Bedside Cot 6 Months Plus

Bedside sleepers allow you to keep your baby in the same room with you without the risk associated with bed-sharing. They're also a great option for infants.

Models that have adjustable height settings will fit perfectly on most bed frames. Find fabrics that are easy-to-clean and breathable.

Safety

A bedside cot can be described as a bassinet which is attached to the side of a bed for safe cosleeping. It can be used to pull your baby towards you to comfort them, feed them or soothing at night. It's also an excellent alternative if you've have 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 have a tilt function that can aid babies with reflux and colic. They are also slightly bigger than Moses baskets, which may make them easier to carry from room to room.

The NHS and 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. Sharing a bed increases the risk of suffocation or overheating. Bedside cribs permit your baby to sleep close to you however, in a secure and separate space.

When choosing a bedside crib, check that it meets the latest safety standards (it should be BS EN 1130:2019) and has no gaps or parts that could cause your baby to be trapped. Also make sure you choose mattresses that are sturdy and flat. A mattress that is sagging or that is too soft can increase the risk of SIDS in your baby.

Also, make sure you choose bedding that is affixed and free of any loose blankets or pillows. Pillows pose a risk of suffocation and duvets can be a hazard on the baby's face. Use baby bedside cot cotsfortots fitted sheet but make sure that it is fitted correctly.

Our MFM mother testers have discovered that the SnuzPod4 is an excellent 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 secure to the bed and features an adjustable height to ensure the perfect fit. It comes with a rocking function and can be set to an inclined angle for reflux. It's also a great choice for people with narrow or small beds because it does not take up a lot of room.

Design

The design of a bedside crib is important because it is where your baby will spend the majority of their time. Many cribs are available in a variety of colors that can be matched to your decor. Some come with features such as mesh windows to keep the baby's view or drop-down sides to facilitate access. Some cribs are equipped with incline options to aid with reflux.

You can adjust the height of the majority of cribs to match the height of your bed, making it easier to get in and out of the bed. You can even find some that are designed to work as travel cots, which is great when you're traveling or visiting relatives.

Home tester and MFM mom Leya found the SnuzPod 4's sleek Scandi styling complements her bedroom decor, adding that its compact fold was ideal for sizing up space. She also appreciated the fact that one side of crib can be raised, letting her to pick up her child without having to leave the bed. This is especially helpful if you have had C-sections or are recovering from an Caesarean which means you can sleep near your newborn for longer.

Another mum who enjoyed using the SnuzPod 4 was Jasmine who said that it was easy to move from room to room - something she couldn't find with some of the other bedside cribs she tested. She did mention that the handle was stiff and required an enormous amount of effort to lift the crib.

Another bedside crib that's simple to fold and move is the Tutti Bambini CoZee Air, which was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards as the best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket. Its slim frame and neutral colors can be incorporated into most bedrooms, although some of our home testers felt the bars were too close together, which means they could catch on clothes or toys for babies. The distance between each bar should not exceed 6.5cm (2.5 inches) to ensure your baby's head isn't entangled. This crib is ideal for babies who have reflux because its ComfortAir breathability technology helps regulate their temperature.


Comfort

Keeping your baby close all night will provide peace of mind, however, you need to be capable of reaching them quickly during the night for feeding. With a crib that is placed near the bed you can do this without getting out of the bed. They also make it easy to calm babies back to sleep. However, if you want to lay down with your baby, but aren't keen on the idea of having to get out of bed for every feed, a moses basket is a better choice.

Most bedside cribs can be positioned on the bed's side that allows you to see and get to your baby easily. Some have mesh windows, so you can monitor your baby without disturbing him. They might also have a reflux setting to help with reflux or colic.

We're amazed by the amount of features included in this crib, especially the ComfortAir breathable mattress that works to regulate your baby's temperature as well as increase airflow. It's a little smaller than some other cribs that are bedside, which may be helpful where space is limited. However, our mom testers are in agreement that it's an excellent choice for those long nights.

The cot is attached securely to the side of the bed by means of adjustable straps. This minimizes the chance of gaps where your child can get trapped. It is equipped with a firm, flat mattress that is safe and promotes healthy sleeping habits.

You should be aware that your baby will begin to climb out of their crib once they are capable of sitting upright, which is usually around six months. It's crucial to put your baby in a cot or another sleeping arrangement when they've outgrown their crib.

A lightweight cot that is suitable for travel is an additional option to think about. Many of our moms love the fact that this crib can be taken apart to make it easy to transport, whereas others find it difficult to assemble and then rebuild. It can be a challenge to clean so you will have to clean it frequently using an appropriate cleaning product and cloth.

Storage

A bedside cot that is 6 months old plus is a bassinet-style cot that fixes to the side of your bed for a safe and secure co-sleeping. They are ideal for calming babies to sleep, allowing night feedings and allowing mums who had a c section to keep their baby close.

It's crucial to choose a crib that meets the latest safety standards. Make sure that the bars are spaced enough apart to prevent your child's head from being trapped. Also, make sure that any drop-down sides are secure and won't pop open suddenly. Avoid placing stickers or transfers on the floor of the cot since they could pose an choking risk.

Emily's top pick for a bedside crib is the Next2me Magic, which was shortlisted in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket. It's a decent size and has plenty of storage for your baby's 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 simpler, she recommends Shnuggle Air in addition to Crib.