Bedside Cot 6 Months Plus
Bedside sleepers let you keep your baby in the same room with you without the risk associated with sharing a bed. They're a great choice for babies.
Find models with an adjustable height that will fit perfectly on all bed frames. Also look for
bedside cots uk that are easy to clean.
Safety
A bedside cot is basically an upholstered bassinet that is attached to the bed's side for secure co-sleeping. It can be used to bring your baby toward you for comfort, feeding or to soothe your baby at the night. It's also an excellent alternative if you've had a c section. It's different from a Moses basket or cot because it has high sides to ensure your baby isn't able to fall out. Some models have a tilt function that can aid babies with reflux and colic. They're also a bit larger than Moses baskets, which may make them easier to move 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 sleeping in your bed. This is because bed-sharing increases the risk of suffocation and overheating. Bedside cribs offer the best of both worlds by permitting your child to sleep close to you at night, but in their own secure and private sleeping space.
When selecting a crib that is bedside, check that it meets the most recent safety standards (it should be BS EN 1130:2019) and does not have any gaps or parts that could cause your baby to get trapped. Choose a mattress that has a flat, firm surface. A sagging or too soft mattress could increase your baby's risk of SIDS, so opt for a brand new mattress instead of second-hand.
Finally, you should look for bedding that is affixed and free of any loose blankets or pillows. Duvets and pillows could suffocate your baby, and pillows can get stuck to their face. Use a fitted sheet but ensure that it is properly fitted.
The SnuzPod4 was rated highly by our MFM mom test participants as a crib that is suitable for bedside use. It was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in the category of Best Cot, Moses Basket or Crib. It is attached securely to the bed and is adjustable to ensure the perfect fit. It features a rocking feature and can be set to an inclined angle for reflux. It's a good choice for those with small or narrow beds as it does not take up much space.
Design
It is important to consider the style of your crib at night, as this will be where you 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 have features like mesh windows that keep baby in view, or drop-down sides that make it easier to reach. Some cribs come with incline features to aid in reflux.
The majority of cribs can be raised and lowered to match the height of your bed, making it easier to get into and out of your bed at night. You can also find a few 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 discovered that the SnuzPod 4's sleek, Scandi style complemented her bedroom decor and said that its compact fold was ideal for space-saving. She also liked that the crib's one side can be lowered, allowing her to pick up her sleeping baby without having to leave her bed. This is especially beneficial in the event that you've had a C-section or are recovering from an Caesarean, as it means you can sleep near your baby for longer.
Jasmine is a mother who also loved using the SnuzPod 4. She noted that it was simple for her to move the crib from one room to the next and back again - something she didn't find with other bedside cribs. However, she said that it took some effort to lift and lower the crib, as the handle was quite rigid.
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 the Best Cot or Crib category. The neutral colours and slim frame are perfect for most bedrooms. However, some of our testers found that the bars were too close to each other. This could cause them to get caught on baby toys or clothing. The distance between bars should not exceed 6.5cm (2.5 inches) to ensure your baby's head can't become trapped. This crib is also ideal for babies suffering from reflux due to the ComfortAir air-flow system assists in regulating their body temperature.
Comfort
Keeping your baby close throughout the night will give you peace of mind, but you need to 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 getting out of your bed. These cribs make it simple to soothe babies to sleep. If you want to be able to sleep with your child but don't want to hassle with having to get up every time they need to be fed, a moses's-basket is a good option.
The majority of cribs for bedside are connected to the bedside so you are able to easily access and touch your baby. Many have mesh windows so you can monitor your baby without disrupting the baby. They might also include a setting for reflux to help with colic or reflux.
We're amazed by the amount of features that are included on this crib, particularly the ComfortAir air-tight mattress that helps to regulate your baby's temperature and maximise airflow. It's smaller than other cribs which could be useful in areas that are limited in space. Our mum testers agree that this is a great choice for sleepless, long nights.
The cot is securely attached to the side of the bed with adjustable straps. This minimizes the chance of gaps where your child could become trapped. It comes with an even, firm mattress that complies with safety standards and promotes healthy sleep habits.
One thing to bear in mind is that your baby may start to climb out of the crib when they're able to sit, usually around six months. It is essential to place your child in a cot or in a different arrangement for sleeping after they've outgrown their crib.
Another aspect to think about is how light the cot is and whether it's suitable for traveling. Some of our mums really love the fact that this crib can be taken apart for easy transport, but others find it tricky to assemble and reassemble. It's also a challenge to keep clean and you'll need to clean it regularly using a cloth or cleaning product.
Stores
A bedside cot for 6 months and older is a bassinet style cot that attaches to the side of your mattress for safe co-sleeping. They are ideal for calming babies to sleep, allowing night feedings and also allowing mothers who had a csection to keep their baby close.
When you are choosing a crib for your bed it's crucial to make sure that it is in line with current safety standards. Verify that the bars are enough apart to avoid your child's head from being stuck, and make sure any drop-down sides are secure and don't open abruptly. Also, beware of any transfer or stickers on the cot's surface as they could be an choking hazard.
Emily's top choice for a bedside crib 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 and has lots of storage space for everything your baby needs. It's also light and compact enough to fit in its travel bag in case you have to transport it from room to room. If you're looking for something a little more simple, she suggests the Shnuggle Air on the side of the crib.