Bedside Cot 6 Months Plus
Bedside sleepers allow you to keep your baby in the same room with you without the risk of bed-sharing, which is associated with an increased risk of being suffocated. They're also a great option for infants.
Models that have adjustable height positions will fit perfectly on the majority of bed frames. Also, look for fabrics with breathable fabric that are easy to clean.
Safety
A bedside cot can be described as an upholstered bassinet that is attached to the bed's side to ensure safe co-sleeping. It can be used to pull your baby towards you to comfort them, feed them or to soothe your baby at the end of the night. It's also a great alternative if you've had a c section. It is different from a Moses Basket or Cot because it has walls that are high so your baby cannot escape. Some come with a tilt feature which can help babies suffering from reflux and colic. They are also slightly bigger than Moses baskets, which could 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, but not in your bed. Bed-sharing increases the risks of overheating or suffocation. Bedside cribs permit your baby to sleep close to you but in a secure and private space.
When selecting a crib that is bedside make sure it is in compliance with the most recent safety standards (it must be BS EN 1130:2019) and doesn't have any gaps or parts that could cause your child to get trapped. Find a mattress with a flat, firm surface. A mattress that is too sagging or that is too soft can increase the risk of SIDS for your baby.
Look for bedding that is fitted and without pillows or blankets that are sloppy. Pillows pose a risk of suffocation and duvets can be a hazard on the baby's face. Use a fitted sheet, but ensure that it is properly fitted.
The SnuzPod4 was highly rated by our MFM mum testers as a crib suitable for use at bedtime. It has been nominated for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in the category of Best Cot, Moses Basket or Crib. It is secured to the bed and features an adjustable height that allows for an ideal fit. It has a rocking feature and can be adjusted to an inclined angle for reflux. It is also a great choice for those who have bed sizes that are small or narrow as it doesn't take up much space.
Design
It is crucial to think about the design of your bedside crib since this is where you baby will spend the majority of their time. Many cribs are available in a variety of colors that match your decor. Some have features like mesh windows to keep the baby's view or drop-down sides that make it easier to access. Some even have incline functions to ease reflux.
Many cribs can also be lowered and raised to fit the height of your bed, making it easy to get in and out of bed at the end of the night. You can also find a few that are designed to work as travel cots, which are great if you're travelling or visiting relatives.
Leya is an MFM mom and home tester, realized that the SnuzPod 4 was a great fit for her bedroom decor. She also appreciated its compact fold that saved space. She also appreciated that the crib's one side can be lowered, allowing her to take her newborn baby to bed without leaving her bed. This is especially helpful when you've been through a Caesarean or are recovering from one. You can stay near your baby for a longer period of time.
Jasmine is another mom who liked using the SnuzPod 4. She said it was simple for her to move the crib from one room to the next which she could not find with other bedside cribs. However, she did notice that the handle was a bit stiff and it took quite a bit 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 to be the Best Cot Crib, Moses Basket. right here and slim frame will match the majority of bedrooms. However some of our test subjects found that the bars were too close to each other. This could cause them to catch on baby toys or clothing. The distance between bars should not exceed 6.5cm (2.5 inches) to ensure your baby's head doesn't get caught in. This is a great crib for babies with reflux too, as its ComfortAir breathable technology helps regulate temperature.
Comfort
A close and secure baby 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. It is easy to do this without having leave your 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 do not want the hassle of getting up every time they're fed, a moses-basket can be an ideal option.
Most cribs that are bedside can be affixed to the sides of your bed and allow you to view and get to your baby easily. They usually come with a mesh window, so you can check on your baby without disrupting them. You may also find a reflux setting that helps with reflux and colic.
We're impressed with the number of features on this crib, including the ComfortAir breathable mattress that works to regulate your baby's temperature and maximize airflow. It's a bit smaller than other cribs for bedside use which can be useful when space is tight. However, our mom testers agree that it's an excellent option for those long sleeps.
The cot securely attaches to the side of your bed with adjustable straps, which reduces the risk of gaps in which your child might get trapped. It also comes with a firm flat mattress that is in line with safety standards and promotes the safest sleeping practices.
One thing to bear in mind is that your baby may begin to get out of the crib when they're able to sit, usually around six months. It's crucial to put your child in a cot, or a different sleeping arrangement, once they outgrow their crib.
Another feature to consider is how lightweight the crib is, and if it's suitable for traveling. Some of our mothers enjoy the fact that the crib can be taken apart for easy transport, but others find it a bit tricky to assemble and put back together. It can be difficult to clean, so you'll have to clean it frequently using an appropriate cleaning product and cloth.
Storage
A bedside cot suitable for 6 months and over is a bassinet style crib that is attached to the side of your mattress to allow safe co-sleeping. They're ideal for feeding your baby at night and calming babies to sleep and allowing mothers who've had C-sections to keep their baby close.
When choosing a bedside crib it's crucial to make sure that it complies with current safety standards. Verify that the bars on the crib are positioned sufficiently apart to keep your child's head from becoming trapped. Also, ensure that the drop-down side is safe and doesn't fall open accidentally. Avoid placing stickers or other objects on the floor of the cot because they could be an choking risk.
Emily's bedside cot of choice for her baby is the Next2me Magic. It was selected for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in the categories of Best Cot or Crib, and Best Moses Basket. It's a decent size and offers plenty of storage space to store all the baby necessities. It's also compact and light enough to fit in its bag for travel, should you want to move it around. If you want something simpler, she recommends Shnuggle Air beside Crib.