Bedside Cot 6 Months Plus
Bedside sleepers allow you to keep your baby in the same room with you, without the risks of bed-sharing. They are a great option for infants.
Models with adjustable height positions will fit perfectly on all bed frames. Also, look for fabrics with breathable fabric that are easy to clean.
Safety
A bedside cot can be described as a bassinet that is connected to the side of a bed to ensure safe cosleeping. It can be used to lift your baby toward you to provide comfort, feed or to soothe your baby at the end of the night. It's also a great alternative if you've have had a c section. It's different from a Moses basket or cot as it has high sides to ensure your baby isn't able to be pushed out. Some models have a tilt feature that can help babies with colic or reflux. They are also a bit larger than Moses baskets which makes them easier to move from room room.
The NHS and the safe sleep charity The Lullaby Trust advise that newborns should be in their own cot or bassinet in the same room as their parent, but not in your bed. This is due to bed sharing increasing the chance of suffocation and overheating. Bedside cribs permit your baby to rest close to you but in a secure and private space.
When you are choosing a crib for your bed ensure that it meets the latest safety standards (it should be BS EN 1130:2019) and doesn't have any gaps or parts that could cause your baby to become trapped. Also consider mattresses that are solid and flat. A mattress that is too sagging or that is too soft could increase the risk of SIDS for your baby.
Make sure your bedding is well-fitted and does not have pillows or blankets that are sloppy. Duvets and pillows could suffocate your baby, and pillows can get stuck to their face. Use a fitted sheet but make sure that it is fitted correctly.
Our MFM mother testers have discovered that the SnuzPod4 is an excellent option for a bedside crib, being shortlisted for the 2021 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 the perfect fit. It also comes with a rocking function and can be set to an incline to prevent reflux. It is a great option for those with narrow or small beds as it doesn't take up the entire space.
Design
It is essential to think about the style of your crib at night because this is the place where your baby will spend the majority of their time. Many cribs come with a variety of colors to suit your decor and have features like mesh windows that keep baby in view, or side panels that drop down that allow for easier access. Some cribs are equipped with incline options to aid in reflux.
You can adjust the height of the majority of cribs to match your bed height making it easier for you to get into and out of the bed. There are even some that are designed to function as travel cots, which are great for those who are traveling or visiting relatives.
Home tester and MFM mum Leya found 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 liked the fact that one side of crib can be adjusted to lower, letting her to pick up her baby without having to get out of bed. This is particularly beneficial when you've had a Caesarean or are recovering after one. You can stay close to your baby for a longer time.
Jasmine is a mother who also loved using the SnuzPod 4. She noted that it was easy for her 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 quite a bit of effort to lift the crib.
Another crib that's easy to fold and move is the Tutti Bambini CoZee Air, which was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards to be the The Best Cot Crib, Moses Basket. Its slim frame and neutral colour options can be incorporated into most bedrooms, although 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 that your baby's head doesn't get caught in. This crib is also ideal for babies suffering from reflux because the ComfortAir breathable system helps regulate their body temperature.
Comfort
Keeping your baby close all night will give you peace of mind, but you should be in a position to be able to get them quickly for middle-of-the-night feeding. It is easy to accomplish this without having to get up from bed with a crib at your bedside. They also make it easier to soothe babies back to sleep. If you want to to sleep with your child but don't wish to be a burden of getting up every time they need to be fed, a moses-basket can be an ideal option.
Most cribs that are bedside can be attached to the bed's side that allows you to see and access your baby easily. They often come with a mesh window, so you can check on your baby without disrupting them. They might also include a setting for reflux to aid in colic or reflux.
We're awestruck by the variety of features included in this crib, especially the ComfortAir mattress, which is breathable and works to regulate your baby's temperature as well as increase airflow. It's smaller than other bedside cribs which could be useful in areas that are limited in space. However, our mum testers are in agreement that it's an excellent option for those long sleeps.
The cot is attached securely to the bed's side using adjustable straps. This eliminates the risk of gaps in which your child could become trapped. It also comes with a sturdy and flat mattress that meets safety standards and promotes healthy sleeping practices.
It is important to be aware that your baby will begin to leave their crib when they are capable of sitting upright, which is usually around six months. This is why it's important to place them in a cot or other sleeping arrangement when they've outgrown the crib.
A cot that is light and suitable for travel is another feature to consider. Many of our moms enjoy the fact that the crib is able to be dismantled for easy transport, while others find it a bit difficult to assemble and then put back together. It can also be difficult to keep clean and you'll need regularly clean it using a cloth or cleaning product.
Storage
A bedside cot that is 6 months old plus is a bassinet-style cot that fixes to the side of your bed to ensure safe co-sleeping. These are great for calming babies to sleep, for night feedings, and for mothers who had a c section to keep their baby close.
bedside cot newborn that you choose a crib that meets the current safety standards. Check that the bars on the crib are spaced sufficiently apart to prevent your child's head from getting trapped. Also, make sure that the drop-down side is secured and doesn't open accidentally. Also, stay clear of any stickers or transfers on the cot's surface since they can be an choking hazard.
Emily's bedside cot of choice for her baby is the Next2me Magic. It was selected for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in the categories of Best Cot or Crib, and the Best Moses Basket. It's a decent size and has plenty of storage space to store all the baby necessities. It is also compact and light enough to fit into a travel bag, if you need to move it around. If you're seeking something a bit easier, she suggests the Shnuggle Air on the side of the crib.