Bedside Cot 6 Months Plus
Bedside sleepers allow you to keep your baby close to you are without the risk of bed-sharing, which is associated with a higher risk of being suffocated. They're also a great option for infants.
Look for models with an adjustable height which will fit perfectly on all bed frames. Also, look for breathable fabrics that are easy to clean.
Safety
A bedside cot can be described as a bassinet that is attached to the bed's side to ensure safe cosleeping. You can use it to pull baby closer to you in the evening for feeding or comforting. it's a great option for an c-section. It differs from a Moses Basket or Cot because it has walls that are high so your baby won't fall out. Some come with a tilt feature which can help babies with reflux and colic. They're also a bit larger than Moses baskets, which may make them easier to transport from room to room.
The NHS and The Lullaby Trust, a safe sleep charity, suggest that newborns be kept in a bassinet or cot that is in the same room with their parents. They shouldn't be in your bed. This is because bed-sharing increases the chance of suffocation and overheating. Bedside cribs permit your baby to sleep with you, but in a safe and separate space.
When you are choosing a crib for your bed make sure it is in compliance with the most recent safety standards (it should be BS EN 1130:2019) and has no gaps or parts that could cause your baby to get trapped. Choose a mattress that has an even, firm surface. A sagging or too soft mattress can increase the risk of SIDS, so opt for a new one instead of second-hand.
Find bedding that is well-fitted and free of loose blankets or pillowcases. Pillows are a suffocation risk and duvets can get stuck to baby's face. It is a good idea to opt for a fitted sheet, but make sure it's sized correctly.
Our MFM mum testers have found that the SnuzPod4 is an excellent option for a crib that is positioned near the bed, selected for 2021's Mother&Baby Awards in the Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket category. It is secured to the bed and features an adjustable height setting for a perfect fit. bedside cots for newborns has a rocking function and can be set to an incline to prevent reflux. It is also a great option for those with bed sizes that are small or narrow as it doesn't take up the entire space.
Design
It is important to consider the style of your crib at night, as this will be the place where your baby will spend the majority of their time. There are many cribs available in a choice of colours to match your decor and feature features such as mesh windows that keep baby in view, or drop-down sides that allow you to reach it. Some cribs also have incline features to ease reflux.
Many cribs can also be lowered and raised to the same height as your bed, making it easier to get out and in to the bed at the end of the night. Some cribs can serve as travel cots. This is a great feature when you travel or visiting relatives.
Home tester and MFM mum Leya discovered that the SnuzPod 4's stylish Scandi design complemented her bedroom decor and said that its compact fold was perfect for space-saving. 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 in the event that you've been through an Caesarean or are recovering from one. You can stay near your baby for a longer period of time.
Another mom who was happy using the SnuzPod 4 is Jasmine, who commented that it was easy to move from room to room - something she couldn't find with some of the other cribs for bedside that she tried. However, she noted that it required some effort to lift and lower the crib because the handle was rigid.
The Tutti Bambini CoZee Air is another crib for bed that is easy to fold and move. It was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, in the Best Cot or Crib category. Its slim frame and neutral color options can be incorporated into most bedrooms, although some of our testers at home felt the bars were a little too close together, which means they could get caught on clothing or toys for babies. The bars' distance should not exceed 6.5cm (2 inches) to avoid your baby's head from getting trapped. This crib is also suitable for babies with reflux, as the ComfortAir breathable system assists in regulating their body temperature.
Comfort
Staying close to your baby throughout the night will give you peace of mind, however, you must be in a position to be able to get them quickly for middle-of-the-night feeding. You can do this without having get out of bed by having a crib by your bedside. These cribs make it simple to soothe babies to sleep. If you want to to lay down with your child but don't want the hassle of getting up every time they need to be fed, a moses-basket is a good option.
The majority of cribs for bedside are connected to the bedside so you are able to easily access and touch your baby. They often feature a mesh-like window so you can check on your baby without disturbing them. You can also find an option for reflux that aids with reflux and colic.
We're amazed by the amount of features included in this crib, including the ComfortAir mattress, which is breathable and works to regulate your baby's temperature and maximise airflow. It's smaller than other cribs which can be beneficial in areas with limited space. Our mom testers are of the opinion that this is still a great choice for those sleepless nights.
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.
It is important to be aware that your baby will start to leave their crib when they're standing up typically around six months. This is the reason it's crucial to place them in a cot or another sleeping arrangement once they outgrow the crib.
Another thing to take into consideration is how light the crib is and if it's suitable for travelling. Some of our mothers are thrilled the fact that this crib can be taken apart for transport, but others aren't able to put it together. It can also be difficult to keep clean, so you'll need regularly clean it with a cloth and a cleaning product.
Stores
A bedside cot that is 6 months old plus is a bassinet-style cot which is fixed to the bed's side for safe co-sleeping. These are great for soothing babies to sleep, for night feedings, and for mothers who had a csection to keep their baby close.
It's important that you choose cribs that are in line with the latest safety standards. Make sure that the crib's bars are positioned sufficiently apart to prevent your child's head from getting trapped. Also, ensure that any drop-down side is safe and doesn't fall open accidentally. Avoid placing stickers or transfers on the surface of the cot since they could be a choking risk.
Emily's top pick 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 great size and has plenty of storage for the essentials of your baby. It's also compact and light enough to fit into a bag for travel, should you want to move it around. If you're looking for something a little more simple, she suggests the Shnuggle Air next to the crib.