Bedside Cot 6 Months Plus
Bedside sleepers let you keep your baby in the same space with you without the risk of sharing a bed. They're also a great option for newborns.
Find models with an adjustable height position that allows for 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 that is connected to the bed's side to ensure safe cosleeping. It can be used to bring your baby toward you to comfort them, feed them or to help soothe them at the end of the night. It's also a great 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 won't fall out. Some models come with tilt features that can aid babies suffering from colic and reflux. They're also a bit larger than Moses baskets, which could make them easier to carry from room to room.
The NHS and The Lullaby Trust, a safe sleep charity, recommend that newborns be kept in a bassinet or cot that is in the same room as their parents. They should not be in your bed. This is due to bed sharing increasing the risk of suffocation and overheating. Bedside cribs give you the best of both worlds by allowing your baby to be close to you throughout the night, but still in their own safe and separate sleeping space.
Check that the crib meets the latest safety standards. It must be BS EN1130:2019. Also, make sure there aren't any gaps or areas where your child could become trapped. Also, look for mattresses that are firm and flat. A mattress that is sagging or that is too soft could increase the risk of SIDS for your child.
Look for bedding that is well-fitted and free of pillows or blankets that are loose. Duvets and pillows can suffocate your baby, while pillows can get stuck to their face. Use a fitted sheet however, make sure it is fitted correctly.
The SnuzPod4 was highly rated by our MFM mum testers as a crib for use at bedtime. It has been shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards under the category of the Best Cot, Moses Basket or Crib. It is secured to the bed, and it is adjustable to ensure an ideal fit. It comes with a rocking function and can be adjusted to an inclined position to prevent reflux. It is also an excellent option for those with narrow or small beds as it doesn't take up any space.
Design
It is essential to think about the style of your crib at night, as this will be the place where your baby will spend the majority of their time. A lot of cribs are available in a choice of colours to complement your decor. They also feature features such as mesh windows that keep your baby in view, or side panels that drop down that allow for easier access. Some even have incline functions to ease reflux.
The majority of cribs can be raised and lowered to fit the height of your bed, making it easy to get in and out of bed at the end of the night. There are even some that are made to work as travel cots, which is great if you're travelling or visiting relatives.
Leya is an MFM mum and home tester, found that the SnuzPod 4 was a great choice for her bedroom. She also loved its compact fold that saved space. She also appreciated the fact that one side of the crib can be raised, letting her to pick up her child without having to leave the bed. This is particularly beneficial when you've been through an Caesarean or are recovering after one. You can stay close to your baby for a longer time.
Another mom who loved using the SnuzPod 4 is Jasmine who said that it was easy to move from room room - something she didn't discover with other bedside cribs she tested. However, she noted that it took some effort to raise and lower the crib, because the handle was rigid.
Another crib that's easy to fold and move is the Tutti Bambini CoZee Air, which was shortlisted in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards as the The Best Cot Crib, Moses Basket. Its slim frame and neutral colors will fit in with most bedrooms, although some of our testers at home felt the bars were too close together, meaning they could catch on clothes or toys for babies. The distance between bars should not exceed 6.5cm (2.5 inches) to ensure that your baby's head isn't entangled. This crib is also ideal for babies suffering from reflux because the ComfortAir air-tight system helps regulate body temperature.
Comfort
You'll feel more secure if you can quickly reach your baby to feed them during the middle of the night. It is easy to do this without having to get out of bed with a crib right at your bedside. They make it simple to soothe babies into sleep. If you want to to lay down with your child but do not wish to be a burden of having to get up every time they need to be fed, a moses's-basket is a good alternative.
The majority of cribs for bedside use can be affixed to the bed's side that allows you to see and get to your baby easily. They often come with a mesh window, so you can check on your baby without disrupting them. They may also have a reflux setting to help with reflux or colic.
This crib has a lot of features, but we're 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 bedside cribs which can be useful when space is tight. Our mum testers agree that this is an excellent choice for sleepless, long nights.
The cot is securely attached to the side of the bed using adjustable straps. This eliminates the risk of gaps where your child may get trapped. It is equipped with a firm, flat mattress that is safe and encourages good sleep habits.
It is important to know that your baby is likely to get out of their crib when they are able to sit upright, which is usually around six months. This is why it's essential to place them in a cot or other sleeping arrangement when they've outgrown the crib.
A cot that is light and suitable for travel is a further aspect to consider. Some of our mums really love the fact that this crib is able to be dismantled for easy transport, while others find it a bit tricky to assemble and rebuild. It can also be difficult to keep clean and therefore you'll have to clean it regularly using a cloth or cleaning product.
Stores
A bedside cot suitable for 6 months and older is a bassinet shaped crib that is attached to the side of your mattress to ensure secure co-sleeping. best bedside cot for newborn are ideal for calming babies to sleep, for night feedings and allowing mums who had a c section to keep their baby close.
When choosing a bedside crib it's crucial to make sure that it meets current safety standards. Check that the bars on the crib are spaced sufficiently apart to keep your child's head from becoming trapped. Also, ensure that the drop-down sides are secure and doesn't open unintentionally. Also, stay clear of any transfer or stickers that are placed on the cot's surface since they could pose dangerous to 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 great size and has plenty of storage space to store all your baby essentials. It is also compact and lightweight enough to fit in a travel bag, if you need to move it around. If you're looking for something less complicated, she recommends Shnuggle Air beside Crib.