Bedside Cot 6 Months Plus

Bedside sleepers allow you to keep your baby in the same room with you without the risk of bed-sharing. They're an excellent choice for infants.

Look for models with an adjustable height that will fit perfectly on all bed frames. Choose fabrics that are easy-to-clean and comfortable to breathe.

Safety

A bedside cot can be described as a bassinet that is connected to the bed's side for safe sleeping. It can be used to bring your baby to you to comfort them, feed them or to help soothe them at the end of the night. It's also an excellent 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 isn't able to fall out. Some models have tilt features that can help babies with colic and reflux. They're also a bit larger than Moses baskets, which could make them easier to transport 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 because sharing a bed increases the risk of suffocation as well as overheating. Bedside cribs permit your baby to sleep with you, but in a safe and private space.

Make sure the crib is compliant with the most recent safety standards. bedside cot mattress should be BS EN1130, 2019. Also, ensure that there aren't any gaps or parts that could allow your child to get trapped. Also consider a mattress that's solid and flat. A sagging or too soft mattress could increase the risk of SIDS, so opt for a brand new mattress, instead of second-hand.

Also, make sure you choose bedding that is fitted and free of loose blankets or pillows. Pillows can cause suffocation and duvets can get stuck on the baby's face. It's a good idea to use a fitted sheet instead, but make sure it's sized correctly.

Our MFM mother 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 comes with an adjustable height setting for a perfect fit. It also has a rocking feature and can be adjusted to incline for reflux. It is also an excellent choice for those who have small or narrow beds as it doesn't take up any space.

Design

It is crucial to think about the design of your bedside crib, as this will be where you baby will spend the majority of their time. There are a variety of cribs available in a range of colors that match your decor. Some have features like mesh windows to keep your baby's view or drop-down sides that make it easier to access. Some cribs come with incline features to aid in reflux.

Many cribs can also be adjusted to the same height as your bed, making it simple 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 are great for those who are traveling or visiting relatives.

Home tester and MFM mum Leya found that the SnuzPod 4's sleek Scandi styling was a perfect match for her bedroom and said that its compact fold was perfect for sizing up space. She also loved that the crib's one side can be lowered and allows her to take her newborn baby to bed without leaving her bed. This is particularly helpful in the event that you've had a Caesarean or are recovering from one. You can remain 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 easy to move from room room, something she didn't discover with other bedside cribs she tested. However, she did note that it required some effort to raise and lower the crib, since the handle was stiff.

The Tutti Bambini CoZee Air is another crib that is easy to fold and move. It was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in their Best Cot or Crib category. The neutral colours and slim frame will fit in with the majority of bedrooms. However, some of our testers felt that the bars were too close to each other. This could cause them to catch on baby toys or clothing. The distance between bars should not exceed 6.5cm (2.5 inches) to ensure that your baby's head can't become trapped. This crib is also ideal for babies who have reflux, due to the ComfortAir air-tight system helps regulate body temperature.

Comfort

Staying close to your baby all night will provide peace of mind, but you must be capable of reaching them quickly for middle-of-the-night feeding. With a crib at your bedside, you can do this easily without getting out of your bed. They also make it simple to calm babies back to sleep. If you'd like to to lay down with your child but do not wish to be a burden of getting up every time they need to be fed, a moses-basket can be a good option.

Most cribs that are bedside can be attached to the bed's side that allows you to see and reach your baby easily. Many have mesh windows so you can monitor your baby without disturbing the baby. They might also have 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 air-tight Mattress that regulates the temperature of your baby's body and maximizes airflow. It's a bit smaller than some other bedside cribs, which may be helpful where space is limited. However, our mum testers are in agreement that it's an excellent choice for those long nights.

The cot is securely attached to the bed's side using adjustable straps. This eliminates the risk of gaps where your child can get trapped. It is equipped with a firm, flat mattress that is safe and promotes good sleeping habits.

It is important to be aware that your baby is likely to leave their crib once they are standing up, which is usually about six months old. It's crucial to put your baby in a cot or another sleeping arrangement, once they outgrow their crib.

A cot that is lightweight and suitable for travel is a further feature to consider. Many of our mothers appreciate that this crib is able to be disassembled to transport it however, others aren't able to put it together. It isn't easy to clean, so you'll need to wipe it down often using an appropriate cleaning product and cloth.

Stores

A bedside cot that is 6 months old plus is a bassinet-style cot which is fixed to the side of your bed for a safe and secure co-sleeping. They are great for feeding at night as well as calming babies to sleep and allowing mothers who have had a c-section to keep their baby close.

When selecting a crib that is bedside it is important to make sure that it meets current safety standards. Make sure that the bars on the crib are positioned sufficiently apart to prevent your child's head from getting trapped. Also, ensure that any drop-down side is secured and doesn't open accidentally. Also, beware of any transfer or stickers on the cot's surface since they could be an choking hazard.

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 offers plenty of storage space to store everything your baby needs. It's also small and light enough to fit into a bag for travel, should you need to move it around. If you're looking for something a bit simpler, she recommends the Shnuggle Air beside crib.