Bedside Cot 6 Months Plus
Bedside sleepers let you keep your baby in the same room as you, without the risks associated with bed-sharing. They are also a great choice for infants.
Models that have adjustable height settings will fit perfectly on most bed frames. Also look for breathable fabrics that are easy to clean.
Safety
A bedside cot is an old-fashioned bassinet cot that can be fixed to the bed's side for safe co-sleeping. It can be used to lift your baby to you to provide comfort, feed or to help soothe them at night. It's also a great alternative if you've had a c section. It's different from a Moses basket or cot due to the fact that it has high sides, so your baby can't fall out. Some models come with tilting features that aid babies suffering from colic and reflux. They are also slightly larger than Moses baskets, which makes them easier to move from room to room.
The NHS and the safe sleep charity The Lullaby Trust advise that newborns should be kept in their own cot or bassinet in the same room with their parents however, not in your bed. This is because bed-sharing increases the chance of suffocation and overheating. Bedside cribs give you the best of both worlds by giving your baby the opportunity to be close to you at night, but still in their own secure and private sleeping space.
Make sure the crib is compliant with the latest safety standards. It must be BS EN1130:2019. Also, ensure there aren't any gaps or parts that could allow your child to get trapped. Look for a mattress with an even, firm surface. A sagging or overly soft mattress could increase the risk of SIDS, so go for a new one instead of a second-hand.
Finally, you should look for bedding that's fitted and free of loose blankets or pillows. Pillows pose a risk of suffocation and duvets could get stuck to baby's face. It's a good idea to opt for a fitted sheet but ensure it's fitted correctly.
The SnuzPod4 was highly rated by our MFM mom test participants as a crib that is suitable for use at bedtime. It has been nominated for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in the category of the Best Cot, Moses Basket or Crib. It is secure to the bed and features an adjustable height that allows for an ideal fit. It comes with a rocking function and can be adjusted to an inclined angle for reflux.
bedside rocking crib is a great choice for those who have narrow or small beds because it doesn't take up any space.
Design
It is important to consider the design of your bedside crib, as this will be where you baby will spend the majority of their time.
bedside cots uk are available in a variety of colours that can be matched to your decor. Some have features such as mesh windows to keep your baby visible or drop-down sides that make it easier to access. Some cribs have incline features to aid in reflux.
You can adjust the height of the majority of cribs to match your bed height making it easier for you to get into and out of the bed. Some cribs can also be used as travel cots. This is a great option when you are travelling or visiting relatives.
Home tester and MFM mother Leya found the SnuzPod 4's sleek Scandi styling complements her bedroom decor and said that its compact fold was ideal for space-saving. She also appreciated that one side of the crib is lowered so that she can pick up her sleeping newborn without having to leave her bed. This is especially helpful if you have had C-sections or are recovering from an Caesarean because it allows you to stay close to your baby for a longer period of time.
Another mom who was happy using the SnuzPod 4 was Jasmine who noted 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 required some effort to lift and lower the crib since the handle was stiff.
Another crib that's easy to fold and move is the Tutti Bambini CoZee Air, which was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards as the The Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket. Its slim frame and neutral color options can be incorporated into most bedrooms, although some of our home testers felt the bars were too close together, which means they could get caught on clothing or toys for babies. The distance between bars should not exceed 6.5cm (2.5 inches) to ensure that your baby's head doesn't get caught in. This crib is also good for babies with reflux, due to the ComfortAir air-tight system helps regulate body temperature.
Comfort
You will feel more secure if are able to reach your baby quickly to feed them during the middle of the night. With a bedside crib, you can do this without having to get out of the bed. These cribs make it simple to help babies sleep. If you want to be able to sleep with your child but don't want to hassle with getting up each time they're fed, a moses-basket can be an ideal alternative.
The majority of cribs for bedside are attached to the bedside, so you are able to easily be able to see and reach your baby. Some have mesh windows, which allow you to watch your baby without disrupting the baby. They may also have a reflux setting to help with colic or reflux.
This crib has a lot of features, but we're impressed by the ComfortAir mattress that is breathable and regulates the temperature of your baby's body and increases airflow. It's smaller than other bedside cribs that could be useful in areas with limited space. However, our mom testers agree that it's an excellent option for those long sleeps.
The cot is secured to the bed's side using adjustable straps. This reduces the possibility of gaps where your child can get trapped. It also comes with a firm, flat mattress that meets safety standards and encourages safe sleep habits.
One thing to keep in mind is that your baby could begin to leave the crib when they're tall enough to sit, usually around six months. It is essential to place your child in a cot, or a different sleeping arrangement when they've outgrown their crib.
Another feature to think about is how light the crib is, and if it's suitable for traveling. Some of our mothers love the fact that this crib is able to be dismantled for easy transport, while others find it a bit tricky to assemble and reassemble. It is also difficult to keep clean and therefore you'll have regularly clean it using a cloth or cleaning product.
Storage
A bedside cot for 6 months and older is a bassinet shaped cot that attaches to the side of your mattress for secure co-sleeping. They are great for feeding at night, soothing babies back to sleep and enabling mums 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 is in line with current safety standards. Make sure that the bars on the crib are spaced sufficiently apart to prevent your child's head from getting trapped. Also, make sure that any drop-down side is safe and doesn't fall open accidentally. Avoid placing
rocking bedside crib or transfers on the surface of the cot since they could be the risk of choking.
Emily's favorite bedside cot for her baby is the Next2me Magic. It was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in the categories of Best Crib or Cot and Best Moses Basket. It's a decent size and has plenty of storage space for all the baby necessities. It's also compact and light enough to fit in a travel bag should you need to transport it from room to room. If you're looking for something a little easier, she suggests the Shnuggle Air on the side of the crib.