Bedside Cot 6 Months Plus
Bedside sleepers allow you to keep your baby in the same space with you without the dangers of bed-sharing. They're also a great option for babies.
Look for models with an adjustable height which will fit perfectly on all bed frames. Also, look for breathable fabrics that are easy to clean.
Safety
A bedside cot can be described as a bassinet which is attached to the side of a bed for safe sleeping. It is a great way to raise your baby towards you in the evening for feeding, soothing or comforting and it's also a great option in the event of an 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 that can aid babies with reflux and colic. They are also a bit larger than Moses baskets which makes them easier to move from room room.
The NHS and The Lullaby Trust, a safe sleep charity, recommend that infants be placed in a bassinet or cot in same room as their parents. They should not be sleeping in your bed. Bed-sharing increases the risks of suffocation or overheating. Bedside cribs permit your baby to sleep close to you however, in a secure and private space.
Check that the crib meets the latest safety standards. It must be BS EN1130:2019. Also, ensure that there aren't any gaps or places where your child could become trapped. Choose a mattress that has a flat, firm surface. A sagging or overly soft mattress could increase your baby's risk of SIDS, so choose for a brand new mattress, instead of second-hand.
Make sure your bedding is fitted and without loose blankets or pillowcases. Pillows pose a risk of suffocation and duvets could get stuck to baby's face. Use a fitted sheet but make sure that it fits properly.
Our MFM mum testers have found that the SnuzPod4 is a great option for a bedside crib, shortlisted in 2021's Mother&Baby Awards in the Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket category. It is securely attached to the bed, and it is adjustable to ensure an ideal fit. It features a rocking feature and can be set to an inclined position for reflux. It's a good choice for people with narrow or small beds because it does not take up much room.
Design
It is important to consider the design of your bedside crib since this is the place where your baby will spend the majority of their time. A lot of cribs are available with a variety of colors to suit your decor and feature features such as mesh windows that keep your baby in view, or side panels that drop down that allow you to reach it. Some cribs are equipped with incline options to aid in reflux.
Most cribs can also be lowered and raised to the same height as your bed, making it simple to get out and in to bed at night. You can even find some that are made to work as travel cots, which is great if you're travelling or visiting relatives.
Leya Leya, an MFM mother and home tester, discovered that the SnuzPod 4 was a great fit for her bedroom decor. She also appreciated its compact fold, which helped save space. Leya also appreciated that one side of the crib can be raised, letting her to pick up her child without having to leave the bed. This is especially helpful if you've been through an Caesarean or are recovering from one. You can stay close to your baby for a longer time.
Another mum who enjoyed using the SnuzPod 4 was Jasmine, who commented that it was simple to move from room room, something she didn't discover with other bedside cribs she tested. wooden bedside cot did mention that the handle was stiff and it took quite a bit of effort to move the crib.
Another crib that's easy to fold and move is the Tutti Bambini CoZee Air, which was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards to be the best Cot Crib, Moses Basket. Its slim frame and neutral colors will work well in all bedrooms, though some of our testers at home felt the bars were too close, which means they could get caught on clothing or baby toys. The distance between bars should be no more than 6.5cm (2.5 inches) to ensure your baby's head can't become trapped. This is a great crib for babies who have reflux, as its ComfortAir breathable technology helps regulate temperature.
Comfort
A close and secure baby all night will give you peace of mind, but you should be capable of reaching them quickly during the night for feeding. It is easy to do this without having to get out of bed with a crib at your bedside. These cribs make it easy to help babies sleep. If you want to be able to sleep with your child, but do not want the hassle of getting up each time they're fed, a moses-basket can be an excellent alternative.
Most bedside cribs are attached to the bedside, which allows you to be able to see and reach your baby. They typically come with a mesh window, which allows you to observe your baby without disturbing them. You can also find an option to treat reflux that can help with colic and reflux.
We're impressed with the number of features that are included 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 bit smaller than other cribs that are bedside and can be useful where space is limited. However, our mum testers agree that it's an excellent option for those long nights.
The cot is attached securely to the bed's side using adjustable straps. This minimizes the chance of gaps in which your child can get trapped. It is equipped with a firm, flat mattress that complies with safety standards and encourages good sleep habits.
You should be aware that your baby is likely to climb out of their crib once they are standing up at about six months old. It's important that you place your child in a cot, or another sleeping arrangement when they've outgrown their crib.
A cot that is light and suitable for travel is an additional option to think about. Some of our mums really enjoy the fact that the crib can be taken apart to make it easy to transport, whereas others find it difficult to assemble and rebuild. It isn't easy to clean so you will have to clean it frequently using the aid of a cleaner and a cloth.
Stores
A bedside cot 6 months 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, allowing night feedings, and for mothers who had a csection to keep their baby close.
It's important that you choose cribs that meet the latest safety standards. Check that the bars on the crib are sufficiently far apart to prevent your child's head from getting trapped. Also, make sure that the drop-down sides are secure and doesn't open unintentionally. Also, avoid any transfer or stickers that are placed on the cot's surface since they could be dangerous to choking.
Emily's preferred bedside cot for her baby is the Next2me Magic. It was selected for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in the categories of Best Cot or Crib, and Best Moses Basket. It's a decent size and has lots of storage space to store everything your baby needs. It's also lightweight and compact enough to fit in a travel bag in case you need to transport it from room to room. If you want something simpler her recommendation is Shnuggle Air beside Crib.