Bedside Cot 6 Months Plus
Bedside sleepers let you keep your baby in the same room as you, without the risks of bed-sharing. They're also a great option for newborns.
Models that have adjustable height positions can be placed perfectly on most bed frames. Also look for breathable fabrics that are easy to clean.
Safety
A bedside cot is described as a bassinet which is attached to the side of a bed for safe cosleeping. You can use it to raise your baby towards you at night to feed or comforting. it's a great option if you have the need for a c-section. It differs from a Moses Basket or Cot because it has walls that are high so your baby won't be pushed out. Some models come with tilt features that can help babies with colic and reflux. They are also slightly larger than Moses baskets, which makes them easier to move from room to room.
The NHS and The Lullaby Trust, a safe sleep charity, suggest that babies be placed in a bassinet or cot in same room with their parents. They shouldn't be sleeping in your bed. This is because bed-sharing increases the risk of suffocation and overheating. Bedside cribs permit your baby to sleep close to you however, in a secure and distinct space.
Make sure the crib is compliant with the latest safety standards. It should be BS EN1130, 2019. Also, ensure that there are no gaps or parts where your baby could get trapped. Look for resources with a firm, flat surface. A sagging mattress or one that is too soft could increase the risk of SIDS in your baby.
Finally, you should look for bedding that is fitted 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 a fitted sheet but ensure that it is fitted correctly.
The SnuzPod4 was rated highly by our MFM mom testers as a crib suitable for bedside use. It was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in the category of Best Cot, Moses Basket or Crib. It is attached securely to the bed, and has an adjustable height for a perfect fit. It also has a rocking function and can be set to an incline for reflux. It is also an excellent option for those with small or narrow beds because it doesn't take up much space.
Design
It is essential to think about the style of your crib at night, as this will be the area 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 baby in view, or drop-down sides that allow for easier access. Some cribs have incline features to help with reflux.
You can raise and lower the majority of cribs to the height of your bed making it easier for you to get in and out of the bed. Some cribs can also be used as travel cots. This is great for when you travel or visiting relatives.
Leya, a MFM mum and home tester, discovered that the SnuzPod 4 was a great choice for her bedroom. She also appreciated its compact fold, which helped save space. She also appreciated the fact that one side of crib can be raised, letting her to pick up her child without needing to get out of bed. This is especially beneficial if you have had an emergency C-section or recovering from the effects of a Caesarean because it allows you to stay close to your baby for longer.
Jasmine is another mom who enjoyed using the SnuzPod 4. She commented that it was easy for her to move the crib from one room to another which she could not find with other bedside cribs. However, she said that it took some effort to raise and lower the crib, because the handle was rigid.
Another crib that's easy to fold and move is the Tutti Bambini CoZee Air, which was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Cot Crib, Moses Basket. Its slim frame and neutral colour options can be incorporated into all bedrooms, though some of our home testers felt the bars were a little too close together, which means they could catch on clothes or toys for babies. The bars' distance shouldn't exceed 6.5cm (2 inches) in order to prevent your baby's head from getting stuck. This crib is ideal for babies with reflux too because 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 during the middle of the night. It is easy to accomplish this without having to get out of bed with a crib right at your bedside. These cribs make it easy to soothe babies to sleep. If you want to be able to sleep with your child, but do not wish to be a burden of having to get up every time they need to be fed, a moses's-basket is a good option.
Most cribs with a bedside are attached to the bedside, which allows you to be able to see and reach your baby. Some have mesh windows, to allow you to monitor your baby without disrupting him. You can also find an option for reflux that aids with colic and reflux.
We're impressed with the number of features that are included on this crib, particularly the ComfortAir mattress, which is breathable and works to regulate your baby's temperature and maximize airflow. It's smaller than other bedside cribs which can be beneficial in areas with limited space. Our mom testers are of the opinion that this crib is an excellent choice for those sleepless nights.
The cot securely attaches to the bed's side with adjustable straps, which reduces the possibility of gaps in which your child may get caught. It has a flat, firm mattress that is safe and promotes good sleep habits.
One thing to bear in mind is that your baby may begin to leave the crib once they're able to sit typically around six months. This is why it's essential to place them in a cot or other sleeping arrangement once they outgrow the crib.
A cot that is lightweight and suitable for travel is another aspect to consider. Some of our mothers love that this crib is able to be disassembled to transport it however, others find it difficult to assemble. It can be a challenge to clean, so you'll need to wipe it down frequently using the aid of a cleaner and a cloth.
Storage
A bedside cot for 6 months plus is a bassinet-style cot which is fixed to the bed's side for a safe and secure co-sleeping. These are great for calming babies to sleep, for night feedings and also allowing mothers who had a c-section to keep their baby close.
It's important that you choose a crib that meets the current safety standards. Verify that the crib's bars are spaced sufficiently apart to keep your child's head from being trapped. Also, make sure that the drop-down sides are safe and doesn't fall open accidentally. Avoid placing stickers or other objects on the floor of the cot since they could be a choking risk.
Emily's top choice 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 the essentials of your baby. It's also compact and light enough to fit in its travel bag in case you need to transport it from room to room. If you're looking for something a bit simpler, she recommends the Shnuggle Air beside crib.
