Bedside Cot 6 Months Plus

Bedside sleepers allow you to keep your baby close to you do without the danger of bed-sharing, which is associated with a higher risk of suffocation. They are also a great choice for newborns.

Models that have adjustable height positions will fit perfectly on the majority of bed frames. Also, look for breathable fabrics that are easy to clean.

Safety

A bedside cot is basically an upholstered bassinet that is attached to the side of your bed for safe co-sleeping. It can be used to pull your baby toward you to comfort them, feed them or to soothe your baby at the night. It's also an excellent alternative if you've had a c section. It differs from a Moses Basket or Cot in that it has high walls, so your baby cannot escape. Some models have tilting features that help babies with colic or reflux. They are also slightly bigger than Moses baskets, which may make them easier to transport from room to room.

The NHS and safe sleep charity The Lullaby Trust advise that newborns should be kept in their own bassinet or cot in the same room as their parent however, not in your bed. This is due to bed sharing increasing the risk of suffocation as well as overheating. Bedside cribs allow your child to sleep close to you however, in a secure and distinct space.

When you are choosing a crib for your bed ensure that it meets the latest safety standards (it should be BS EN 1130:2019) and has no gaps or parts that could cause your child to become trapped. Also consider a mattress that's solid and flat. A sagging or too soft mattress can increase your baby's risk of SIDS, so opt for a new one rather than second-hand.

Find bedding that is well-fitted and does not have pillows or blankets that are sloppy. Duvets and pillows can suffocate your baby, while pillows can get stuck to their faces. Use a fitted sheet but make sure that it is fitted correctly.

The SnuzPod4 was highly rated by our MFM mother testers as a crib suitable for use in bed. It has been nominated for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in the category of the Best Cot, Moses Basket or Crib. It attaches securely to the bed and has an adjustable height setting for an ideal fit. It also has a rocking function and can be adjusted to incline for reflux. It's also a great choice for those with small or narrow beds as it does not take up much space.

Design

The layout of a bedside crib is important as it will be the place where your child will spend the majority of their time. There are many cribs available in a choice of colours to suit your decor and include features such as mesh windows that keep baby in view, or side panels that drop down that allow for easier access. Some cribs even have incline functions to help with reflux.

You can raise and lower most cribs to match your bed's height, making it easier to get in and out of the bed. There are even some that are designed to work as travel cots, which are great if you're travelling or visiting relatives.

Leya is an MFM mum and home tester, found that the SnuzPod 4 was a great choice for her bedroom. large bedside crib loved its compact fold, which helped save space. She also loved that the crib's one side drops down, allowing her to pick up her sleeping newborn without having to leave her bed. This is particularly helpful if you've been through a 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 enjoyed using the SnuzPod 4. She commented that it was easy for her to move the crib from one room to another and back again - something she didn't find with other bedside cribs. However, she noted that it required some effort to raise 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, Moses Basket. Its slim frame and neutral colour options will fit in with most bedrooms, although some of our home testers thought the bars were too close together, meaning they could catch on clothes or toys for babies. The distance between bars should not exceed 6.5cm (2 inches) to avoid your baby's head from getting stuck. This crib is also ideal for babies suffering from reflux due to the ComfortAir air-tight system helps regulate their body temperature.

Comfort

Keeping your baby close all night will give you peace of mind, but you must be in a position to be able to get them quickly for middle-of-the-night feeding. It is easy to do 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 sleep with your baby, but aren't keen on the idea of getting out of bed for every feeding A moses basket is an ideal choice.


The majority of cribs for bedside use can be positioned on the side of your bed and allow you to view and access your baby easily. They typically come with a mesh window, to allow you to check on your baby without having to disturb them. They may also include a setting for reflux to help with colic or reflux.

We're impressed with the number of features on this crib, especially the ComfortAir mattress, which is breathable and works to regulate your baby's temperature and maximize airflow. It's smaller than other bedside cribs that could be useful in areas that are limited in space. Our mom testers are of the opinion that this crib is 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 may get trapped. It also comes with a firm and flat mattress that meets safety standards and promotes the safest sleeping habits.

One thing to keep in mind is that your baby could begin to climb out of the crib once they're able to sit at around six months. It is essential to place your baby in a cot or in a different arrangement for sleeping, once they outgrow their crib.

Another aspect to think about is how light the crib is, and if it's suitable for traveling. Some of our mothers love that this crib can easily be disassembled for transport, but others find it difficult to assemble. It isn't easy to clean, so you'll have to clean it often using a cleaning product and a cloth.

Storage

A bedside cot for six months and older is a bassinet style crib that is attached to the side of your mattress for safe co-sleeping. They are great for feeding at night, soothing babies to sleep and allowing mothers who have had C-sections to keep their baby close.

It is essential to select cribs that are in line with current safety standards. Make sure that the bars are enough apart to prevent your child's head from being stuck, and make sure the sides that drop down are secure and don't open abruptly. Also, stay clear of any transfer or stickers that are placed on the cot's surface since they can be dangerous to choking.

Emily's top pick for a bedside crib is the Next2me Magic, which was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket. It's a good size and has lots of storage space for all your baby essentials. It's also compact and light enough to fit in a bag for travel, should you're planning to move it around. If you're looking for something a little simpler, she recommends the Shnuggle Air beside crib.