They typically feature a mesh-like window to allow you to check on your baby without disturbing them. There is also a reflux setting that helps with colic and reflux.
This crib has a lot of features, but we're most amazed by the ComfortAir mattress that is breathable and regulates your baby's body temperature and maximizes airflow. It's a bit smaller than some other cribs for bedside use which can be useful in areas where space is scarce. However, our mum testers are in agreement that it's an excellent choice for those long nights.
The cot is secured to the bed's side using adjustable straps. This reduces the possibility of gaps where your baby may get caught. It has an even, firm mattress that complies with safety standards and promotes healthy sleep habits.
One thing to bear in mind is that your baby may start to leave the crib once they're tall enough to sit, usually around six months. This is why it's important to place them in a cot or other sleeping arrangement when they've outgrown the crib.
A cot that is lightweight and suitable for travel is another aspect to consider. Some of our mothers are thrilled that this crib is able to be taken apart for transport, but others aren't able to put it together. It isn't easy to clean, so you'll have to wipe it clean regularly with the aid of a cleaner and a cloth.
Stores
A bedside cot for 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 soothing babies to sleep, allowing night feedings, and for mothers who had a c-section to keep their baby close.
It's crucial to choose cribs that are in line with current safety standards. Check that the bars on the crib are positioned sufficiently apart to prevent your child's head from becoming trapped. Also, make sure that the drop-down sides are safe and doesn't fall open accidentally. Also, beware of any transfer or stickers that are placed on the cot surface as they can be an choking hazard.
Emily's top choice for a bedside cot is the Next2me Magic, which was shortlisted in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Cot Crib, Crib, or Moses Basket. It is a good size with plenty of storage for all your baby's essentials. It's also light and compact enough to fit in its travel bag if you need to move it from room to room. If you're looking for something a bit more simple, she suggests the Shnuggle Air on the side of the crib.
