Bedside Cot 6 Months Plus
Bedside sleepers allow you to keep your baby in the same room as you, without the risks of sharing a bed. They're an excellent choice 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 basically an old-fashioned bassinet cot that can be fixed to the bed's side for secure co-sleeping. It can be used to lift your baby towards you to comfort them, feed them or to soothe your baby at the end of the night. It's also a great option if you have had a c section. It differs from a Moses Basket or Cot in that it has high walls, so your baby won't fall out. Some models have a tilt function which can help babies suffering from reflux and colic. They are also slightly bigger than Moses baskets, which may make 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 chance of suffocation and overheating. Bedside cribs give you the best of both worlds by allowing your baby to be close to you at night, but still in their own private and secure sleeping space.
When choosing a bedside crib, check that it meets the most recent safety standards (it should be BS EN 1130:2019) and does not have any gaps or parts that could cause your child to be trapped. Choose a mattress that has an even, firm surface. A sagging mattress or one that is too soft may increase the risk of SIDS in your baby.
Make sure your bedding is well-fitted and does not have loose blankets or pillowcases. Pillows can cause suffocation and duvets can be a hazard to the baby's face. Use a fitted sheet, but make sure that it fits properly.
Our MFM mom testers have discovered that the SnuzPod4 is a great choice for a bedside crib, selected for 2021's Mother&Baby Awards in the best Cot, Crib, or Moses Basket category. It is attached securely to the bed and can be adjusted to ensure the perfect fit. It comes with a rocking function and can be adjusted to an inclined position for reflux. It is also a great option for those with narrow or small beds because it doesn't take up the entire space.
Design
The design of a crib for the bed is important because it will be where your baby will spend the majority of their time. A lot of cribs are available in a choice of colours to complement your decor. They also include features such as mesh windows that keep your baby in view, or drop-down sides that allow you to reach it. Some even have incline functions to ease reflux.
Most cribs can also be adjusted to the same height as your bed, making it easy to get in and out of your bed at night. You can even find some that are made to work as travel cots, which is great for those who are traveling or visiting relatives.
Home tester and MFM mom Leya found the SnuzPod 4's sleek Scandi styling complemented her bedroom decor, adding that its compact fold was ideal for sizing up space. She also appreciated the fact that the crib's one side can be lowered, allowing her to pick up her child without having to get out of bed. This is especially helpful when you've been through a Caesarean or are recovering from one. You can remain close to your baby for a longer period of time.
Jasmine is another mum who loved using the SnuzPod 4. She commented that it was easy to move the crib from one room to the next - something she did not see with other cribs. She did note that the handle was a bit stiff and it took an enormous amount of effort to lift the crib.
The Tutti Bambini CoZee Air is another bedside crib which is easy to fold and move. It was nominated for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in their Best Cot or Crib category. The neutral colors and slim frame will match most bedrooms. However some of our testers felt that the bars were too close together. This could cause them to get caught on baby toys or clothing. The bars' distance should not exceed 6.5cm (2 inches) in order to keep your baby's head from becoming stuck. This crib is ideal for babies who have reflux, as its ComfortAir breathing technology helps regulate temperature.
Comfort
Keeping your baby close all night will give you peace of mind, but you must be in a position to be able to get them quickly during the night for feeding. With a crib that is placed near the bed you can do this without having to get out of your bed. They also make it easy to soothe babies back to sleep. If you want to be able to sleep with your child, but do not wish to be a burden of getting up each time they're fed, a moses's-basket is an ideal alternative.
The majority of cribs for bedside use can be attached to the side of your bed and allow you to view and reach your baby easily. Some have mesh windows, which allow you to watch your baby without disturbing him. There is also an option for reflux that aids with reflux and colic.
We're amazed by the amount of features on this crib, particularly the ComfortAir breathable mattress that works to regulate your baby's temperature as well as increase airflow. It's smaller than some other bedside cribs which can be useful where space is limited. But our mum testers all agree that it's still an excellent option for those long nights.
The cot is secured to the side of the bed with adjustable straps. This minimizes the chance of gaps where your child may get trapped. It is equipped with an even, firm mattress that meets safety regulations and promotes good sleeping habits.
One thing to keep in mind is that your baby can begin to get out of the crib when they're tall enough to sit, usually around six months. This is the reason it's crucial to put them in a cot or other sleeping arrangement once they outgrow the crib.
Another aspect to consider is how lightweight the cot is and whether it's suitable for traveling. Some of our mums really love the fact that this crib can be taken apart for easy transport, but others find it difficult to assemble and then reassemble. It's also a challenge to keep clean and therefore you'll have to clean it regularly using a cloth or cleaning product.
Stores
A bedside cot for 6 months plus is a bassinet-style cot which is fixed to the bed's side for safe co-sleeping. They're great for night feeds, soothing babies to sleep, and allowing mothers who've had an e-csection to keep their baby close.
It's important that you choose cribs that meet current safety standards. Make sure that the bars on the crib are positioned sufficiently apart to ensure that your child's head isn't being trapped. Also, ensure that the drop-down side is secured and doesn't open accidentally. Do not place Discover More or transfer on the surface of the cot because they could pose the risk of choking.
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 is a good size, with plenty of space for your baby's necessities. It's also compact and lightweight enough to fit in its travel bag if you need to move it around. If you're seeking something a bit more simple, she suggests the Shnuggle Air next to the crib.