Bedside Cot 6 Months Plus
Bedside sleepers allow you to keep your baby in the same room as you without the risk associated with bed-sharing. They're an excellent choice for newborns.
Look for models with an adjustable height which allows for a perfect fit on the majority of 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 side of a bed for safe sleeping. It can be used to bring your baby towards you for comfort, feeding or to soothe your baby at night. It's also a great 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 be pushed out. Some come with a tilt feature which can help babies suffering from reflux and colic. They are also slightly bigger 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 as their parent however, not in your bed. This is because bed-sharing increases the chance of suffocation and overheating. Bedside cribs permit your baby to rest close to you, but in a safe and distinct space.
When selecting a crib that is bedside, 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 become trapped. Also, look for mattresses that are firm and flat. A sagging mattress or one that is too soft can increase the risk of SIDS in your baby.
Find bedding that is well-fitted and does not have loose blankets or pillowcases. Pillows are a suffocation risk and duvets can get stuck on the baby's face. Use a fitted sheet, but ensure that it is fitted correctly.
Our MFM mom testers have discovered that the SnuzPod4 is an excellent option for a crib that is positioned near the bed, being shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in the Best Cot, Crib, or Moses Basket category. It is secure to the bed and features an adjustable height to ensure the perfect fit. It features a rocking feature and can be adjusted to an inclined position to prevent reflux. It is also an excellent option for those with narrow or small beds because it doesn't take up much space.
Design
It is crucial 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. There are many cribs available in a variety of colors to match your decor and include features such as mesh windows that keep your baby in view, or sides that drop down that allow for easier access. Some cribs also have incline features to help with reflux.
Most cribs can also be raised and lowered to fit the height of your bed, making it easier to get in and out of bed at the end of the night. You can also find a few that are designed to function as travel cots, which is great if you're travelling or visiting relatives.
Leya Leya, an MFM mum and home tester, realized that the SnuzPod 4 was a great design for her bedroom. She also loved its compact fold which saved space. She also liked that the crib's one side is lowered, allowing her to pick up her sleeping baby without leaving her bed. This is especially helpful in the event that you've been through an Caesarean or are recovering after one. You can stay near your baby for longer.
Jasmine is another mom who liked using the SnuzPod 4. She noted that it was easy 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 noted that it took some effort to raise and lower the crib since the handle was stiff.
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 as the The Best Cot Crib, Moses Basket. The neutral colours and slim frame are perfect for the majority of bedrooms. However, some of our testers thought that the bars were too close together. This could cause them to get caught on baby toys or clothes.
small bedside cot cotsfortots between the bars should not exceed 6.5cm (2.5 inches) to ensure that your baby's head doesn't get caught in. This crib is ideal for reflux babies too, as its ComfortAir breathing technology helps regulate their temperature.
Comfort
Staying close to your baby all night will give you peace of mind, but you need to be able to reach them quickly for middle-of-the-night feeding. You can accomplish this without having to get up from bed with a crib at your bedside. They also make it easy to help babies fall asleep. If you want to 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-basket is an ideal alternative.
Most cribs that are bedside can be positioned on the side of your bed that allows you to see and access your baby easily. They usually feature a mesh-like window so you can check on your baby without disturbing them. They might also have a reflux setting to help with reflux or colic.
The crib is loaded with a variety of features, but we're most amazed by the ComfortAir breathable Mattress that regulates the temperature of your baby's body and maximizes airflow. It's smaller than other cribs for bedside use that could be useful in areas with limited space. Our mom testers are of the opinion that this is still an excellent option for sleepless, long nights.
The cot is securely attached to the side of the bed using adjustable straps. This minimizes the chance of gaps in which your child could become trapped. It has an even, firm mattress that complies with safety standards and promotes healthy sleeping habits.
You should be aware that your baby is likely to leave their crib when they are able to sit upright, which is usually around six months. It's crucial to put your child in a cot, or another sleeping arrangement, once they outgrow their crib.
Another feature to take into consideration is how light the crib is and if it's suitable for travelling. Some of our mums really appreciate the fact that this crib can be taken apart for easy transport, but others find it a bit difficult to assemble and then 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 for six months and older is a bassinet shaped bed that can be attached to the side of your mattress for secure co-sleeping. They're ideal for feeding your baby at night as well as calming babies to sleep, and allowing mothers who have had C-sections to keep their baby close.
When choosing a bedside crib it is important to make sure that it is in line with current safety standards. Verify that the crib's bars are sufficiently far apart to prevent your child's head from getting trapped. Also, ensure that the drop-down sides are safe and doesn't fall open accidentally. Avoid placing stickers or transfers onto the surface of the cot as they may pose a choking risk.
Emily's bedside cot of choice 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 is a good size with plenty of storage for the essentials of your baby. It's also light and compact enough to fit in its travel bag in case you need to transport it from room to room. If you want something simpler, she recommends Shnuggle Air in addition to Crib.