Bedside Cot 6 Months Plus
Bedside sleepers let you keep your baby close in the same room with you without the risk of sharing beds, which comes with an increased risk of suffocation. They're an excellent choice for babies.
Models that have adjustable height settings will fit perfectly on the majority of bed frames. Also look for breathable fabrics that are easy to clean.
Safety
A bedside cot is an upholstered bassinet that is attached to the side of your bed for safe co-sleeping. It can be used to pull your baby toward you to provide comfort, feed or to soothe your baby at night. It's also an excellent option if you had a c section. It's different from a Moses basket or cot due to the fact that it has high sides to ensure your baby isn't able to fall out. Some models have tilting features that aid babies suffering from colic and reflux. They're also a bit bigger than Moses baskets, which could make them easier to move 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. Sharing beds increases the risk of suffocation or overheating. Bedside cribs offer the best of both worlds by giving your baby the opportunity to be close to you throughout the night, but still in their own secure and private sleeping space.
Make sure that the crib is in compliance with the latest safety standards. It should be BS EN1130, 2019. Also, make sure that there are no gaps or areas where your child could become trapped. Choose a mattress that has a firm, flat surface. A sagging mattress or one that is too soft could increase the risk of SIDS for your baby.
Look for bedding that is fitted and without pillows or blankets that are loose. Duvets and pillows can choke your baby, while pillows can stick to their face. Use a fitted sheet however, make sure it is properly fitted.
Our MFM mother testers have discovered that the SnuzPod4 is an excellent choice for a bedside crib, shortlisted in 2021's Mother&Baby Awards in the Best Cot, Crib, or Moses Basket category. It is attached securely to the bed and it is adjustable to ensure an ideal fit. It features a rocking feature and can be set to an inclined position to prevent reflux. It's a great option for those with small or narrow beds because it does not take up a lot of room.
Design
The design of a crib for the bed is important because it will be the area 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 your baby in view, or sides that drop down that allow for easier access. Some cribs even have incline functions to aid in reflux.
You can adjust the height of most cribs to match your bed's height which makes it easier to get into and out of the bed. Some cribs can be used as travel cots. This is great for when you are travelling or visiting relatives.
Home tester and MFM mum Leya discovered that the SnuzPod 4's sleek, Scandi style complemented her bedroom decor and said that its compact fold was ideal for sizing up space. She also appreciated the fact that one side of crib can be lowered, allowing her pick up her baby without needing to get out of bed. This is particularly helpful for those who have had C-sections or recovering from the effects of a Caesarean, as it allows you to stay close to your baby for a longer period of time.
cotsfortots who enjoyed using the SnuzPod 4 is Jasmine, who commented that it was simple to move from room to room, something she didn't find with some of the other cribs she looked at for bedside use. She did note that the handle was stiff and it took a lot of effort to raise 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 the Best Cot or Crib category. The neutral colors and slim frame will match the majority of bedrooms. However some of our testers found that the bars were too close to each other. This could result in them getting caught on baby toys or clothes. The bars' distance should not exceed 6.5cm (2 inches) in order to prevent your baby's head from becoming stuck. This crib is also good for babies who have reflux, as the ComfortAir breathable system helps regulate body temperature.
Comfort
You will feel more secure if you can reach your baby quickly to feed them in the middle of the night. With a crib at your bedside, you can do this without having to get out of your bed. These cribs make it easy to soothe babies to sleep. If you want to be able to sleep with your child but do not want to hassle with getting up each time they need to be fed, a moses-basket can be an ideal option.
Most cribs with a bedside are connected to the bedside so you are able to easily be able to see and reach your baby. They often have a mesh window which allows you to observe your baby without having to disturb them. They might also have a reflux setting to help with reflux or colic.
We're impressed with the number of features that are included on this crib, including the ComfortAir mattress, which is breathable and works to regulate your baby's temperature and maximize airflow. It's smaller than other bedside cribs that could be useful in areas with limited space. However, our mum testers are in agreement that it's an excellent option for those long nights.
The cot is attached securely to the side of the bed by means of adjustable straps. This minimizes the chance of gaps where your child may get trapped. It is equipped with a flat, firm mattress that is safe and encourages good sleep habits.
One thing to bear in mind is that your baby can begin to climb out of the crib once they're able to sit up typically around six months. This is why it's important to place them in a cot or other sleeping arrangement as they grow out of the crib.
Another feature to take into consideration is how light the crib is, and if it's suitable for travelling. Many of our moms enjoy the fact that the crib can be dismantled for easy transport, while others find it difficult to assemble and put back together. It can be difficult to clean, so you'll have to wipe it clean regularly with an appropriate cleaning product and cloth.
Stores
A bedside cot that is 6 months old plus is an upholstered bassinet cot that can be fixed to the bed's side to ensure safe co-sleeping. They are great for feeding at night and calming babies to sleep and enabling mums who have had a c-section to keep their baby close.
When you are choosing a crib for your bed it's crucial to make sure that it complies with current safety standards. Check that the crib's bars are spaced sufficiently apart to keep your child's head from becoming trapped. Also, make sure that the drop-down side is secure and doesn't open unintentionally. Also, avoid any transfer or stickers on the cot's surface since they can be a choking hazard.
Emily's top pick 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 decent size and offers plenty of storage space to store all the baby necessities. It's also small and light enough to fit into a travel bag if you want to move it around. If you want something simpler she suggests Shnuggle Air in addition to Crib.