Bedside Cot 6 Months Plus
Bedside sleepers let you keep your baby close in the same room with you do without the danger of bed-sharing, which is associated with a higher chance of suffocation. They're also a great option for babies.
Models that have adjustable height positions can be placed perfectly on the majority of 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 side of your bed to allow secure co-sleeping. You can use it to raise your baby towards you at night to feed or soothing. it's also a great option for an C-section. It's different from a Moses basket or cot as it has high sides, so your baby won't fall out. Some models come with a tilt feature that can aid babies suffering from colic and reflux. They are also slightly bigger than Moses baskets, which may make them easier to move from room to room.
The NHS and the safe sleep charity The Lullaby Trust advise that newborns should be in their own bassinet or cot in the same room as their parents however, not in your bed. This is because bed-sharing increases the chance of suffocation and overheating. Bedside cribs provide the best of both worlds by allowing your baby to be close to you during the night, but in their own safe and separate sleeping space.
When choosing a bedside crib, check that it meets the latest safety standards (it should be BS EN 1130:2019) and has no gaps or parts that could cause your baby to become trapped. Choose a mattress that has a firm, flat surface. A mattress that is sagging or that is too soft can increase the risk of SIDS in your baby.
Look for bedding that is fitted and without pillows or blankets that are loose. Pillows pose a risk of suffocation and duvets can get stuck to the baby's face. Use a fitted sheet, but ensure that it is fitted correctly.
The SnuzPod4 was highly rated by our MFM mother testers as a crib for use in bed. It has been shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards under the category of the Best Cot, Moses Basket or Crib. It is secured to the bed and comes with an adjustable height to ensure an ideal fit. It also has a rocking feature and can be set to an incline to prevent reflux. It is a great option for those with narrow or small beds, as it does not take up much space.
Design
The design of a crib for the bed is important because it will be the place where your child will spend the majority of their time. Many cribs come in a variety of colors to complement your decor. They also include features such as mesh windows that keep your baby in view, or drop-down sides that allow for easier access. Some cribs are equipped with incline options to aid in reflux.
Most cribs can also be raised and lowered to the same height as your bed, making it easier to get out and in to the bed at night. There are even some that are made to work as travel cots, which are great for those who are traveling or visiting relatives.
Leya is an MFM mother and home tester, realized that the SnuzPod 4 was a great fit for her bedroom decor. She also liked its compact fold which saved space. Leya also appreciated that the crib's one side can be raised, letting her pick up her baby without needing to get out of bed. This is especially helpful if you have had an emergency C-section or recovering from an Caesarean because it allows you to stay close to your newborn for longer.
Jasmine is another mom who loved using the SnuzPod 4. She commented that it was easy to move the crib from one room to the next and back again - something she didn't discover with other cribs for bed. She did note that the handle was stiff and it took quite a bit of effort to raise 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 for The Best Cot Crib, Moses Basket. The neutral colors and slim frame are perfect for 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 shouldn't exceed 6.5cm (2 inches) in order to keep your baby's head from becoming stuck. This crib is also suitable for babies with reflux, as the ComfortAir breathable system helps regulate their body temperature.
Comfort
Keeping your baby close throughout the night will give you peace of mind, but you need to be able to reach them quickly to feed them in the middle of the night. With a bedside crib, you can do this easily without getting out of your bed. They make it simple to soothe babies to sleep. If you want to to lay down with your child but do not want the hassle of getting up each time they're fed, a moses-basket is an excellent option.
Most bedside cribs are connected to the bedside so you are able to easily see and reach your baby. They usually have a mesh window which allows you to observe your baby without having to disturb them. They may also have a reflux setting to aid in colic or reflux.
We're impressed with the number of features on this crib, particularly the ComfortAir mattress, which is breathable and works to regulate your baby's temperature and maximise airflow. It's smaller than other cribs that could be useful in areas with limited space. Our mom testers are of the opinion that this is an excellent choice for those long, sleepless nights.
The cot is secured to the bed's side using adjustable straps. This minimizes the chance of gaps where your child may get trapped. It comes with an even, firm mattress that complies with safety standards and promotes good sleep habits.
It is important to know that your baby will start to get out of their crib when they are standing up, which is usually 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 think about is how light the crib is, and if it's suitable for traveling. Some of our mothers love the fact that this crib can be disassembled for transport however, others aren't able to put it together. It's also a challenge to keep clean and therefore you'll have to regularly wipe it down with a cloth and a cleaning product.
Stores
A bedside cot suitable for 6 months and over is a bassinet style bed that can be attached to the mattress's side to ensure safe co-sleeping. They're ideal for feeding your baby at night and calming babies to sleep and allowing mothers who have had a c-section to keep their baby close.
When bedside cot bed are choosing a crib for your bed, it's important to make sure that it is in line with current safety standards. Make sure that the bars are spaced enough apart to prevent your child's head from being stuck, and make sure any drop-down sides are secure and don't open abruptly. Also, stay clear of any stickers or transfers on the cot surface as they could be a choking hazard.
Emily's top pick for a bedside crib 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 with plenty of storage for the essentials of your baby. It's also compact and light enough to be able to fit in its bag for travel, should you're planning to move it around. If you want something simpler her recommendation is Shnuggle Air beside Crib.