Bedside Cot 6 Months Plus
Bedside sleepers allow you to keep your baby close in the same room as you do without the danger of bed-sharing, which is associated with an increased risk of suffocation. They're also a great option for babies.
Models that have adjustable height positions can be placed perfectly on most bed frames. Find fabrics that are easy to clean and breathable.
Safety
A bedside cot is an old-fashioned bassinet cot that can be fixed to the bed's side to ensure safe co-sleeping. You can use it to pull baby closer to you in the evening for feeding, soothing or comforting and it's a great option for an c-section. It's different from a Moses basket or cot because it has high sides, so your baby isn't able to be pushed out. Some models come with a tilt feature that can aid babies suffering from colic and reflux. They're also a bit bigger than Moses baskets, which could make them easier to transport from room to room.
The NHS and The Lullaby Trust, a safe sleep charity, recommend that babies be placed in a bassinet or cot that is in the same room as their parents. They shouldn't be in your bed. Bed-sharing increases the risks of overheating or suffocation. Bedside cribs give you the best of both worlds, allowing your baby to be close to you at night, but still in their own secure and private sleeping space.
When selecting a crib that is bedside make sure it is in compliance with the most recent safety standards (it must be BS EN 1130:2019) and has no gaps or parts that could cause your child to get trapped. Find a mattress with a firm, flat surface. A sagging mattress or one that is too soft can increase the risk of SIDS in your baby.
Lastly, look for a bedding that's fitted and free of loose blankets or pillows. Duvets and pillows can suffocate your baby, and pillows can get stuck to their faces. It is a good idea to use a fitted sheet instead, but make sure it's fitted correctly.
The SnuzPod4 was rated highly by our MFM mum testers as a crib for use in bed. It has been nominated for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards under the category of Best Cot, Moses Basket or Crib. It is secured to the bed and features an adjustable height to ensure the perfect fit. It also comes with a rocking function and can be set to an incline to prevent reflux. It's a great option for those with narrow or small beds because it does not take up a lot of space.
Design
It is essential to think about the style of your crib at night, as this will be the area where your baby will spend the majority of their time. There are many cribs available in a variety of colors that can be matched to your decor. Some have features such as mesh windows to keep your baby visible or drop-down sides to allow easier access. agree with this 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 easy to get into and out of the bed at the end of the night. You can even find some that are made to work as travel cots, which are great if you're travelling or visiting relatives.
Leya Leya, an MFM mom and home tester, realized that the SnuzPod 4 was a great choice for her bedroom. She also liked its compact fold, which helped save space. She also appreciated the fact that one side of the crib can be raised, letting her pick up her baby without needing to get out of bed. This is particularly beneficial if you've been through a Caesarean or are recovering from one. You can remain close to your baby for a longer period of time.
Another mum who enjoyed 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 bedside cribs she tested. However, she did notice that the handle was a bit stiff and required a lot of effort to lift the crib.
The Tutti Bambini CoZee Air is another crib that is easy to fold and move. It was nominated for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in the Best Cot or Crib category. The neutral colors and slim frame will match the majority of bedrooms. However, some of our testers felt that the bars were too close to each other. This could result in them getting caught on baby toys or clothing. The bars' distance should not exceed 6.5cm (2 inches) to avoid your baby's head from getting stuck. This crib is also ideal for babies with reflux, because the ComfortAir air-flow system helps regulate body temperature.
Comfort
A close and secure baby all night will provide peace of mind, but you should be in a position to be able to get them quickly during the night for feeding. With a crib at your bedside, you can do this without having to get out of the bed. They also make it easier to help babies fall asleep. However, if you want to snuggle with your baby, but don't like the idea of getting out of bed to feed your baby A moses basket is a better choice.
Most bedside cribs are connected to the bedside which allows you to access and touch your baby. Most have mesh windows so you can monitor your baby without disrupting the baby. They may also include a setting for reflux to help with reflux or colic.
The crib is loaded with a variety of features, but we're impressed by the ComfortAir air-tight Mattress that regulates the temperature of your baby's body and increases airflow. It's a bit smaller than some other cribs for bedside use and can be useful where space is limited. Our mum testers agree that this is an excellent option for those sleepless nights.
The cot is securely attached to the bed's side with adjustable straps, which reduces the risk of gaps that your child could get trapped. It comes with a flat, firm mattress that meets safety regulations and encourages good sleeping habits.
It is important to know that your baby will start to climb out of their crib when they are able to sit upright, which is usually around six months. It's important that you place your child in a cot or a different sleeping arrangement, once they outgrow their crib.
A cot that is lightweight and suitable for travel is another option to think about. Some of our mothers are thrilled the fact that this crib can be disassembled for transport, but others aren't able to put it together. It isn't easy to clean, so you'll need to wipe it down regularly with the aid of a cleaner and a cloth.
Storage
A bedside cot for six months and older is a bassinet-style cot that attaches to the side of your mattress to allow secure co-sleeping. These are great for soothing babies to sleep, for night feedings and allowing mums who had a csection to keep their baby close.
When you are choosing a crib for your bed it's crucial to ensure that it complies with current safety standards. Make sure that the bars on the crib are sufficiently far apart to keep your child's head from getting trapped. Also, make sure that the drop-down sides are secured and doesn't open accidentally. Avoid placing stickers or transfers onto the surface of the cot because they may pose the risk of choking.
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's a good size and has plenty of storage space for everything your baby needs. It's also lightweight and compact enough to fit into its travel bag if you have to transport it from room to room. If you're seeking something a bit easier, she suggests the Shnuggle Air next to the crib.