Bedside Cot 6 Months Plus
Bedside sleepers allow you to keep your baby close in the same room with you without the risk of sharing beds, which comes with an increased risk of being suffocated. They are also a great choice for infants.
Find models with an adjustable height that allows for a perfect fit on the majority of bed frames. Also, look for fabrics with breathable fabric that are easy to clean.
Safety
A bedside cot is a bassinet-style cot that fixes to the bed's side to ensure secure co-sleeping. It can be used to pull your baby to you to provide comfort, feed or to soothe your baby at night. It's also a great alternative if you've had a c-section. It's different from a Moses basket or cot because it has high sides so your baby won't fall out. Some models have a tilt function which can help babies suffering from reflux and colic. They're also a bit bigger than Moses baskets, which may make them easier to transport from room to room.
The NHS and The Lullaby Trust, a safe sleep charity, recommend that infants be placed in a bassinet or cot in the same room with their parents. bedside crib that turns into cot shouldn't be in your bed. This is because sharing a bed increases the chance of suffocation and overheating. Bedside cribs allow your child to rest 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 latest safety standards (it must be BS EN 1130:2019) and has no gaps or parts that could cause your baby to become trapped. Find a mattress with an even, firm surface. A sagging or overly soft mattress could increase your baby's risk of SIDS, so go for a new one rather than second-hand.
Find bedding that is well-fitted and does not have loose blankets or pillowcases. Pillows pose a risk of suffocation and duvets can be a hazard to baby's face. Use a fitted sheet, but ensure that it is properly fitted.
The SnuzPod4 was rated highly by our MFM mom testers as a crib suitable for use at bedtime. It was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards under the category of Best Cot, Moses Basket or Crib. It is secure to the bed and has an adjustable height to ensure an ideal fit. It features a rocking feature and can be adjusted to an inclined position for reflux. It is also an excellent option for those with narrow or small beds, as it does not take up much space.
Design
It is crucial to think about the style of your crib at night because this is the area where your baby will spend the majority of their time. Many cribs are available in a range of colors that will match your decor. Some cribs have features such as mesh windows to keep your baby's eyes open or drop-down sides to facilitate access. Some even have incline functions to ease reflux.
You can raise and lower the majority of cribs to match the height of your bed which makes it easier to get into and out of bed. Some cribs can also be used as travel cots. This is a great feature when you travel or visiting family.
Home tester and MFM mom Leya discovered that the SnuzPod 4's stylish Scandi design was a perfect match for her bedroom, adding that its compact fold was perfect for space-saving. She also appreciated the fact that one side of crib can be raised, letting her pick up her baby without having to get out of bed. This is particularly helpful when you've had an Caesarean or are recovering after one. You can remain close to your baby for a longer time.
Another mom who was happy using the SnuzPod 4 was Jasmine who noted that it was simple to move from room to room, something she didn't discover with other cribs for bedside that she tried. She did mention that the handle was a bit stiff and required an enormous amount of effort to move the crib.
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 their Best Cot or Crib category. Its slim frame and neutral colors will work well in the majority of bedrooms, but some of our home testers thought the bars were a little too close together, which means they could get caught on clothing or toys for babies. The distance between the bars should be no more than 6.5cm (2.5 inches) to ensure your baby's head can't become trapped. This crib is also suitable for babies suffering from reflux because the ComfortAir air-tight system helps regulate their body temperature.
Comfort
You will feel more secure when you are able to reach your baby quickly to feed them during the middle of the night. You can easily accomplish this without having to get out of bed with a crib right at your bedside. These cribs make it simple to help babies sleep. If you'd like to to lay down with your child but don't want the hassle of getting up every time they're fed, a moses-basket is an excellent alternative.
Most bedside cribs can be attached to the bed's side and allow you to view and access your baby easily. They often have a mesh window which allows you to observe your baby without disturbing them. There is also an option for reflux that aids with colic and reflux.
We're impressed with the number of features that are included on this crib, especially the ComfortAir breathable mattress that works to regulate your baby's temperature and maximise airflow. It's a little smaller than other bedside cribs and can be useful when space is tight. However, our mom testers are in agreement that it's an excellent choice for those long nights.
The cot securely attaches to the bed's side by means of adjustable straps. This reduces the possibility of gaps where your baby may get caught. It also comes with a firm and flat mattress that meets safety standards and encourages the safest sleeping practices.
It is important to know that your baby will start to leave their crib when they're standing up typically around six months. It's crucial to put your child in a cot or in a different arrangement for sleeping when they've outgrown their crib.
A lightweight cot that is suitable for travel is another aspect to consider. Some of our mums really love the fact that this crib can be taken apart for easy transport, while others find it a bit difficult to assemble and reassemble. It can be difficult to clean, so you'll need to wipe it down regularly with an appropriate cleaning product and cloth.
Stores
A bedside cot suitable for 6 months and older is a bassinet style bed that can be attached to the mattress's side for safe co-sleeping. They're great for night feeds as well as calming babies to sleep, and allowing mothers who have had a c-section to keep their baby close.
When choosing a bedside crib it's crucial to ensure that it complies with current safety standards. Check that the bars are enough apart to avoid your baby's head becoming trapped. Also, make sure that the sides that drop down are secure and don't open abruptly. Also, avoid any transfer or stickers on the cot's surface as they could pose a choking hazard.
Emily's top choice for a bedside crib is the Next2me Magic, which was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket. It's a good size and has plenty of storage space to store all the baby necessities. It's also light and compact enough to fit into its travel bag in case you need to move it from room to room. If you're seeking something a bit simpler, she recommends the Shnuggle Air on the side of the crib.