Bedside Cot 6 Months Plus
Bedside sleepers allow you to keep your baby in the same space with you without the dangers associated with bed-sharing. They're a great choice for newborns.
Find models with an adjustable height which will fit perfectly on most bed frames. Also, look for fabrics with breathable fabric that are easy to clean.
Safety
A bedside cot is basically an upholstered bassinet that is attached to the bed's side to ensure safe co-sleeping. It is a great way to raise your baby towards you at night for feeding or soothing. it's also a great choice in the event of a C-section. It is different from a Moses Basket or Cot in that it has high walls, so your baby won't escape. Some models have a tilt function that can aid babies with reflux and colic. They are also slightly larger than Moses baskets which makes them easier to move from room room.
The NHS and safe sleep charity The Lullaby Trust advise that newborns should be placed in their own cot or bassinet in the same room with their parent but not in your bed. This is because bed-sharing increases the chance of suffocation and overheating. Bedside cribs give you the best of both worlds, permitting your child to sleep close to you at night, but still in their own safe and separate sleeping space.
When selecting a crib that is bedside ensure that it meets the most recent safety standards (it must be BS EN 1130:2019) and does not have any gaps or parts that could cause your baby to become trapped. Find a mattress with a firm, flat surface. A sagging or overly soft mattress could increase the risk of SIDS, so go for a brand new mattress rather than second-hand.
Finally, you should look for bedding that is affixed and free of loose blankets or pillows. Pillows can cause suffocation and duvets can be a hazard to the baby's face. It is a good idea to make use of a fitted sheet instead but ensure it's sized correctly.
The SnuzPod4 was highly rated by our MFM mother testers as a crib suitable for use at bedtime. It has been shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards under the category of the Best Cot, Moses Basket or Crib. It is secured to the bed and comes with an adjustable height that allows for a perfect fit. It features a rocking feature and can be adjusted to an inclined position to prevent reflux. It is a great choice for those who have small or narrow beds as it doesn't take up any space.
Design
It is essential to think about the style of your crib at night since this is the area where your baby will spend the majority of their time. Many cribs are available in a variety of colours that can be matched to your decor. Some have features like mesh windows to keep your baby visible or drop-down sides to allow easier access. Some cribs come with incline features to aid with reflux.
You can raise and lower the majority of cribs to your bed height, making it easier to get into and out of the bed. You can even find some that are designed to function as travel cots, which is great when you're traveling or visiting relatives.
Leya, a MFM mom and home tester, realized that the SnuzPod 4 was a great design for her bedroom. She also liked its compact fold that saved space. She also liked the fact that one side of crib can be lowered, allowing her to pick up her child without having to get out of bed. This is especially helpful in the event that you've been through a Caesarean or are recovering from one. You can remain close to your baby for a longer time.
Jasmine is another mom who enjoyed using the SnuzPod 4. She said it was easy to move the crib from one room to another - something she did not find with other bedside cribs. However, she did notice that the handle was stiff and it took a lot of effort to move the crib.
The Tutti Bambini CoZee Air is another crib that is easy to fold and move. It was nominated for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, in the Best Cot or Crib category. Its slim frame and neutral color options will fit in with the majority of bedrooms, but some of our testers at home felt 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) in order to keep your baby's head from getting stuck. This crib is ideal for babies who have reflux, as its ComfortAir breathable technology helps regulate their temperature.
Comfort
You'll feel more secure if you are able to reach your baby quickly to feed them in the middle of the night. With a crib that is placed near the bed you can do this easily without getting out of bed. They also make it easier to help babies fall asleep. If you want to be able to sleep with your child, but don't want the hassle of getting up each time they're fed, a moses's-basket is an excellent option.
Most bedside cribs can be affixed to the bed's side that allows you to see and access your baby easily. Many have mesh windows to allow you to monitor your baby without disturbing the baby. You may also find a reflux setting that helps with colic and reflux.
We're amazed by the amount of features on this crib, including the ComfortAir breathable mattress that works to regulate your baby's temperature and maximise 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 an excellent option for sleepless, long nights.
The cot is secured to the side of the bed by means of adjustable straps. This eliminates the risk of gaps where your child could become trapped. It also comes with a sturdy and flat mattress that meets safety standards and promotes healthy sleeping habits.
One thing to bear in mind is that your baby could start to get out of the crib once they're tall enough to sit at around six months. It's important that you place your child in a cot, or a different sleeping arrangement after they've outgrown their crib.
Another feature to take into consideration is how light the crib is and if it's suitable for traveling. bedside cots for newborns of our mothers appreciate that this crib can easily be disassembled to transport it however, others find it difficult to assemble. It isn't easy to clean, so you'll have to wipe it clean often using an appropriate cleaning product and cloth.
Storage
A bedside cot for 6 months plus is a bassinet-style cot that fixes to the bed's side to ensure safe co-sleeping. They're great for night feeds, soothing babies to sleep and allowing mothers who've had C-sections to keep their baby close.
It is essential to select cribs that are in line with the latest safety standards. Make sure that the bars are far enough apart to avoid your child's head from being trapped and check that any drop-down sides are secure and don't open abruptly. Also, avoid any transfer or stickers on the cot's surface since they could be a choking hazard.
Emily's top choice for a bedside cot is the Next2me Magic, which was shortlisted in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Cot Crib, Crib, or Moses Basket. It's a good size and offers plenty of storage space for all the baby necessities. It's also compact and lightweight enough to fit in a travel bag, if you're planning to move it around. If you're looking for something a bit simpler, she recommends the Shnuggle Air beside crib.
