Bedside Cot 6 Months Plus
Bedside sleepers allow you to keep your baby in the same space with you, without the risks associated with bed-sharing. They are also a great choice for babies.
Find models with an adjustable height position that gives a perfect fit on the majority of bed frames. Also, look for breathable fabrics that are easy to clean.
Safety
A bedside cot can be described as an upholstered bassinet that is attached to the bed's side to allow secure co-sleeping. It can be used to lift your baby toward you to comfort them, feed them or to help soothe them at the night. It's also an excellent option if you had a c-section. It's different from a Moses basket or cot as it has high sides, so your baby won't fall out. Some come with a tilt feature 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 the same room as their parents. They should not be sleeping in your bed. Sharing a bed increases the risk of overheating or suffocation. Bedside cribs offer the best of both worlds, permitting your child to sleep close to you during the night, but still in their own secure and private sleeping space.
When you are choosing a crib for your bed, check that it meets the latest safety standards (it should be BS EN 1130:2019) and doesn't have any gaps or parts that could cause your baby to be trapped. Also, look for a mattress that is firm and flat. A sagging or overly soft mattress can increase the risk of SIDS, so choose for a brand new mattress, instead of second-hand.
Look for bedding that is well-fitted and free of loose blankets or pillowcases. Pillows can cause suffocation and duvets can be a hazard to the baby's face. It's best to opt for a fitted sheet but ensure it fits properly.
The SnuzPod4 was rated highly by our MFM mom testers as a crib for use in bed. It has been nominated for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in the category of Best Cot, Moses Basket or Crib. It attaches securely to the bed and comes with an adjustable height setting for a perfect fit. It has a rocking feature and can be adjusted to an inclined position for reflux. It's a great option for those with narrow or small beds as it does not take up much space.
www.cots4tots.co.uk of a bedside crib is crucial as it is the area where your baby will spend most of their time. There are many cribs available in a variety of colors to match your decor and have features like mesh windows that keep baby in view, or side panels that drop down that allow for easier access. Some cribs have incline features to aid with reflux.
Most cribs can also be raised and lowered to the same height as your bed, making it easier to get out and in to your bed at time of night. Some cribs can be used as travel cots. This is a great feature when you are travelling or visiting family.
Home tester and MFM mum Leya found the SnuzPod 4's sleek, Scandi style complemented her bedroom decor, adding that its compact fold was ideal for sizing up space. Leya also appreciated that one side of crib can be lowered, allowing her to pick up her child without having to leave the bed. This is particularly beneficial if you've had an Caesarean or are recovering from one. You can remain close to your baby for a longer period of time.
Jasmine is a mother who also loved using the SnuzPod 4. She said it was easy for her to move the crib from one room to another and back again - something she didn't discover with other cribs for bed. She did mention that the handle was stiff and required quite a bit of effort to move the crib.
Another crib for bedside that is easy to fold and move is the Tutti Bambini CoZee Air, which was shortlisted in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for The Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket. The neutral colours and slim frame will fit in with most bedrooms. However, some of our testers found that the bars were too close together. This could result in them getting caught on baby toys or clothes. The bars' distance shouldn't exceed 6.5cm (2 inches) to avoid your baby's head from getting stuck. This crib is also suitable for babies suffering from reflux because the ComfortAir breathable system helps regulate their body temperature.
Comfort
A close and secure baby all night will give you peace of mind, but you should be capable of reaching them quickly to feed them in the middle of the night. You can accomplish this without having to get out of bed with a crib at your bedside. They also make it easier to help babies fall asleep. If you'd like to be able to lay down 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.
The majority of cribs for bedside use can be attached to the sides of your bed that allows you to see and reach your baby easily. They typically come with a mesh window, so you can check on your baby without disrupting them. You can also find a reflux setting that helps with colic and reflux.
We're amazed by the amount of features that are included on this crib, especially the ComfortAir mattress, which is breathable and works to regulate your baby's temperature as well as increase airflow. It's smaller than other bedside cribs which can be beneficial in areas that are limited in space. Our mom testers are of the opinion that this is an excellent choice for those sleepless nights.
The cot securely attaches to the bed's side by means of adjustable straps. This reduces the risk of gaps that your child could get trapped. It is equipped with a flat, firm mattress that is safe and promotes good sleeping habits.
It is important to know that your baby is likely to leave their crib once they are capable of sitting upright typically around six months. This is why it's essential to put them in a cot or other sleeping arrangement when they've outgrown the crib.
A lightweight cot that is suitable for travel is a further option to think about. Some of our mothers love the fact that this crib is able to be dismantled to make it easy to transport, whereas others find it a bit difficult to assemble and then put back together. It can also be difficult to keep clean and therefore you'll have to regularly wipe it down using a cloth or cleaning product.
Storage
A bedside cot that is 6 months old plus is a bassinet-style cot which is fixed to the bed's side for safe co-sleeping. These are great for soothing babies to sleep, for night feedings, and for mothers who had a c-section to keep their baby close.
When you are choosing a crib for your bed it is important to make sure that it meets current safety standards. Check that the bars are spaced enough apart to prevent your baby's head becoming trapped. Also, make sure that any sides that drop down are secured and don't open unexpectedly. Also, avoid any transfer or stickers on the cot's surface as they can be an choking hazard.
Emily's top choice for a bedside cot is the Next2me Magic, which was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Cot Crib, Crib, or Moses Basket. It's a decent size, with plenty of space for all your baby's essentials. It's also light and compact enough to fit in its travel bag should you need to move it from room to room. If you want something simpler she suggests Shnuggle Air beside Crib.