Bedside Cot 6 Months Plus
Bedside sleepers allow you to keep your baby to you without the risk of sharing beds, which comes with a higher chance of death from suffocation. They're a great choice for babies.
Find models with an adjustable height position that allows for a perfect fit on the majority of bed frames. Also look for breathable fabrics that are easy to clean.
Safety
A bedside cot is an upholstered bassinet that is attached to the side of your bed for safe co-sleeping. It can be used to bring your baby to you for comfort, feeding or to soothe your baby at the night. It's also an excellent option if you had a c-section. It is different from a Moses Basket or Cot as it has walls that are high so your baby cannot escape. Some models have a tilt function which can help babies with reflux and colic. They're also a bit bigger than Moses baskets, which could make them easier to carry from room to room.
The NHS and the safe sleep charity The Lullaby Trust advise that newborns should be placed in their own cot or bassinet in the same room as their parents, but not in your bed. This is due to bed sharing increasing the risk of suffocation and overheating. Bedside cribs provide the best of both worlds by permitting your child to sleep close to you at night, but still in their own secure and private sleeping space.
Check that the crib meets the most current safety standards. It must be BS EN1130:2019. Also, ensure that there aren't any gaps or areas that could allow your child to get trapped. Also, look for mattresses that are firm and flat. A sagging mattress or one that is too soft could increase the risk of SIDS in your baby.
Make sure your bedding is well-fitted and free of pillows or blankets that are loose. Duvets and pillows could suffocate your baby, while pillows can get stuck to their faces. Use a fitted sheet however, make sure it fits properly.
Our MFM mom testers have discovered that the SnuzPod4 is a great option for a crib that is positioned near the bed, shortlisted in 2021's Mother&Baby Awards in the Best Cot, Crib, or Moses Basket category. It is secured to the bed and can be adjusted to ensure a perfect fit. official source comes with a rocking function and can be set to an incline to prevent reflux. It is also a great option for those with bed sizes that are small or narrow, as it does not take up the entire space.
Design
The design of a crib for the bed is crucial as it will be the area where your baby will spend the majority of their time. A lot of cribs are available in a variety of colors to complement your decor. They also include features such as mesh windows that keep your baby in view, or sides that drop down that allow for easier access. Some cribs also have incline features to aid in reflux.
Most cribs can also be raised and lowered to match the height of your bed, making it easy to get in and out of the bed at time of night. 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 discovered that the SnuzPod 4's stylish Scandi design complemented her bedroom decor and said that its compact fold was perfect for space-saving. She also loved that one side of the crib drops down, allowing her to pick up her sleeping baby without having to leave her bed. This is especially helpful in the event that you've had an emergency C-section or are recovering from an Caesarean which allows you to sleep close to your baby for a longer period of time.
Another mom who loved using the SnuzPod 4 was Jasmine, who commented that it was simple to move from room to room - something she didn't discover with other cribs she looked at for bedside use. She did note that the handle was stiff and it took an enormous amount of effort to move the crib.
The Tutti Bambini CoZee Air is another crib for bed that is easy to fold and move. It was nominated for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in their Best Cot or Crib category. The neutral colours and slim frame will match most bedrooms. However some of our testers found that the bars were too close to each other. This could cause them to get caught on baby toys or clothing. The bars' distance should not exceed 6.5cm (2 inches) in order to prevent your baby's head from becoming trapped. This crib is also good for babies suffering from reflux because the ComfortAir breathable system helps regulate their body temperature.
Comfort
You'll feel more secure when you are able to reach your baby quickly to feed them in the middle of the night. With a bedside crib it is possible to do this without getting out of the bed. They make it simple to help babies sleep. If you'd like to be able to sleep with your child but do not want to hassle with having to get up every time they need to be fed, a moses-basket is an excellent alternative.
Most bedside cribs are attached to the bedside, which allows you to access and touch your baby. Most have mesh windows which allow you to watch your baby without disrupting the baby. They might also include a reflux setting to aid in colic or reflux.
This crib comes with a wide range of features, but we're amazed by the ComfortAir breathable Mattress that regulates the temperature of your baby's body and maximizes airflow. It's smaller than other cribs which could be useful in areas with limited space. However, our mom testers agree that it's still an excellent choice for those long sleeps.
The cot is securely attached to the side of your bed with adjustable straps, which reduces the possibility of gaps in which your child could get trapped. It also comes with a firm and flat mattress that meets safety standards and promotes healthy sleeping habits.
You should be aware that your baby will begin to get out of their crib once they are standing up at about six months old. It's important that you place your baby in a cot or another sleeping arrangement after they've outgrown their crib.
Another thing to think about is how light the crib is, and if it's suitable for travelling. Many of our mothers appreciate that this crib is able to be disassembled for transport However, some aren't able to put it together. It can also be difficult to keep clean, so you'll need to regularly wipe it down using a cloth or cleaning product.
Storage
A bedside cot suitable for 6 months and over is a bassinet shaped cot that attaches to the side of your mattress to ensure safe co-sleeping. They're great for night feeds, soothing babies back to sleep and allowing mothers who have had an e-csection to keep their baby close.
When you are choosing a crib for your bed, it's important to ensure that it complies with current safety standards. Make sure that the bars are spaced enough apart to prevent your child's head from being stuck, and make sure any drop-down sides are secure and don't open unexpectedly. Also, stay clear of any transfer or stickers on the cot's surface since they could be a choking hazard.
Emily's favorite bedside cot for her baby is the Next2me Magic. It was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in the categories of Best Crib or Cot, and Best Moses Basket. It's a decent size, with plenty of space for the essentials of your baby. It's also lightweight and compact enough to fit in its travel bag in case you have to transport it from room to room. If you're looking for something less complicated her recommendation is Shnuggle Air beside Crib.