Bedside Cot 6 Months Plus
Bedside sleepers let you keep your baby in the same room with you without the risk associated with bed-sharing. They're also a great option 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 could be described as a bassinet that is connected to the bed's side for safe cosleeping. It can be used to pull baby closer to you at night for feeding, soothing or comforting and it's also a great option in the event of an c-section. It's different from a Moses basket or cot because it has high sides to ensure your baby can't be pushed out. Some models have tilting features that help babies with colic and reflux. They are also slightly bigger than Moses baskets which makes them easier to move from room room.
The NHS and The Lullaby Trust, a safe sleep charity, recommend that infants be placed in a bassinet or cot that is in the same room with their parents. They should not be in your bed. This is because bed-sharing increases the risk of suffocation and overheating. Bedside cribs offer the best of both worlds, permitting your child to sleep close to you throughout the 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 must be BS EN 1130:2019) and has no gaps or parts that could cause your child to be trapped. Choose a mattress that has a firm, flat surface. A sagging or too soft mattress could increase your baby's risk of SIDS, so opt for a new one rather than second-hand.
Find bedside cot newborn 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. It is a good idea to opt for a fitted sheet however, make sure it fits properly.
bedside crib to cot have discovered that the SnuzPod4 is an excellent option 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 is adjustable to ensure the perfect fit. It also has a rocking feature and can be set to an incline for reflux. It is a great choice for those who have bed sizes that are small or narrow as it doesn't take up any space.
Design
The design of a crib for the bed is important because it is where your baby will spend the majority of their time. Many cribs come 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 are equipped with incline options to aid with reflux.
You can raise and lower the majority of cribs to match your bed height, making it easier to get in and out of bed. Some cribs can be used as travel cots. This is a great option when you're traveling or visiting relatives.
Leya, a MFM mom and home tester, discovered that the SnuzPod 4 was a great design for her bedroom. She also loved its compact fold which saved space. She also loved that the crib's one side drops down so that she can pick up her sleeping newborn without leaving her bed. This is particularly beneficial when you've had a Caesarean or are recovering from one. You can remain close to your baby for longer.
Another mum who enjoyed using the SnuzPod 4 is Jasmine, who commented that it was easy to move from room to room - something she couldn't find with some of the other cribs for bedside that she tried. However, she did note that it required some effort to lift and lower the crib because the handle was stiff.
The Tutti Bambini CoZee Air is another crib that is easy to fold and move. It was nominated 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 thought that the bars were too close together. This could cause them to catch on baby toys or clothing. The distance between 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 as the ComfortAir breathable system helps regulate their body temperature.
Comfort
You will feel more secure when you can reach your baby quickly to feed them in the middle of the night. With a crib that is placed near the bed you can do this without having to get out of the bed. These cribs make it easy to help babies sleep. If you want to be able to lay down with your child but do not want the hassle of getting up every time they're fed, a moses's-basket is a good alternative.
The majority of cribs for bedside use can be attached to the bed's side, allowing you to see and reach your baby easily. Some have mesh windows, to allow you to monitor your baby without disturbing the baby. There is also an option for reflux that aids with reflux and colic.
The crib is loaded with a variety of features, but we're impressed by the ComfortAir air-tight Mattress that regulates your baby's body temperature and maximizes airflow. It's smaller than other cribs that could be useful in areas that are limited in space. Our mom testers agree that this is an excellent option for those long, sleepless nights.
The cot is securely attached to the side of the bed with adjustable straps. This minimizes the chance of gaps where your child may get trapped. It has an even, firm mattress that complies with safety standards and encourages good sleeping habits.
One thing to keep in mind is that your baby could start to get out of the crib when they're tall enough to sit typically around six months. It's crucial to put your child in a cot or another sleeping arrangement after they've outgrown their crib.
Another thing to consider is how lightweight the crib is and if it's suitable for travelling. Many of our mothers appreciate that this crib can easily be disassembled to transport it however, others aren't able to put it together. It is also difficult to keep clean and you'll need to clean it regularly with a cloth and cleaning product.
Stores
A bedside cot for 6 months and over is a bassinet shaped bed that can be attached to the mattress's side to ensure secure co-sleeping. They're great for night feeds and calming babies to sleep, and allowing mothers who've had an e-csection to keep their baby close.
When choosing a bedside crib it is important to ensure that it complies with current safety standards. Check that the bars are far enough apart to avoid your child's head from being stuck, and make sure any sides that drop down are secured and don't open abruptly. Avoid placing stickers or transfers on the surface of the cot since they could pose an choking risk.
Emily's bedside cot of choice for her baby is the Next2me Magic. It was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in the categories of Best Cot or Crib and the Best Moses Basket. It's a good size and has lots of storage space for everything your baby needs. It's also small and lightweight enough to fit in its travel bag if you need to move it around. If you're looking for something a bit simpler, she recommends the Shnuggle Air beside crib.